Singapore

Raffles Hotel

The Raffles Hotel is a grand Victorian edifice rising from the pavements of the colonial district. Its elegant charm has enticed writers and entertainers such as Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin. Singapore Slings have become the hallmark of the Long Bar. Here ceiling fans whirr above the heads of expatriates and tourists as they sip smart cocktails in superb comfort. The Tiffin Room is best known for its afternoon teas and sumptuous Saturday night buffets. Gin and tonics alongside the odd game of snooker can be enjoyed at the Bar & Billiard. Other distractions include an upper-level museum containing vignettes and photographs on the lives of Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Noel Coward, as well as a Victorian-style playhouse and numerous specialty shops and restaurants.

Singapore Art Museum

The beautifully restored building (formerly St Joseph's School for boys) rests serenely on Bras Basah Road. The museum has 14 galleries that showcase the national art collection and plays host to a range of special exhibitions and outreach programmes. More than 7,000 permanent artworks represent the largest collection of 20th century Southeast Asian art. Tours are available in English, Japanese and Mandarin.

Singapore Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens sweep across an area of 52 hectares (128 acres) constituted by primary forest and specialty gardens in close proximity to the city centre. The National Orchid Garden is the world's largest orchid garden featuring more than 20,000 varieties set amongst water features and an exotic bromeliad collection from South and Central America. The park also contains many rare plant specimens in addition to the specialty gardens decorated with frangipanis, roses, ferns and desert plants. Outdoor concerts in the gardens can be enjoyed on the Symphony Lake or French cuisine can be savoured at the Au Jardin restaurant.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Singapore and Rio de Janeiro are the world's only two cities to contain primary rainforest within their boundaries. Bukit Timah is located seven miles (12km) from Singapore's centre. It is a 164-hectare (405-acre) reserve preserving a variety of tree and animal species including flying lemurs, long-tailed macaque monkeys and anteaters. Designated walking and cycle trails undulate through the dense jungle and its highest point is marked by Bukit Timah at 538ft (164m).

Kampong Gelam and Arab Street

Kampong Gelam is said to have taken its name from the Gelam tribe of sea gypsies who lived in the original Malay village southwest of the Rochor River. Sir Stamford Raffles allotted the area as an ethnic enclave to the Muslim population and it became the focal point for Arab trade and traditional Malay culture. Baghdad, Muscat Street and Haji Lane resonate with tradition as cane, straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spill out onto the streets. The spectrum of fabrics flowing onto the pavements of Arab Street comprise chiffon, silk, cotton georgette and include the batiks of Indonesia and Malaysia. Located between Kandahar and Aliwal streets is the Istana Kampong Gelam. It was built as the royal palace of Sultan Ali Iskandar Shah, the son of Sultan Hussein who negotiated the handover of Singapore to Britain. The government recently took possession of the building with plans to transform it into a Malay heritage museum. Another significant building in the area is the Sultan Mosque (open daily 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm). The glistening necks of the domes are decorated with the bases of thousands of glass bottles.

Chinatown

Chinatown is set against the backdrop of Singapore's modern infrastructure and the prosperous financial district. It is a crowded and colourful network of streets and alleyways contained by Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road, New Bridge and South Bridge Road. The area is a receptacle of traditional Chinese customs that were carried by the communities in Chinese Junks from the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian to Singapore in the early 19th century. Temples, terraces, markets and shops still provide a glimpse of the old ways but much of its original character has been lost in the redevelopment of the past 30 years. Yixing Xuan's Teahouse provides a fascinating insight into the ancient, ritualistic art of tea-making while a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple leaves one in awe of Chinese traditions of worship and symbolism. The streets of the district offer traditional healing practices. Here snake skins are blended with herbs and spices to produce powerful potions for various ailments. Brightly coloured exotic fruit interject the marketplace with lively displays of Rambutan, Durian and Mangosteen. The streets are a delight for bargain hunters looking to buy kimonos, jewellery, t-shirts, pottery and traditional crafts. Tanjong Pagar is the area best known for its traditional crafts such as painted masks, paper umbrellas, clogs and kites. Electronic goods, luggage, textiles and other more conventional products can be found in Chinatown's modern section located at the intersection of Cross, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Street.

