The petit island of Singapore is a popular destination for many a backpacker in need of a little more comfort and commerciality than adjoining Malaysia. Indonesia's Riau archipelago is also situated a short plane or ferry ride away making Singapore's location highly desirable for the country-hopping traveller. Yet Singapore, with its numerous shopping centres, traditional cuisine and squeaky clean streets, is worth a visit in itself. Here's what you can see in the diamond-shaped island that is Singapore.
- Visit the Colonial District where Singapore's British history is evident in the surrounding buildings. Perhaps most notable is the luxurious Raffles Hotel. Sir Stamford Raffles (who created a British colony in what is Singapore) once wrote: "If the time shall come when her empire shall have passed away, these monuments will endure when her triumphs shall have become an empty name." It appears that history has proved this verse correct. Go, explore and find out more!
- On the other end of the spectrum: fancy some artificial and glitzy entertainment?! Hop on the cable car over to the man-made beach at Sentosa Island. Here you can indulge in a laser light-and-music show in the evening or cool off in Underwater World's popular aquarium. Singapore really does have something for everyone!
- Shop until you drop on Singapore's very own Regent Street: Orchard Road. But be warned: the tourists come here in their dawdling hoards: adorn your shopping stamina first.
- The Singapore River is the place to be seen for the hip and trendy. Clarke Quay has numerous swanky bars; just watch your budget as it isn't cheap. In the daytime you can take a cruise along the river and enjoy a sedate lunch. How pleasant!
- Chill out in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It's here that the seeds which grew Malaysia's immense rubber plantations were first cultivated. But you don't have to be green fingered to enjoy the: mini-jungle, lakes (through which beautiful turtles dive and swans glide) and palm valley. Take a good book, grab a fresh juice and relax.
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