Startle

The restaurant scene in Singapore has always been picky and fickle — stringent characteristics that have been intensified by the arrival of the celebrity chefs at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.

In the past, small- to medium-sized restaurants were mostly projects by foodies. Seasoned chefs remained with organizations and hotels. Many restaurants shut their doors for good every day, but new ones also seemed to keep opening up. These days, more independent restaurants are sprouting in the city, helmed by more serious foodies (ReStore, Strictly Pancakes), local chefs who have returned from stages abroad (Artichoke Café + Bar, the Dempsey Brasserie, Keystone, Le Bistro Parisien) and established insiders who have been in the professional kitchen for years (Antoinette, Luke’s Oyster and Chophouse). While these are not on the same international playing field as Mario Batali, Tetsuya Wakuda, Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon, the caliber has been scaling to new heights.

The restaurant scene is growing at a steady, vibrant rate, and branching into a larger variety of cuisines — it used to be dominated by Japanese, Italian, Chinese and French fare, but now there’s Russian, Middle Eastern, Spanish, Korean, fusion, progressive and molecular cuisines. There is, more than before, a dish for everyone’s palate.

Hawker food, the city’s version of street food, used to be the defining cuisine of Singapore, and to a large extent it still is. But the constantly changing landscape, influx of imports and melding of cultural differences and similarities have had a significant effect on the defining food experiences of this city-state. When you dine here, don’t miss these dishes:
1. Chili crab. The chili crab, made with Sri Lankan crustaceans in a thick sweet and spicy gravy, is a food experience that is difficult to re-create anywhere outside of Singapore. Even entry-level local seafood restaurants like Long Beach and Jumbo create smoldering versions. For the full experience, request that a female spawning crab be the dish’s main ingredient, and deep-fried mantou (sweet-dough buns) as sides to sop up the rich gravy. Ming Kee Live Seafood offers the most authentic take on the dish.

2. Grilled sambal stingray. Since Newton hawker center took a turn for the tourists, Chomp Chomp is now the spot to have grilled sambal stingray and a cold giant glass of pressed sugarcane juice. The ray’s fin is grilled over charcoal and served smothered with a slightly spicy and sweet chili paste, calamansi lime on the side. The mug of refreshing green juice soothes the heat and intense surge of the spices in the dish.

3. Chicken rice. A plate of glistening garlic-, ginger- and pandan-laced (screwpine) rice topped with tender gelatinous-skinned chicken is one of the simplest, most heady food experiences in Singapore. Tian Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Road Hawker Centre serves its variety with a mound of spring onion, a bowl of soup, some sweet dark sauce and a vinegary chili sauce. The white chicken is the traditional version of this dish.

4. Nyonya cuisine. Fusion cuisine is done superbly well in Singapore, spearheaded by the culinary art form of the Peranakans. Nyonya cuisine, as it is known, is a developed mix of Malay spices with Chinese cooking techniques. At True Blue Cuisine, Benjamin “Baba Ben” Seck serves up his mother’s dishes in the museum-like Peranakan grounds. The ayam buah keluak (chicken stewed with black buah keluak nuts) is a must-try.

5. Celebrity chef joints. Celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck, Daniel Boulud, Tetsuya Wakuda, Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon come together in — almost — one spot, bringing about an unparalleled concentration of high-caliber culinary experiences. Robuchon holds it down in the Resorts World Sentosa, while the other chefs have restaurants in the Marina Bay Sands, about a 15-minute drive away. Satisfy your craving for a good oven-baked, thin-crust pizza by the orange-clogged chef, move from room to room for Tetsuya Wakuda’s precise Japanese courses, carve up Robuchon’s quail stuffed with foie gras or take all of them in one night. It’s fun to restaurant-hop among the culinary celebs’ spots.

To watch the International Rugby Sevens tournament as well as regular cricket, soccer and field hockey games, the Singapore Cricket Club is the destination. Established in 1852, it has had three clubhouse buildings on its historic site on the Padang. Moveable rafters are the seats at this outdoor, limited-sheltered arena.

The Jalan Besar Stadium hosted the 2011 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and continues to be the home base for regional and national soccer games. This venue, which survived World War II, is also the birthplace of Singapore football and has a seating capacity of 6,000. It was one of the host sites for the first Youth Summer Olympics in 2010, and Pele and Eric Cantona have conducted meet-and-greets there.

Those wanting to mix sports and betting should head to the Singapore Racecourse. It’s the country’s second venue for thoroughbred horse racing and betting, having replaced the Bukit Timah Race Course in 2000. Go there to see the Singapore Airlines International Cup, Singapore Derby and KrisFlyer International Sprint in addition to other domestic races.

The Singapore Polo Club, also known as the Singapore Grounds, is not simply a viewing ground for polo, but also one for the Asia Gaelic Athletics Association Hurling and Gaelic Football games. It was built by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II in its attempt to cultivate national identity, but has since become a spot for Singaporean sports fans.

Romantic Singapore restaurants should offer comfortable privacy in opulent surroundings. Of course, it helps if the food is superb and atmosphere is conducive to stealing a snuggle or two. To romance your loved one, try one of these restaurants:

1. The Cliff Restaurant. From the entrance, follow the three specially designed balls of sculptured glass to an infinity bar that overlooks sunset views of the South China Sea. Chef Yew Eng Tong deftly plates his contemporary seafood dishes in the state-of-the-art show kitchen. Around this Yasuhiro Koichi-designed preparation space are square tables that provide intimate dining. Alternatively, sit at the bench-like tables on the lower cantilever balcony platform for magnificent sea views.

