Singapore

Gardens by the Bay are among the world's most spectacular urban developments. The Gardens' inauguration in 2012 marked a decisive step towards refashioning Singapore from "Garden City" to "City in a Garden" — it's easy to see why while wandering its 100+ hectares. The Gardens’ Supertree Grove consists of 18 tree-like structures, some reaching up to 50m in height. What’s hard to wrap one’s mind around is how closely these “trees” mimic their natural counterparts: overgrown with exotic plants and flowers, they mimic photosynthesis via a complex system of environmental technologies, and collect rainwater that later goes towards irrigation and fountain displays. There is a spectacular Skyway stretching between 2 of the tallest trees, which features a light and sound display at night. Another two unmissable attractions at the Gardens are the two conservatories: the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.

This riverside quay was once the entrepôt centre of the Singapore harbour. Now a bustling nightlife area, the run-down warehouses - "go downs" - have been turned into nightclubs, restaurants and flea markets. Though fully renovated, historical buildings have been preserved, letting it retain its special character.

The island resort of Sentosa is a marvellous one-day beach escape from the bustling city. It's an artificial island with very real sand and swaying palm trees casting pleasant shadow, as well quite a few recreation options, particularly in the Palawan Beach area. Transport connections to the mainland are ample.

The Singapore Zoo is a so called “open zoo” and a world famous zoological garden with 315 animal species, of which approximately 60 are endangered. You can find all the big cats here: lion, tiger, jaguar, leopard and puma, as well as rare white tigers. If you want to, you can meet orangutans face-to-face. Most of the animals are kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures separated from the visitors by dry or wet moats. Dangerous animals are housed in landscaped glass-fronted enclosures. The park also offers an exciting Night Safari and River Safari, all available as part of discounted entry ticket bundles (along with the Bird Park in Jurong).

The Sultan Mosque with its cupola and minarets gleams light green and is a very beautiful building in the Kampong Glam district. This mosque is the Muslims’ most important building in Singapore (there are 68 mosques in the city in total). Visitors are welcomed to the mosques even if certain parts are still off limits to those who are not of the Muslim faith.

A remnant of the luxurious greenery once covering the whole of the island, the Southern Ridges are a series of green spaces strung along 9 km. Take the elevated Canopy Walk through the rainforest, stop to study all things gardening at Hort Park, then cross the beautifully designed Henderson Waves bridge, and, finally, take the cable car down to Sentosa Island after having admired the panoramic view from Mount Faber.

Construction of the Chinese district of Singapore started in 1828 and started out rougher, more cramped and crowded than it is today. Most of it has been renovated, but the narrow streets and shops remain, as do several large markets. Drop into the Peoples Park Complex shopping centre and Chinatown Complex market where the experience receives added dimensions.

The Singapore Sling was created here in 1915, by the bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, and is still served at the timeless Long Bar. This is a wonderful hotel with a great atmosphere, a museum and beautiful gardens. Food is important at the hotel where the cuisine is world-class. For anyone who wants to learn to cook like the great chefs, courses are given at the Raffles Culinary Academy. Just outside the entrance stands, perhaps, the world's most photographed doorman.