Attached by a causeway to southern Malaysia, this diamond shaped island is awash with tropical greenery and a fascinating and vibrant mix of cultures and ethnic races, making it one of Asia's most exciting, outgoing, chic and sophisticated cities.

Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, a representative of the British East India Company, established a British trading post on the southern part of the Malay Peninsula in 1819. Within a few years settlers from Malaya, India, and South China arrived and built their own mosques, temples and shrines alongside the British colonial edifices. Settlements were established in different parts of Singapore. Those same areas, Little India, Chinatown and Arab Street amongst them, still retain their ethnic individuality. Today, this former trading post has grown into the World's busiest port and South-East Asia's most prosperous and dynamic country.

Singapore enjoys a reputation as a clean, safe and sophisticated destination. Far from being regimented and stoic, as some might suggest, Singapore is able to compete with anywhere in Asia when it comes to the good things in life. It is a refreshing destination, with swathes of lush greenery throughout the island offering a welcome respite from the bustle of urban life. Singapore can also prove addictive to some, a 'retail therapy heaven', offering incredible shopping diversity in the shops and plazas along Orchard Road as well as in its many ethnic street markets.

Singaporeans are passionate about food and eating. Look around and the proof is everywhere. In almost every corner of the island you will find an incredible range of delicious food, served hot or cold, at any hour of the day or night. From the food houses of Chinatown and the many local hawker centres to the chic caf?s and busy restaurants found at Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, the choice is endless. A chance to indulge in international cuisine or national signature dishes such Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab is a must. This rich m?lange of flavours uniquely distinguishes Singapore as one of the food capitals of the World.

Singapore certainly offers choice and flexibility. With a myriad of things to do and see, Singapore also has an unsurpassed reputation for quality and service. This includes some of the best hotels in the World along with a choice of smaller, sophisticated boutique-style properties catering to all tastes and budgets.

SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS:

CHINATOWN: A Singapore heritage site located just behind the skyscrapers of Singapore's financial district with sights and sounds like no other. Fortune-tellers and tailors are as much a part of the street life as temples and tea houses. The shop-houses along Smith Street have been carefully restored to retain their original look and uniqueness. In the evening Chinatown transforms into a bustling food street with locals and visitors feasting on the many local dishes available here. The Tanjong Pagar area houses traditional shops with modern shops located at the junction of Cross Street, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Street.

LITTLE INDIA: Perhaps the most colourful of Singapore's ethnic neighbourhoods with shops selling Bollywood DVD's and south Indian produce. More akin to actually being in India itself but all arranged in a neat and unique Singapore package.

ARAB STREET: A notable contrast to Singapore's shopping malls and department stores with many bazaar-style shops offering handicrafts and textiles. The Sultan Mosque is probably the biggest tourist draw. Modest dress should be worn before entering.

ORCHARD ROAD: World famous epicenter of Singapore's shopping and entertainment industries. This is a 'shoppers paradise' that rarely sleeps. Also a great haunt for excellent fine dining, classy restaurants and bars.

SINGAPORE RIVER: Singapore's past, present and future all come together here. Visitors can follow the riverbank on foot or make the return journey by on one of the river's famous 'bumboat rides' and cruises passing centuries-old godown warehouses and shop-houses. Robertson Quay, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are home to some of the cities lively shops, wine bars, al fresco bars and restaurants with waiters plying for trade as potential patrons pass leisurely by.