2. Flutes at the Fort. Located in an old black-and-white colonial home tucked away among the frangipani trees of Fort Canning’s slopes, Flutes at the Fort is a private, elegant and naturally fragrant spot for a romantic meal. Sit outside on the wooden terrace overlooking the green fields of Singapore’s historic fort. The modern Australian menu at this former fire chiefs’ quarters warms you up: You can’t go wrong with the salad of warm smoked kangaroo and roasted Australian rack of lamb served with lotus chips and garlic mash. It’s wonderful wedding venue, too — just in case you really score on your date.

3. Equinox Restaurant. Get a bird’s-eye view of Singapore’s cityscape at the Equinox Restaurant. Located on the 70th floor of the Swissôtel the Stamford, this three-story amphitheater-style restaurant is adorned with elaborate teak and rice paper lanterns, wooden trellises and a mother-of-pearl-lined wall. The modern European cuisine is beautifully presented plates of art, yet it’s also easy for you to slip a ring onto one of them.

4. Villa Halia. Meaning “ginger” in Malay, this restaurant serves simple European dishes with an Asian twist in its lush Singapore Botanic Garden environs. Dine alfresco, among tall ginger flowers and palm trees, or sit indoors in a room with full-height glass windows that afford unobstructed views of the verdant surroundings. The atmosphere is as Zen as its birdsong soundtrack.

5. Restaurant André. It may be in the middle of Chinatown, but this 30-seat restaurant is as exclusive as it comes. It’s ideal for couples seeking new adventures; get lavished personalized attention and share the intimate experience of dining on painstakingly plated dishes. A meal here is like being served one painting after another. It is an experience best taken together.

Kid-friendly restaurants don’t just mean booster seats anymore — in Singapore, good food and fun entertainment come hand-in-hand. Bring your little ones to these top kid-friendly dining spots:

1. Eco Gourmet Café. At the entrance of Eco Gourmet Café’s open-air space, daybeds face World War II storage tunnels. Separated by a wall of wines, the dining area at the back is propped up on stilts so it overlooks the lush trees and plants of the nature reserve. Kids get to dine like adults on their big-city menu of proper fish and chips — none of that out-of-a-box, deep-fried fish fingers. After the meal, stroll past the historic never-fired-before cannons out to the waterfront.

2. Brussel Sprouts. The kids’ selection at Brussel Sprouts may not be as mature as Eco Gourmet’s — pasta in pink sauce and meatball with fries — but the little ones get to order bigger plates and the signature moule frites if they find their options stifling. Brunch is a fun affair here: Balloons and coloring pages will keep the little multitaskers occupied.

3. The Barnacles Restaurant. This eatery overlooking the South China Sea is the perfect setting for a family gathering. Children have their own dedicated buffet section placed at their height, while parents can enjoy oysters, Alaskan crabs and barbecued meats. Magic shows and balloon-twisting acts entertain kids over lunch. Head down to the beach or kiddie pool with three slides and a water feature, or stick around the two-story indoor playhouse after the meal.

4. La Villa. Bouncy castles of different themes pop up at La Villa every weekend. Kids can help themselves to the Italian buffet spread that includes classic cold cuts and freshly baked breads, eggs, salads and the standard desserts. The playground in the open field might make it difficult to pin these little adventure-seekers down, but you’ll probably find them at the machine serving fruit-flavored slushies.

5. Little Fan Room. At Melt - The World Café, the Little Fan Room has been set up specially for three- to 12-year-olds. The room holds a special buffet of mini burgers, finger sandwiches, popcorn and a do-it-yourself candyfloss machine. There are also cartoon screenings and storybook sessions. The more independent and artistic kiddos can make use of the drawing materials to express themselves.

Singaporeans take their brunch very seriously and regularly. The weekend ritual usually takes place in the late morning or early afternoon, over a large buffet spread or as an à la carte meal. Hopefully, champagne is involved. For the best brunches in Singapore, check out these restaurants:

1. The Dining Room at Tanjong Beach Club. Sit under sky-high ceilings for sea views while brunching at the Dining Room at Tanjong Beach Club. Salads are the order of late mornings here: Chef Craig Schantz tosses up a superb warm octopus salad with rocket, radish, cherry tomatoes and a garlic vinaigrette with smoked paprika. A creamy tofu dressing holds together the warm fresh bean salad, with its three types of beans, candied walnuts, cucumber and pickled golden raisins. Both make for perfect meals before a dip in the pool.

2. House in Dempsey. At House in Dempsey, brunch is a vintage-plated affair. Set among lush forest-scapes in a former army barrack, the slightly secluded spot isn’t a secret among in-the-know locals, who crave the creative fare. Stuffed French toast is bursting with berries, poached eggs are let loose on pizza, warm red teas resemble lattes and desserts are towering slices of cakes with local flavorings. The practice of brunch may be Western, but House’s influences are local.

3. Cassia. The weekend dim sum brunch at the Knoll’s gourmet Cantonese restaurant, Cassia, offers a menu of more than 60 dishes, accompanied by the Ruinart Blanc de Blanc or Ruinart Rosé. The chef of the regal dark brown and champagne-gold space lays out a handmade selection that includes Kurobuta pork buns, barbecued boneless duckling and crisp roasted U.S. Berkshire pork belly — an upscale riff on traditional Chinese breakfasts.

