Singapore, Lion City

The small city state of Singapore is often dismissed as efficient and safe, an unadventurous place where the disciplinarian regime regularly canes its citizens and rob them of their freedom of speech and gum-chewing. Truth is, Singapore is one of the most enjoyable cities in South East Asia.

As you make your way through the world’s best airports or zoom through town the efficient MRT train line, you’ll quickly appreciate that this is no traffic-snarled Jakarta. Walk along the streets of Orhcard Road, one of Singapore’s many shopping hotspots, and experience its multi-racial, multi-ethnic culture glamoured with uptown shopping, local gourmet delights and partying indulgences. Where else in the world can you experience the Chinese superstition, the Indian tradition and the Muslim halal food all in one day, against the backdrop of Western open-mindedness?

Just as you thought all there is to explore are skyscraper malls and concrete walkways, there bursting with life are world-class attractions such as the country’s first integrated casino resort and Asia’s first Universal Studios housed at the beach island Sentosa. This island backyard also plays host to the world’s first Night Safari, its famous Rainforest Zoo, Jurong Bird Park and nature reserves, all of which, evergreen for activities all year round.

Once you are done with them, hit the town, eat, shop, drink and party all night long. Head towards Clarke Quay, one of the hottest entertainment hotspots in town for a night of eating and drinking. Or if you are looking for a more relaxing, up-scale and luxurious atmosphere, make way to Dempsey Hill, a hidden paradise of gastronomic delights right at the doorstep of Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road.