Little India

The first Indian settlers arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles in the early 19th century, bringing with them colourful silks, aromatic spices, incense and other accoutrements of Indian culture. They worked on the roads and helped build the infrastructure of the city, settling within the ethnic enclave that has become known as Little India. The area is delineated by the north-south Serangoon Road, which runs parallel to Race Course Road. Its eastern end stretches to Jalan Besar. Temples, fortune-tellers, busy restaurants, stirring curry spices, jasmine garlands and the exotic hues of silk saris fill the vibrant streets to create a colourful ensemble. Little India is at its best during the Hindu Festival of Lights when the area is festooned with decorative lighting displays.

Singapore Zoological Gardens

The Singapore Zoo has been thoughtfully created to simulate the natural habitats of its resident animals. Eight zones recreate the geographic regions of the animals indigenous to it and include the South East Asian rainforest, African savannah, Nepalese river valley, Burmese jungle and South American pampas. These vistas can also be explored after daytime during the famous Night Safari, billed as the first of its kind. The zoo can be explored along its meandering walking trails or from the comfort of a tram that winds its way along a circular route. It is home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 240 species, the highlights of which include the Komodo dragons, polar bears and primate kingdom. Animal shows are held daily, and children can enjoy camel rides or share food with an orang-utan in the zoo's Children's World section. A Guide to the Zoo is available on arrival with details of feeding times and other activities. It includes a map and suggested itineraries incorporating the major shows and attractions.

Jurong Birdpark

The park is contained within a 20-hectare (49-acre) stretch of land in the Jurong Lake area. It is one of the world's most extensive bird collections and the largest in South East Asia. Eight thousand birds comprising 600 different species inhabit the park and range from Antarctic penguins to New Zealand kiwis. Walking trails cut through the tropical landscape. Incredible sights to look out for include the Waterfall Aviary, which at 98ft (30m) it is the world's highest manmade waterfall. The Penguin Parade has a large pool set against a landscape of rocks, cliffs, nesting alcoves and burrows; it has a viewing gallery where visitors can see penguins 'flying' underwater through a 98ft (30m) wide window. The South East Asian Bird Aviary is a breathtaking spectacle that includes the experience of a simulated thunderstorm. Other bird shows feature flamingos, macaws, hornbills and cockatoos. The park also includes facilities for young children to enjoy including the new Splash 'n Slide Station.

Chinese and Japanese Gardens

Chinese and Japanese landscape designs are embodied in these neighbouring gardens. The Imperial Sung Dynasty style is clipped to perfection within the13-hectare (33-acre) Chinese Garden. It boasts the world's largest Suzhou-style Bonsai garden outside of China, containing over 1,000 plants. The symmetry and simplicity of Zen aesthetics is the motif of the Japanese Gardens with its peaceful rock gardens and summerhouses.

Sentosa Island

The theme-park island is a popular weekend spot and one of the most visited attractions in Singapore. A day's excursion could turn into an overnight stay in any one of the hotels or camping sites. The island is enveloped by a high-speed monorail and linked to downtown Singapore by a 1,640ft (500m) causeway and cable car system. Entertainment ranges from soaking up the sun on the imported-sand beaches to visiting a variety of entertainment areas. From a moving walkway one can experience the sea life of The Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon. The Images of Singapore Exhibition explores Singapore's history in life-size dioramas. On the furthest western point of the island lies Fort Siloso from which Singapore guarded its territory against invading Japanese forces. Other attractions include the Merlion, the Musical Fountain and the Sentosa Luge. A distinctive landmark is the Carlsberg Sky Tower, Asia's tallest free-standing observation tower, which affords the best views of Singapore as well as breathtaking vistas across Sentosa and the Southern Islands, and even Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days.