4. Greenhouse. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore’s Vintage Sunday Champagne brunch is a weekly decadent occurrence. But twice a year — in May and October — it transforms into a Super Brunch. The hotel’s Greenhouse is converted into three sections for the mother of all brunches, with approximately 260 feet of table space laid out with food. Guest chefs from five prominent Singapore restaurants are invited to showcase their culinary skills, making up a portion each of the massive meal. A typical Super Brunch includes a whole leg of Wagyu beef, whole roasted chickens spiked on cornbread, unlimited champagne, oysters, lobsters, sushi, foie gras and loads of desserts.

5. Hatched has the right idea — brunch should be all about the eggs. Located at the bottom of a old hostel building at the edge of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this all-day egg restaurant boils, bakes, poaches, scrambles and fries its main ingredient to satisfy as many hungry stomachs as possible. It is also one of few brunch places that serves eggs with soldiers. Your stomach will stand at attention for these “soldiers” — strips of buttered toast used for dipping into the soft-boiled egg.

Long before any club hit Singapore, Zouk helmed the nightlife scene. It has been the go-to club since it launched in 1991, and it’s still going strong: International guest DJs deliver top Balearic beats and its cheesy Mambo Jambo nights (Wednesdays) still make for fun, must-experience-at-least-once entertainment. On weekends, let go to global decksmiths such as Sven Väth and Infected Mushroom, and in December, put on your beachwear for the annual ZoukOut rave on the beach.

Following intently on this powerhouse’s heels is Butter Factory, the club of choice for younger, Top 40-loving, might-have-been-a-Zoukster-in-the-’90s crowd. The second-floor space at One Fullerton is much cozier than the previous, so clubbers heave together to the strong bass beats.

The recent months have seen celebrity-endorsed Avalon — think Ashton Kutcher, Cameron Diaz and Black Eyed Peas — hit town. Stretching across the top two levels of Marina Bay Sands’ Crystal Pavilion, this glass-encased 12,000-square-foot club features a state-of-the-art visual and lighting system. The world’s leading DJs, including Kele and Boy George, spin the decks here before heading directly underwater to ultra-lounge Pangaea for a more intimate set to the likes of Madonna and Lou Reed.

Avalon and Pangaea aside, it’s ladies’ night every Wednesday. The fairer gender gets into clubs for free not to mention complimentary free-flow of drinks for around three hours starting at 10 p.m. Clarke Quay is best destination to club-hop. Go from the live-band-powered nostalgic-tuned Pump Room, to mainstream chart-topper Attica and a mix of both at pool-hall-with-a-dance-floor China One. When every other club has closed, traipse over to Dim Sum Dolly for live Mandarin concerts until the sun rises.

If an indie night is more your style, pull up at Home Club. Up-and-coming local DJs pay to showcase their skills on the decks. Members of local audio-visual collective Syndicate regularly battle it out among themselves here, one-upping each other with hip-hop, deep house, techno, indie, electro and drum ’n’ bass on-the-spot mixes with matching optical illusions in screen.

If you want to visit Singapore’s best museums, you’ll find one of them at the forefront of the skyline, the ArtScience Museum. The lotus-shaped structure houses three rooms of material that straddles the art and science realms. It is here that an ancient Chinese scroll, Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machine and the Kongmin lantern come together. This is also the temporary resting place for international traveling exhibitions, like Salvador Dalí’s surreal Dali: Mind of a Genius’ and the epic Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.

A rival to this prominent structure is the Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium at Sentosa’s waterfront. This newly anchored steel-and-glass hull space houses permanent exhibitions based on the theme of the Maritime Silk Road. A replica of a 9th-century Arab dhow that was a gift from the sultanate of Oman is moored permanently here.

The largest museum on the island keeps the focus local: The National Museum traces the history of Singapore back to its beginnings in the 14th century. Its Living Galleries explore the food, fashion, film, photography and wayang (Javanese shadow theater) components, while the newly opened William Farquhar Collection archives important botanical and zoological discoveries made and commissioned by the first resident and commandant of Singapore when she was still a British colony.

The Asian Civilisations Museum is similar in that it specializes in the material history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia. The interactive touchscreen kiosks and barcode readers help customize your tour through the historic Empress Place Building.

The most comprehensive collection of Peranakan artifacts in the world resides in the Peranakan Museum; 10 galleries explore the various facets of this vibrant Nusantara Chinese-immigrant Nyonya-Baba culture. The importance of the sarong kebaya — the inspiration for the Singapore Airlines flight attendant uniforms — is displayed in the Nonya Gallery. In the Conversations Gallery, a myriad of the culture’s clothing, food, jewelry and artifacts are laid out.

Unlike the rest, the Singapore Art Museum has never held blockbuster shows. Because of its small, unusual and hidden gallery spaces, it specializes in smaller exhibitions, mostly 20th-century Asian visual art. It often draws from its own collection of Southeast Asian pioneer art.

The Esplanade, otherwise known as “The Durian,” is the biggest and most all-encompassing live music venue in Singapore. Apart from free gigs by local and visiting artists every week, this performing arts center organizes more than 14 festivals and 20 ongoing series in a year. Among the offerings, the 10-day Mosaic Music Festival and series is most tuneful. International jazz, funk, hip-hop and world music artists like Wynton Marsalis and Joanna Newsom have dropped in to perform at this jamboree.

Most local artists get their starts and residencies at Timbre. A stint at one of this live music bar and restaurant’s three locations is a rite of passage for up-and-comers who wish to cast their notes in the industry. It’s the guitar-strumming cover bands that usually stay — the Goodfellas’ adaptation of rock, pop and Motown have struck a lasting chord, while Michaela Therese has graduated to self-penned jazz tunes. In April, this nurturing band circuit puts together the Timbre: Rock and Roots festival. Past fests brought in big names like the legendary Bob Dylan, the ethereal Imogen Heap and soulful John Legend.

