Beguiling Singapore is a modern city-state embracing economic progress against the backdrop of age-old tradition. The customs that underpin community life are created out of a cultural mix that includes predominantly Chinese, Indian and Malay ethnic groups.

Singapore is an island off the southern tip of Malaysia, linked to it by a causeway. It evolved from a sleepy fishing village in the early 1900s to become one of Asia's economic leaders. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed on Singapore's northern bank in 1819 and felt that its location made it ideal as a trading station. From here Singapore's landscape was transformed by British colonial rule, Japanese occupation, communist insurrection and finally, independence. Since becoming a republic in 1965 the island has experienced increased prosperity and exponential economic growth. Shimmering skyscrapers tower above the slick financial districts and elegant colonial buildings preserve a lingering old-world charm.

Singapore's full calendar of events showcases a spectrum of cultural celebrations and shopping activities. The early summer months bustle in anticipation of the Singapore Sale - a time when tourists can cash in on the competitive prices of electronic equipment, jewellery and other merchandise. The business activity thrives amidst the celebration of Chinese, Hindu and Muslim festivals that punctuate the year with their colourful representations. These include Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa, Vesak Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, Festival of the Hungry Ghosts and Thaipusam.

The core of downtown Singapore is formed by the Colonial District, embellished by cathedrals and cricket lawns. The notable sites of the area include the Empress Place Building and the luxurious Raffles Hotel. Although most of old Singapore has been demolished to make way for the modern city, many major landmarks within the Colonial district have been preserved. The surrounding ethnic enclaves of Little India, Chinatown and the Arab Quarter also provide glimpses into the traditions that have sustained their respective communities through the centuries.

Raffles Hotel

Address: 1 Beach Road Singapore

Telephone: 6337 1886

Chinatown

Address: Singapore

Little India

Address: Singapore

Kampong Gelam and Arab Street

Address: Singapore

Singapore Zoological Gardens

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore

Admission: S$20 (adults), S$13 (children). Zoo and Night Safari: S$42 (adults), S$28 (children) The zoo is open daily from 8.30am to 6pm

Telephone: 6269 3411

Jurong Birdpark

Address: Singapore

Admission: S$18 for adults, S$12 for children. Concessions and packages available Daily 8am to 6pm

Telephone: 6265 0022

Orchard Road

Address: Singapore

Singapore Art Museum

Address: 71 Bras Basah Road Singapore

Admission: S$10 adults, S$5 students and seniors Monday to Sunday 10am to 7pm. Extended hours on Friday until 9pm

Telephone: 6332 3222

Singapore Botanical Gardens

Address: 1 Cluny Road Singapore

Admission: Free, but there is a S$5 charge for the Orchid Garden, concessions available Daily 5am to midnight; Orchard Garden: 8:30am to 7pm

Telephone: 6471 7361

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Address: Singapore

Admission: Free Daily 8.30am to 6.30pm

Telephone: 6468 5736

Chinese and Japanese Gardens

Address: 1 Chinese Garden Road Singapore

Admission: Free, but there is a S$5 charge for the Bonsai Garden Daily 6am to 11pm

Telephone: 6261 3632

Sentosa Island

Address: Singapore

Admission: Additional fees are charged for individual attractions

Telephone: 1800 736 8672

Changi Museum

Address: 1000 Upper Changi Road North Singapore

Admission: Free Daily 9.30am to 5pm (final admission 4.30pm)

Telephone: 6214 2451

Pulau Ubin

Address: Singapore

Haw Par Villa

Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road Singapore

Admission: Free Daily 9am to 7pm

Telephone: 6872 2780

red dot design museum

Address: 28 Maxwell Road Singapore

Admission: Adults: SGD 8.00, Children (under 12): SGD 4.00. Free admission during MAAD. Monday, Tuesday and Friday 11am to 6pm (closed on Wednesday and Thursday); Saturday and Sunday 11am to 8pm.

Telephone: +65 6327 8027

Singapore Crocodilarium

Address: 730 East Coast Parkway

Admission: S$2 (adults); S$1 (children) Open daily from 9am – 5pm. Feeding at 11.00 am on Tuesdays

Underwater World

Address: 80 Siloso Road, Sentosa Singapore

Admission: S$22.90 (adults); S$14.60 (children) Open daily from 9am – 9pm

Telephone: +65 6275 0030

Singapore Discovery Centre

Address: 510 Upper Jurong Road Singapore

Admission: S$10 (adults); S$6 (children) Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm. Closed Mondays

Telephone: +65 6792 6188

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Address: 158 Telok Ayer Street Singapore

Admission: free

Telephone: 6423 4616

Asian Civilisations Museum

Address: 1 Empress Place Singapore

Admission: $8 adults, $4 concessions Monday 1pm-7pm, Tuesday to Sunday 9am-7pm, open late until 9pm on Friday.

Telephone: 6883 0732

Singapore Flyer

Address: 30 Raffles Avenue Singapore

Gardens by the Bay

Address: Marina Bay Singapore

Geylang

Address: Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore

Address: Sentosa Island Singapore

Admission: S$74 (Adults), S$54 (Children)

Night Safari in Singapore

Raffles Grill

Address: 1 Beach Road (Historic District) Singapore

Food Type: International

Song of India

Address: 33 Scotts Road Singapore

Food Type: Indian

iL Lido

Address: Sentosa Gold Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road Singapore

Food Type: Italian

Graze

Address: 4 Rochester Park Singapore 139215 Singapore

Food Type: International

Iggy's

Address: The Regent, Level 3, 1 Cuscaden rd. Singapore

Food Type: International

Absinthe

Address: 48 Bukit Pasoh Road Singapore

Food Type: French

Harbour Grill and Oyster Bar

Address: Hilton International, 581 Orchard Road Singapore

Li Bai

Address: Sheraton Towers, 39 Scotts Road Singapore

Food Type: Chinese

IndoChine Waterfront

Address: Empress Place Building Singapore

Food Type: Asian