Changi Museum

It was here, during WW II, that Allied POW soldiers were subjected to harsh treatment at the hands of their Japanese captors. Changi Prison is still in use as a correctional facility and it is the place of execution for convicted drug offenders. Half a mile (1km) from the old site, next to the prison, is the new Changi Chapel and Museum. The display of photographs, letters and drawings in the museum are a moving tribute to the legacy of the Japanese occupation. During this period that spanned three and a half years more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers were captured and imprisoned. Visitors have access to a variety of videos and literature relating to the war years.

Pulau Ubin

The island of Ubin provides a peaceful interlude to the city's bustle and can be reached by boat from Changi Point. The boat docks at Ubin village, a Malay settlement where houses perch quietly on stilts above the beach sand and mangrove. Beyond this point one can explore the island by mountain bike and enjoy its pristine beaches fringed with coconut palms, its variety of seafood restaurants and restful Buddhist temples scattered here and there.

Haw Par Villa

Located along Pasir Panjang Road, Haw Par Villa was previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens and subsequently renamed after its original owners. The Aw brothers, Boon Haw and Boon Par (who made their fortune from the well-known Tiger Balm ointment) opened the park in 1937. It is inspired by Chinese legend and mythology as represented by the display of grotesque and gaudy statues, the coup de grâce of which are depicted in The Ten Courts of Hell.

red dot design museum

On the fringe of the Arts Belt and close to several art museums, the 2nd red dot design museum was established in Singapore in November 2005. It is the host of the red dot design awards, where products and brands communicate their design distinction. The museum intrigues, inspires and entices visitors with interactive installations and remarkable exhibitions. It is the heart of design and creative activities including conferences, exhibitions and parties. The museum is the venue for the annual red dot design award celebrations, the most significant event in the design calendar. The red dot design museum supports MAAD, a market for original creative works in fashion, art, craft and design.

Underwater World

Animal lovers of all ages shouldn't miss a trip to Underwater World where kids can learn about all things aquatic as well as get the opportunity to swim with dolphins, dive with dugongs and even sharks. This oceanarium showcases around 2500 marine animals of 250 species from around the area and the rest of the world. For little tots, the 'touch pool' offers a hands-on experience with a friendly ray, starfish and baby sharks. Visitors can enjoy watching feeding of the animals, both on the surface and by divers throughout the day at the Turtle Pool, Vertical Tube, Reef Colony, Ocean Colony and Cuttlefish areas.

Singapore Discovery Centre

The perfect place for active and inquiring young minds, the Singapore Discovery Centre is a great place to bring the kids for the day. Children will love the colourful exhibits which will teach them all about Singapore's past, present and history in fun and informative ways. With permanent exhibitions and constantly changing ones too, visitors will have a hard time deciding where to start, from 4D movies to exhibits you can touch, children will love the Singapore Discovery Centre.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

The 'Temple of Heavenly Bliss, the Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest of the Chinese Hokkien temples in Singapore. Built in 1839 in a traditional southern Chinese architectural style, not a single nail was used in its construction. The temple itself contains many beautiful statues and altars (visit the website for detailed information about the various deities the altars are dedicated to), and a centre for the creative arts that hosts dance, acting, and music lessons. There is a pagoda behind the temple gate that makes a perfect spot for a cool drink in the shade.

Asian Civilisations Museum

The Asian Civilisations Museum is one of Singapore's finest, certainly the most comprehensive. Its collections of furniture, jade, porcelain, fine arts, and other artefacts from the region's history, including Chinese, Islamic, and South Indian culture. Aural guides are available, with headphones provided. The museum includes a gift shop, and is free to visitors on Friday evenings from 7-9pm when there are no special exhibitions on. Free guided tours in English are available Mondays at 2pm, Tuesdays to Fridays at 11am and 2pm, and weekends at 3:30pm. There is a pleasant restaurant next door, perfect for a drink or a bite after your visit.