Singapore, the Lion City

Singapore is a small city-state located in the South-Eastern tip of the Malaysian peninsula. Set up as a British trading colony in 1819, it  has grown to be one of the most developed in the region, combining the skyscrapers and infrastructure of a modern city with a rich mixture of Chinese, Malay and Indian tradition. With its delightful food, good shopping and a vibrant clubbing scene, this little red dot makes a great springboard in the region.

As one go through the renowned Changi airport or zoom through town in the timely MRT train line, you’ll quickly appreciate that this  is no traffic-snarled Jakarta. Walk along the fashion paradise of Orchard Rd, one of Singapore’s many shopping hotspots, filled with numerous Singapore hotel accommodation for all variety. Enjoy its multi-racial, multi-ethnic history glamoured with fancy shopping, local food delights and partying indulgences. Smack in the ever expanding stretch of Orchard Road, 313@Somerset has garnered renowned popularity amongst the locals. The reason is easy to see, with retail favorites such as Forever 21, Zara and Cotton On crowning its front door facade. Conveniently located just above the Somerset MRT station, they also host three underground levels of restaurants, snack bars and shops, offering food selections that satisfy varying palates. Where else in the world can you experience the rich Chinese superstition, the Indian history and the Muslim halal food all in a day, against the backdrop of Western open-mindedness?

There is more things to do in Singapore than skyscraper malls and concrete walkways. The country is crawling with five-stars attractions such as the country’s first integrated casino resort, and Asia’s first Universal Studio housed at the beach island of Sentosa. This island backyard also is host to the world’s first ever Night Safari, its renowned Rainforest Zoo, the Jurong Bird Park and nature reserves, all of which, open 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 hippest entertainment area in town for a night of eating and drinking. A huge area of restored and redesigned warehouses are now host to numerous happening restaurants and upscale nightclubs. There are also moored boats that have been refurbished into floating pubs and restaurants. During the weekends Clarke Quay is always crowded with a variety of crowds, from the adult bar-goers, to the teenage crowds frequenting the various cafes, to the fashionistas out to light up the night.

Finally, if smart travelers looking for a more relaxing, up-scale and luxurious atmosphere should make way to Dempsey Hill, a paradise of gastronomic treats right on the doorstep of Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road. The area is a famed hangout spot for urbanites seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Over here, a galore of restaurants, galleries, furniture and lifestyle retail stores, bars and cafes will keep you entertained through the night.