Timbre’s predecessor, Wala Wala, is now one of the smaller, standalone venues, alongside CMPB in Dempsey and the Hard Rock Café. The set list encompasses mostly covers of pop songs for the first two venues, and rock for the latter.

Jazz fiends should head to the smart-casual Ink Bar at level one of the Fairmont Singapore hotel, where Jeremy Monteiro and his band have been tinkering the keys for several years. The grittier, more laid-back BluJaz at the back of Haji Lane also touts jazz nights. It has a larger, more improvisation-friendly atmosphere with 10-piece band Omniform on the first Monday of every month, a quartet on alternate Fridays and scat-singing Alemay Fernandez every now and then.

The hot and humid Singapore weather calls for light, airy clothes, like those made of cotton, linen or silk blends. The outfits can be separated into two styles: casual and semiformal. While casual will get you into almost any establishment in the day, folks tend to dress up at night. Pack one long-sleeved top and pants or a long skirt if you plan to go to a temple.

As far as footwear, sandals are acceptable. But bring along good walking shoes and another formal pair for those nights out. Sunscreen is necessary, too, even if you bring a hat and an umbrella with you. Bring a fan to keep cool.

It goes without saying that you’ll want to take in the city’s varied architecture and snap up encounters of the distinct daily occurrences in Singapore, so bring along a small but powerful camera. Electricity in Singapore flows at 230 volts with a 50-hertz frequency using three-pronged G plugs and sockets.

If you only have one day to see Singapore, start off with a meal at Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. A strong cup of sock-brewed kopi (coffee) and some banana and yam fritters should tide you over until you come across your next food stall. If you’re adventurous enough, try the savory sliced raw fish congee.

Spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon experiencing Singapore’s three major cultural groups’ way of life. Starting at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum across the street in Chinatown, this Tang Dynasty-style building is said to house the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha. It was found in 1980 in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar. Afterward, leave this gold and red building to peruse the shophouse-lined streets for snacks and souvenirs.

At the beginning of Temple Street sits the oldest Hindu temple in the country — the Sri Mariamman Temple. Founded in 1827 by government clerk Nariana Pillai, the entrance to this house of worship was initially made of wood and attap. Take your shoes off, step in and observe a lunch prayer session. On the next street is Masjid Jamae (Jamae Mosque), one of the earliest mosques to be constructed in Singapore. Non-Muslims are discouraged from entering this sanctuary, but feel free to take pictures beneath the onion-topped octagonal minarets.

When through exploring, have lunch at Spring Court, Singapore’s oldest family-run Chinese restaurant. Now housed in a four-story banquet space, it has retained its traditional wooden chairs and elegant carpeted rooms with fabric-covered furniture and vaulted ceilings. Open since 1929, this Chinatown restaurant is best known for its crisp-skinned Peking duck.

After your meal, make your way to Clarke Quay. Wander through the shops along the river as you walk down toward Boat Quay and the Fullerton Hotel, a former post office. Do a tour at the Asian Civilisations Museum or go through the free art exhibits and mini museum in the lobby of the Fullerton Hotel.

Before the sun sets, head up to the Marina Bay Sands’ observation deck to watch the star dip under the horizon. Have dinner at regional celebrity chef Justin Quek’s restaurant Sky on 57. At Quek’s panoramic restaurant, hawker food — the street eats you had at breakfast — is prepared with luxury ingredients, plated in European style and paired with wines from all over the world.

If you only have two days to see Singapore, start off your whirlwind tour with a meal at Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. A strong cup of sock-brewed kopi (coffee) and some banana and yam fritters should tide you over until you come across your next food stall. If you’re adventurous enough, try the savory sliced raw fish congee.

Spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon experiencing Singapore’s three major cultural groups’ way of life. Starting at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum across the street in Chinatown, this Tang Dynasty-style building is said to house the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha. It was found in 1980 in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar. Afterward, leave this gold and red building to peruse the shophouse-lined streets for snacks and souvenirs.

At the beginning of Temple Street sits the oldest Hindu temple in the country — the Sri Mariamman Temple. Founded in 1827 by government clerk Nariana Pillai, the entrance to this house of worship was initially made of wood and attap. Take your shoes off, step in and observe a lunch prayer session. On the next street is Masjid Jamae (Jamae Mosque), one of the earliest mosques to be constructed in Singapore. Non-Muslims are discouraged from entering this sanctuary, but feel free to take pictures beneath the onion-topped octagonal minarets.

When through exploring, have lunch at Spring Court, Singapore’s oldest family-run Chinese restaurant. Now housed in a four-story banquet space, it has retained its traditional wooden chairs and elegant carpeted rooms with fabric-covered furniture and vaulted ceilings. Open since 1929, this Chinatown restaurant is best known for its crisp-skinned Peking duck.

After your meal, make your way to Clarke Quay. Wander through the shops along the river as you walk down toward Boat Quay and the Fullerton Hotel, a former post office. Do a tour at the Asian Civilisations Museum or go through the free art exhibits and mini museum in the lobby of the Fullerton Hotel.

Before the sun sets, head up to the Marina Bay Sands’ observation deck to watch the star dip under the horizon. Have dinner at regional celebrity chef Justin Quek’s restaurant Sky on 57. At Quek’s panoramic restaurant, hawker food — the street eats you had at breakfast — is prepared with luxury ingredients, plated in European style and paired with wines from all over the world.

