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Mini guide to Singapore

More of a city than a country, Singapore enjoys a reputation as an overachieving nation that has become one Asia’s most prosperous societies. There’s also much more to this little island than bankers and strict rules, and visitors are surprised by its cleanliness and many green belts.

The CBD is clustered around the Singapore river and it’s tidal basin mouth. The famous Raffles Hotel is a Singapore institution and is located near the Padang Cricket green among all the colonial administration buildings north of the river, while the steel and glass of the commercial sector lies to the south of the river.

Singapore’s iconic Merlion statue sits at the river mouth, while upriver are the pavement cafes and bars of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, with remnants of the old godowns and warehouses. Presiding over this is Fort Canning and its lovely gardens, from where you can enjoy good views of downtown Singapore.

The city is a curious blend of cultures. Chinatown is Singapore's cultural heart, typified by temples terraced houses and merchants. Along Arab street the scent of incense and spices add to the images of textile and batik shops. Little India is perhaps the most colourful corner of Singapore, with endless curry house and some ornate Hindu temples.

Orchard Rd, a short drive from the CBD is excellent for shopping, eating, drinking and clubbing. Recent redevelopments of colonial precincts in the city have seen the addition of many entertainment options in Singapore.

Singapore’s outlying suburbs have many nature areas to escape to. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve sits in the middle of the island. North of it is the much vaunted night safari, while Jurong bird park and the Chinese Garden in the west are also popular.

Sentosa Island is Singapore’s amusement park and draws crowds to its museums, aquariums, beaches (with imported sand), sporting facilities, walks, rides and food centres.

There are some fairly good beaches along the east coast in the suburb of Changi. Lined with parks and cafes, it’s populated by picnicking families, dog walkers and rollerbladers. Further out, you can catch a rare glimpse of Singapore’s old way of life on the island of Palau Ubin, with its traditional fishing villages.

Singapore’s modern airport is efficient and easy to use. It’s a major Asian hub with flights to all corners of the globe.