3 days in Singapore

Wikipedia description

While some people find Gardens By The Bay a little too artificial for their liking, it's still worth checking out for the ingenuity and uniqueness of its design. The Flower Dome has recently set a Guinness World Record for being the largest glass greenhouse in the world. So there you have it – even non-gardening enthusiasts will find something of interest among the 380,000 plants here.

Another Singapore icon that's worth taking a look at is the Marina Bay Sands complex, or 'that boat building', as it's often referred to. If you're not a hotel guest, unfortunately you can't access the iconic infinity swimming pool, but you can do the next best thing: catch the elevator to Ku De Ta (level 57), grab a cocktail and a spot on the balcony, and explore the city sights from the sky. Closer to ground level, you'll find restaurants and plenty of shops to keep you amused, as well as the casino if a flutter takes your fancy.

Kampong Glam is the traditional Malay-Muslim quarter of Singapore, and today is an interesting mix of old Malay culture and young modern local culture. It's a lovely area for a quiet stroll, taking in the sights and smells, and browsing the cute little shops and cafes.

Tiong Bahru is considered one of the most up-and-coming areas of Singapore, with a fascinating mix of old and new. Within a few minutes of leisurely wandering, you can stock up on fresh tropical fruits at the wet market, browse high quality literature at Books Actually, munch on super-cheap wonton noodles at Tiong Bahru Market, and admire 1930s architecture and the stories behind it on the Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail. When it's time for a break, you can kick back and enjoy a top quality flat white at Forty Hands, or a glass of wine at PS Petit. And don't forget to indulge in a pain au chocolat or lemon tart for dessert at Tiong Bahru Bakery. Whatever you end up doing, Tiong Bahru Estate is the perfect place to get a feel for a peaceful inner city Singapore neighbourhood with loads of character.

For the most upmarket shopping, try Mandarin Gallery (nearest MRT: Somerset) and Paragon (nearest MRT: Orchard). Orchard Central has a few local designers, setting it apart from most of the other shopping centres. Nearest MRT station: Somerset. ION is a great choice for a broad range of just about everything, including an excellent food court. Nearest MRT station: Orchard.

At Lau Pa Sat you'll find a huge range of choices, such as dumplings, prata, chicken rice, fish ball noodles, and even pizza for those less adventurous. Don't forget to wander outside and check out 'Satay Street', as it's known locally, for a classic open-air dining experience. At night, the street is closed off and filled with hawkers selling fresh sizzling satay sticks and 'aunties' peddling cold beer. Once you've finally settled on a few dishes to try, kick back and admire the charm of this beautiful old building, which recently received a multi-million dollar facelift, or grab a seat on Satay St. and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Singapore at its favorite time of day: dinner.

The Botanic Gardens are a lovely, peaceful way to start your morning, or to retreat to if you need a break from the big tourist spots without venturing too far out of the city. Take 30 minutes for a short wander, or a couple of hours to check out the National Orchid Garden, have a coffee in one of the cafes/restaurants, or just lie down and enjoy the peace and quiet!

Haw Par Villa has its own MRT station, which is on the same line as the Botanic Gardens – you may wish to head there to relax afterwards. It's mostly outdoors, and even the covered areas are hot, so it's better to go early in the day. Opening time is 9 am. The food court there is only open sporadically, so don't arrive hungry. There are cold drink vending machines.

If you've had your fill of sightseeing, shopping, and walking, you may just feel like hitting the beach. The good news is that at Sentosa you can do exactly that – or carry on with a few more adventures if that takes your fancy. The beach is certainly not amazing when compared to the best beaches in the world, but it's still a welcome respite if you just want to relax in the sun. If you're looking for something with more action, try riding the waves at Wave House, navigating the hillside track at Skyline Luge, or experience the thrill of simulated skydiving at iFly. Check out Resorts World Sentosa if you're into theme park-style action – here you'll find Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and more.

Ding Dong is the place to go to sample a modern interpretation of a wide range of Asian cuisines. On the one menu you'll find influences from Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, which makes for a richly varied and fun meal. Coupled with an equally interesting cocktail menu and top-notch service, Ding Dong is perfect for a fun night out.