On the second day, have breakfast at Ah Teng’s Bakery at Raffles Singapore. Biscuits, cakes and dim sum go well with the Chinese-style morning cuppa. The hotel is strict with its dress code, so leave the sandals at home.

Now that you’re all fueled up, explore the Peranakan Museum on Armenian Street for the rest of the morning. Learn about the vibrant Nusantara Chinese-immigrant Nyonya-Baba culture, including the importance of the sarong kebaya, the beautiful traditional garb of Peranakan women.

When you’re done looking at the exhibits, savor lunch at True Blue Cuisine, the Peranakan Museum’s restaurant. The artifact-laden, two-shophouse restaurant is run by Benjamin “Baba Ben” Seck and decorated with hand-me-down baskets, beaded shoes and a life-sized drawing of Seck’s great-grandmother. Food — recipes handed down from Seck’s mother — is served on real vintage wares, which gives the meal an authentic feel.

After lunch, cab it to the Singapore Zoo to finish out your last day in Singapore. Get there just in time to watch the elephants work and play at 3.30 p.m. The staged show transports you to a Burmese elephant logging camp, and it ends with a feeding session. After the sun sets, scurry on over to the Night Safari to observe more than 900 nocturnal animals in the lauded open-concept evening zoo. The tram ride will take you through the Nepalese River Valley to see the pelicans and golden jackals, Asian Riverine Forest for Malayan tapirs and red dholes (wild dogs), and Equatorial Africa for the caped giraffe. Make sure to get off and walk the trails if you want to catch the mousedeer and leopard.

Festive and festival seasons are the best times to visit Singapore, and they happen almost every month. There is always something to do in Singapore, and unlike most countries, the city does not shut down when Christmas or New Year’s rolls around. The multicultural elements and economic acumens of the city allow for businesses to remain open during typical holiday seasons.

The Chingay Procession — a parade of Carnivale proportions — takes place during Chinese New Year in January; the government throws a nationwide party in August to celebrate the country’s independence day; mooncakes are baked in September for the Mid-Autumn Festival; the Formula One Grand Prix zooms in during the last week of September; and Little India lights up for Deepavali in November.

Perhaps the only period to avoid Singapore is during the monsoon season. It starts pouring in November and tapers off in January, just in time for you party at the Chingay Procession.

Singapore may play the high stakes economically, but there are still a lot of free activities you can do for fun in this burgeoning city, especially when it comes to the great outdoors and the arts. Here are our picks for the five best free things to do in Singapore:

1. Bridge up with nature. Past the rubber trees and pitcher plants at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park — open since 1868, it’s Singapore’s oldest reservoir — is an 820-foot suspension bridge that is part of the HSBC TreeTop Walk. All along this hanging link are vantage points to look out onto the park’s mature secondary forest. Those not quite willing to leave the city behind should head up to the Henderson Waves, a modern wave-like pedestrian bridge that gazes onto the city’s skyline.

2. Visit the places of worship. Get to know the melting pot of cultures in Singapore by visiting the various religious places of worship. The Sri Thandayuthapani Temple (Chettiar Hindu Temple) at Tank Road is where the steel-spiked Kavadi carriers end their walks every Thaipusam, the yearly wintertime Hindu festival. Daily ceremonies can be observed here as early as 8 a.m. For a similarly welcoming experience of a different belief, visit the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho temple in Bugis. Grandmothers come daily to offer lotus flowers, incense and prayers to the benevolent Goddess of Mercy.

3. See the art galleries. Stop in at the dozens of art galleries and spaces in Singapore to admire contemporary work. The Substation Gallery is known for supporting quirky local artists, who do everything from poetry to installations; Gallery Krisstel Martin showcases regional talents like Japan’s Taiji Hayama; and while 2902 Gallery focuses solely on photographs, it brings in artists from all over the globe. John Clang, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró and Balthasar Lobo have all been here.

4. Head to Marina Barrage. On top of Marina Barrage is an expansive windy green field conducive for kite-flying and picnicking. This space sits across the mouth of Marina Bay, creating the country’s 15th reservoir and the only one in the city. This seamless feat of architecture that has won international awards for its environmental engineering is a Zen space from which to look upon the business district skyline.

5. See a performance at the Esplanade. Duck into one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the Esplanade, for free performances by local and visiting artists like the Klunchun Dance Company from Thailand. At the concourse, dances and mini classical concerts featuring instruments like the gu zheng (Chinese plucked zither) take place to the backdrop of extensive rotating art installations. Rock bands perform at the On the Waterfront stage with the Fullerton Hotel lighting up background.

Despite its reputation as a fast-growing economic metropolis, Singapore is very much a haven for kids. Uncover the history of a Japanese-occupied World War II, explore the nature trails of a tropical rainforest, delve into the world of cultural performances or simply hop onto roller coasters for a thrilling ride — there is much for young minds to do in this small but adventurous city.

1. Universal Studios. Just off the south of the city on Sentosa Island is Universal Studios, Southeast Asia’s first blockbuster movie and television show theme park. In this fantastical enclave, the world’s tallest dueling roller coasters — the Human and Cylon routes of Battlestar Galactica — fill the skies at 140 feet, vintage desert jeeps roam ancient Egyptian lands, and pterodactyls soar through the Lost World. Eighteen of the theme park’s 24 attractions were specially adapted.

