Things to Do in Singapore

This historic hotel is named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, and the grand colonial buildings date from 1887. Famous guests range from Charlie Chaplin to the Queen of England. You might not be able to afford to stay in the palatial suites or browse the luxury boutiques in the shopping arcade, but this hotel is a piece of Singapore history. Wander through the tropical courtyard garden, check out the Victorian style theatre and discover the bar where the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented.

Little India is a vibrant community that's home to Singapore's thriving Indian community. With heady aromas filling the air and lavish knicknacks lining the community's stalls, this is an Indian haven amid the hustle and bustle of Singapore.

A model for zoos the world over to follow, with its 315 species kept in spacious, airy enclosures. The 'Breakfast with an Orang-utan' program allows visitors a close encounter with the engangered primates, including 47-year-old Ah Meng, pin-up boy of the of orang-utan preservation projects. The Night Safari, the first nocturnal zoo in the world, is well worth a look, too.

Jurong is home to the largest collection of exotic birds in the world - with over  8,000 birds from 600 different species flitting around a lush park of wildflowers and waterfalls. Not just for avid birdwatchers,  few would fail to be impressed by the world’s largest walk-in aviary, and the sight of African birds freefalling from the world's tallest man-made waterfall.

The Malay word for tranquillity, Sentosa is a genuine (Singapore-style) island paradise, with the Carlsberg Sky Tower looming above idyllic beaches and a stunning array of ocean life in the Underwater World oceanarium.