Singapore is in fact one of the most enjoyable cities in Southeast Asia. As you zoom in from one of the world's best airports along the lushly tree-shaded expressway or on the zippy MRT train line, you'll quickly realise this is no traffic-snarled Bangkok. And as you stroll through the fashion emporiums of Orchard Road, poke around antique shops in Chinatown or take a walk around one of the dozens of beautiful city parks.

Few cities in Southeast Asia can boast Singapore's fascinating ethnic brew. Where else in the world can you dip into the cultures of China, India and Muslim Malaysia all in one day, against a backdrop of ultra-modern Western commerce? Not only has Singapore's history of migration left a rich cultural and architectural legacy that makes wandering the streets an absorbing delight, it has created one of the world's great eating capitals.


Food is the national obsession - and it's not difficult to see why. Sitting out under the stars at a bustling hawker centre with a few bottles of Tiger beer and diving into an enormous array of Asian dishes is one of the iconic Singaporean experiences. Sambal stingray, char kway teow, oyster omelette, chicken rice, clay-pot seafood, fish head curry, beef rendang…the list is as long as it is delicious.

And, of course, if your credit card hasn't already taken a battering in the shops, the city's restaurants are some of the most stylish and innovative in the region.

If there's one thing more stylish than the bars and restaurants, it's the boutiques that have made Singapore a byword in Asia for extravagant shopping. Away from the Gucci and Louis Vuitton onslaught of Orchard Rd, however, there are bargains to be found on everything from clothes to electronics - and a range of art and antique shops that few Asian cities can match.

But Singapore is not all about shopping and eating. Nor is the notion of Singapore as completely urbanised anything more than popular myth. Adventure activities include diving with sharks at Underwater World on Sentosa, mountain biking around Bukit Timah, leopard-spotting at Singapore Zoo's magical Night Safari, waterskiing or wakeboarding on the Kallang River, go-karting and rock climbing. And if you want to retreat from civilisation completely, the centre of the island retains large tracts of forest where the only sound you can hear is the monkeys swinging through the trees. In fact, Singapore is one of only two cities in the world that still retains a patch of primary rainforest, in the form of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Weather

Singapore is ‘HOT and WET. That’s nice if you’re with a lady, but ain’t no good if you’re in the jungle…’. Practically on the equator, Singapore’s temperature never drops below 20°C, usually climbing to 30°C during the day. Rainfall and humidity are steady year-round. Rain arrives in torrential downpours, but is soon replaced by sunshine. It may rain every day during the wet season, but it rarely rains all day. The wettest months are November to January, the driest May to July.

Butterfly park & Insect kingdom

Like an emergent butterfly, the delicate beauty of the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom promises to be breath-taking! Be dazzled by the riot of colours and thousands of tiny fluttering wings flutter as you stroll through the natural environment of these fragile specimens.

Come up close and personal with the kings of the Insect World ? Rhino Beetles, Giant Spiders and scorpions ? in a 70m-long cave, the first in the world. As you venture further into the dark, be guided only by glowing fireflies.

For a more hands-on experience, learn how to handle giant scorpions, beetles and other insects in the stage shows. Or try picking up a stick insect at the Stick Insect Safari ? if you can spot them, that is!

Night Safari

As the sun sets, a different world comes to life. At the Night Safari, you can look a rhinoceros in the eye, hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas or watch giraffes glide serenely across the plain in the still of the night.

This premier night zoo houses over 900 animals of 135 exotic species in eight zones re-created to simulate geographic zones like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle.

Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride - whichever you choose, Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed.

Sentosa

A slice of paradise right in our doorstep, Sentosa offers a kaleidoscope of attractions and activities. Once you step afoot the island, be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of the lush greenery peppered with exciting attractions that will certainly blow you away! It's a themed attraction, tropical resort, nature park and heritage centre all rolled into one!

Underwater World

Situated on Sentosa, Underwater World Singapore is a dream haven that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of a whole different world beneath the seas. Visitors can expect a fun-filled experience through interactive activities and interesting exhibits, before they arrive at the highlight: A spectacular 83 metre-long tunnel that houses majestic rays, fearsome sharks and great shoals of other fishes.

After Underwater World Singapore, visitors can move on to Dolphin Lagoon where they get to watch charming pink dolphins demonstrate their natural abilities such as spy-hopping, tail-walking and vocalization.

Dolphin Lagoon

Bond with the pink dolphins at Underwater World's Dolphin Lagoon. Definitely one for the family photo album, a trip to Dolphin Lagoon promises an unforgettable introduction to the world of the highly-intelligent Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphin.

Watch them show off their tail-walking skills and watch your children squeal with delight in an upclose interaction at the 'Meet the Dolphins' session. The lucky ones might even get a friendly peck on the cheek from their new underwater playmates!