2. The botanic gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a rich 183-acre cluster of flora and fauna in the middle of the city. What started out as rainforest has long been landscaped into a public park. Plus, the gardens have free entry, open from 5 a.m. to midnight every day of the year. Have a picnic, roam or slide out of tree houses and mazes. Or bring the little ones and take part in educational workshops at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, one of the first kiddie gardens in Asia.

3. The Night Safari. Set in a secondary rainforest, the world’s first night zoo houses more than 900 nocturnal critters from 130 species. Opened in 1991, the Night Safari was the first to use special lighting techniques to highlight animals in their original surroundings without barriers. Observe in awe as lions gnaw on big-boned carcasses, mountain deer stop in their tracks and, if you’re lucky, rhinoceros taking their bath. Hop off the tram to go in search of flying squirrels, hanging bats and roaming leopards. As if that weren’t exciting enough, a River Safari will open in 2012.

4. Take the kids to the East’s Broadway. Catch some big productions at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands. The Lion King musical had a nice run in the 1,900-seat Sands Theatre. Though it’s too late to see the colorful life-sized animal puppets and hear African melodies composed and adapted by Elton John, the theater stages other popular shows like Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz.

5. Fort Siloso. Go back in time with country’s largest collection of World War II memorabilia at Fort Siloso. Sign up for the tours that include a Fort Siloso History Passport — the passport route will take you through old tunnels of this vital point of defense for the Malayan region. Check out cannons and original guns — don’t worry, it’s all safe — from the Occupation era.

Not the typical island getaway, Singapore has much more to offer, especially for couples. A date on this metropolitan isle can be as secluded or whirlwind as you prefer; from private spas and exclusive lookouts, to dancing under the moonlight and nestling in cabanas. Get lost, get high (as in altitude) and get hot.

1. Check out the skyline. Use the breeze as an excuse to snuggle up to each other as you look out onto the brilliant modern city skyline. Lean back with champagne and shellfish in a cabana seat at Sky on 57’s Oyster Bar. Cocktail loungers looking to let out some dance moves should head over to the other side of the bay to the world’s highest alfresco bar (complete with dance floor), 1-Altitude. Beer lovers, on the other hand, would take to the high barstool-aided view from microbrewery LeVel 33 quickly. Arrive before the sun sets for great glimpse of the city.

2. Dine on the biggest Ferris wheel in the world. The 541-foot Singapore Flyer serves up a champagne-popping, four-course European-style dinner in the pods, complete with a personal butler. A meal takes place over the course of an hour, so you get to enjoy the dimmed lights, quiet music and sparkling panorama in two rotations.

3. Eat at Ice Cream Man. Things can, and will, get heated up in Singapore. Call ahead to Ice Cream Man on Haji Lane to simultaneously tame and set alight those burning desires. This couple-run ice cream shop will customize any flavor as long as you promise to buy at least 33 ounces when it’s done. Let your smitten imagination run wild. Your partner will be impressed by this coolly planned break in the middle of the cozy, quirky shoppers’ lane on a scorching day.

4. Go au naturel. Nature and history lovers will love Labrador Park’s mix of serenity with historic never-been-fired cannons, tunnels that lead to nowhere and waterfront views of the Straits of Malacca. Alternatively, head over to the Singapore Botanic Gardens to explore the orchids; or take a romantic stroll up to the Henderson Waves, a canopy bridge that looks far out into the horizon.

5. Have a quiet dinner for two. The stunning backdrops and secluded atmospheres of restaurants all around Singapore make romantic dinners an effortless affair. Dine on European-Asian plates while surrounded by vibrant flowering ginger plants at Halia in the Singapore Botanic Gardens; slurp up nutritious soups at Empress Jade atop the oft-overlooked Mount Faber; or feel like you’re on top of the city while right in the middle of it at Equinox Restaurant on the 70th level of the Swissôtel the Stamford.

Orchard Road is Singapore’s most established and varied shopping strip. Luxury ateliers such as Harry Winston and Cartier at the imposing, futuristic-looking ION Orchard; local brands AllDressedUp and Raoul at Paragon; smaller, self-manufactured homegrown labels at teen hangout the Heeren; and all the usual shopping staples (Topshop, H&M, Uniqlo, Pedro) pack this 1.3-mile tree-lined route that was a former fruit orchard.

The tai tais (socialites, or ladies who lunch) flock to ION, Paragon, Ngee Ann City and Mandarin Gallery for big-name labels like Chanel and Bvlgari. Those with a little more edge will head to Jimmy Choo and Ashley Isham; their daughters follow suit for the red-soled Louboutins and flirty Marc Jacob frocks. If you tend to like indie- and street-style threads, Hansel and BAPE are also on the way.

Pois at Paragon and its offshoot enVie de Pois are the ultimate one-stop shops for lesser-seen designers, such as Alessandra Rich, Alexandre Vauthier, Amaya Arzuaga, Catherine Regehr and Hervé L Leroux. Shop these spots for duds that no one else will have back home.

If wading through throngs of people is not your idea of luxury shopping, go farther down to the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, where the exclusive Louis Vuitton Island Maison is located. The nautical-inspired interiors of this French brand’s first Maison in Southeast Asia were designed by acclaimed architect Peter Marino. While you won’t find limited-edition items here, you will inside the Shoppes in the main building — Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Fendi, Hermès and definitely at Van Cleef & Arpels.

For goods with a more eclectic, hipster and independent flair, head over to open-air Haji Lane. Local labels, vintage and secondhand clothes, and a small but cute array of home accessories fill the stout shophouses that flank this narrow lane. Pick up structural dresses and tops at Egg3; peruse Parisian vintage shoes, dresses and bags at Nostalgic Diva; and ride off with a lightweight, vintage-looking bicycle at Tokyo Bike.

Go off the beaten path to Frederick Lee’s studio for a customizable outfit. This local fashion and costume designer, known for his extravagantly crafted wedding gowns, has delved into other kinds of clothing and will create a one-of-a-kind ensemble just for you.

A melting pot of cultures, cosmopolitan Singapore is not merely one of the top economies of the world, it is also one of the most culturally diverse. This modern city rises to the backdrop of traditions and cultural practices handed down through generations of the largely Chinese, Malay and Indian populations. Activities are therefore a diverse and harmonious mix of the new and old. Check out these top things to see and do in the Southeast Asian capital:

1. Explore the cuisine. Singapore has one of the most diverse cuisine offerings among the Southeast Asian countries. Eat like a local at one of the 107 open-air hawker centers that sell street food all over the city or go formal at celebrity-chef spots, such as Wolfgang Puck’s Cut and Guy Savoy at Marina Bay Sands, and Joël Robuchon’s L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Joël Robuchon Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa. You won’t stop eating in Singapore. It’s so ingrained in the culture that to greet someone in the local Hokkien dialect is to, literally, ask if he’s eaten.

2. Shop the area. No trip to Singapore is complete without bagging a couple of finds at Orchard Road, limited-edition luxury goods at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and local up-and-comer labels on Haji Lane. While shopping isn’t tax-free, any purchase over S$100 (about US$79) in a single receipt entitles you to refunds on the 7 percent goods and services levy that’s been automatically incorporated into prices.

3. Check out the nightlife. This is a city that never sleeps, and why should she? Nightlife in Singapore is too vibrant to catch some Z’s. There’s the Will Alsop-designed Clarke Quay, where pubs, live music venues and DJ-fronted clubs such as the quirky Dim Sum Dolly reside; standalone powerhouse Zouk of the famed annual ZoukOut parties on the beach; and international nightlife brands Pangaea and Avalon at Marina Bay Sands — the choice of decks will have you spinning all night long.

4. Singapore Grand Prix. The only night race in the Grand Prix circuit takes place in the Marina Bay area. Central roads are cordoned off, grills are put up and 3,000 lux of light glow every September for the 3.152-mile circuit. Dust is blown off the seats, containers transform into swish VIP lounges and seven stages get erected for the Formula 1-loving city to get revved up for a nationwide party. Beyoncé, Mariah and Shakira have all been here to join in the racing festivities.

5. Take a tour. To really get a feel for the city, take a cultural walking or bus tour with knowledgeable guide Geraldene Lowe. The Singapore native has been conducting tours even before the country gained independence in 1965. Lowe plans out the most detailed and historically researched itineraries, tapping into the unknown and lost parts of the city. Her tour through Emerald Hill, for example, leads you into private shophouse residences. She explains everything, from the bat motif on the windows to the well in the middle of the house and the origins of the peephole above the five-foot walkway.

The restaurant scene in Singapore has always been picky and fickle — stringent characteristics that have been intensified by the arrival of the celebrity chefs at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.

In the past, small- to medium-sized restaurants were mostly projects by foodies. Seasoned chefs remained with organizations and hotels. Many restaurants shut their doors for good every day, but new ones also seemed to keep opening up. These days, more independent restaurants are sprouting in the city, helmed by more serious foodies (ReStore, Strictly Pancakes), local chefs who have returned from stages abroad (Artichoke Café + Bar, the Dempsey Brasserie, Keystone, Le Bistro Parisien) and established insiders who have been in the professional kitchen for years (Antoinette, Luke’s Oyster and Chophouse). While these are not on the same international playing field as Mario Batali, Tetsuya Wakuda, Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon, the caliber has been scaling to new heights.

The restaurant scene is growing at a steady, vibrant rate, and branching into a larger variety of cuisines — it used to be dominated by Japanese, Italian, Chinese and French fare, but now there’s Russian, Middle Eastern, Spanish, Korean, fusion, progressive and molecular cuisines. There is, more than before, a dish for everyone’s palate.

Hawker food, the city’s version of street food, used to be the defining cuisine of Singapore, and to a large extent it still is. But the constantly changing landscape, influx of imports and melding of cultural differences and similarities have had a significant effect on the defining food experiences of this city-state. When you dine here, don’t miss these dishes:
1. Chili crab. The chili crab, made with Sri Lankan crustaceans in a thick sweet and spicy gravy, is a food experience that is difficult to re-create anywhere outside of Singapore. Even entry-level local seafood restaurants like Long Beach and Jumbo create smoldering versions. For the full experience, request that a female spawning crab be the dish’s main ingredient, and deep-fried mantou (sweet-dough buns) as sides to sop up the rich gravy. Ming Kee Live Seafood offers the most authentic take on the dish.

2. Grilled sambal stingray. Since Newton hawker center took a turn for the tourists, Chomp Chomp is now the spot to have grilled sambal stingray and a cold giant glass of pressed sugarcane juice. The ray’s fin is grilled over charcoal and served smothered with a slightly spicy and sweet chili paste, calamansi lime on the side. The mug of refreshing green juice soothes the heat and intense surge of the spices in the dish.

3. Chicken rice. A plate of glistening garlic-, ginger- and pandan-laced (screwpine) rice topped with tender gelatinous-skinned chicken is one of the simplest, most heady food experiences in Singapore. Tian Tian Chicken Rice at Maxwell Road Hawker Centre serves its variety with a mound of spring onion, a bowl of soup, some sweet dark sauce and a vinegary chili sauce. The white chicken is the traditional version of this dish.

4. Nyonya cuisine. Fusion cuisine is done superbly well in Singapore, spearheaded by the culinary art form of the Peranakans. Nyonya cuisine, as it is known, is a developed mix of Malay spices with Chinese cooking techniques. At True Blue Cuisine, Benjamin “Baba Ben” Seck serves up his mother’s dishes in the museum-like Peranakan grounds. The ayam buah keluak (chicken stewed with black buah keluak nuts) is a must-try.

5. Celebrity chef joints. Celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck, Daniel Boulud, Tetsuya Wakuda, Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon come together in — almost — one spot, bringing about an unparalleled concentration of high-caliber culinary experiences. Robuchon holds it down in the Resorts World Sentosa, while the other chefs have restaurants in the Marina Bay Sands, about a 15-minute drive away. Satisfy your craving for a good oven-baked, thin-crust pizza by the orange-clogged chef, move from room to room for Tetsuya Wakuda’s precise Japanese courses, carve up Robuchon’s quail stuffed with foie gras or take all of them in one night. It’s fun to restaurant-hop among the culinary celebs’ spots.

Romantic Singapore restaurants should offer comfortable privacy in opulent surroundings. Of course, it helps if the food is superb and atmosphere is conducive to stealing a snuggle or two. To romance your loved one, try one of these restaurants:

1. The Cliff Restaurant. From the entrance, follow the three specially designed balls of sculptured glass to an infinity bar that overlooks sunset views of the South China Sea. Chef Yew Eng Tong deftly plates his contemporary seafood dishes in the state-of-the-art show kitchen. Around this Yasuhiro Koichi-designed preparation space are square tables that provide intimate dining. Alternatively, sit at the bench-like tables on the lower cantilever balcony platform for magnificent sea views.

2. Flutes at the Fort. Located in an old black-and-white colonial home tucked away among the frangipani trees of Fort Canning’s slopes, Flutes at the Fort is a private, elegant and naturally fragrant spot for a romantic meal. Sit outside on the wooden terrace overlooking the green fields of Singapore’s historic fort. The modern Australian menu at this former fire chiefs’ quarters warms you up: You can’t go wrong with the salad of warm smoked kangaroo and roasted Australian rack of lamb served with lotus chips and garlic mash. It’s wonderful wedding venue, too — just in case you really score on your date.

3. Equinox Restaurant. Get a bird’s-eye view of Singapore’s cityscape at the Equinox Restaurant. Located on the 70th floor of the Swissôtel the Stamford, this three-story amphitheater-style restaurant is adorned with elaborate teak and rice paper lanterns, wooden trellises and a mother-of-pearl-lined wall. The modern European cuisine is beautifully presented plates of art, yet it’s also easy for you to slip a ring onto one of them.

4. Villa Halia. Meaning “ginger” in Malay, this restaurant serves simple European dishes with an Asian twist in its lush Singapore Botanic Garden environs. Dine alfresco, among tall ginger flowers and palm trees, or sit indoors in a room with full-height glass windows that afford unobstructed views of the verdant surroundings. The atmosphere is as Zen as its birdsong soundtrack.

5. Restaurant André. It may be in the middle of Chinatown, but this 30-seat restaurant is as exclusive as it comes. It’s ideal for couples seeking new adventures; get lavished personalized attention and share the intimate experience of dining on painstakingly plated dishes. A meal here is like being served one painting after another. It is an experience best taken together.

To watch the International Rugby Sevens tournament as well as regular cricket, soccer and field hockey games, the Singapore Cricket Club is the destination. Established in 1852, it has had three clubhouse buildings on its historic site on the Padang. Moveable rafters are the seats at this outdoor, limited-sheltered arena.

The Jalan Besar Stadium hosted the 2011 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and continues to be the home base for regional and national soccer games. This venue, which survived World War II, is also the birthplace of Singapore football and has a seating capacity of 6,000. It was one of the host sites for the first Youth Summer Olympics in 2010, and Pele and Eric Cantona have conducted meet-and-greets there.

Those wanting to mix sports and betting should head to the Singapore Racecourse. It’s the country’s second venue for thoroughbred horse racing and betting, having replaced the Bukit Timah Race Course in 2000. Go there to see the Singapore Airlines International Cup, Singapore Derby and KrisFlyer International Sprint in addition to other domestic races.

The Singapore Polo Club, also known as the Singapore Grounds, is not simply a viewing ground for polo, but also one for the Asia Gaelic Athletics Association Hurling and Gaelic Football games. It was built by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II in its attempt to cultivate national identity, but has since become a spot for Singaporean sports fans.

Singaporeans take their brunch very seriously and regularly. The weekend ritual usually takes place in the late morning or early afternoon, over a large buffet spread or as an à la carte meal. Hopefully, champagne is involved. For the best brunches in Singapore, check out these restaurants:

1. The Dining Room at Tanjong Beach Club. Sit under sky-high ceilings for sea views while brunching at the Dining Room at Tanjong Beach Club. Salads are the order of late mornings here: Chef Craig Schantz tosses up a superb warm octopus salad with rocket, radish, cherry tomatoes and a garlic vinaigrette with smoked paprika. A creamy tofu dressing holds together the warm fresh bean salad, with its three types of beans, candied walnuts, cucumber and pickled golden raisins. Both make for perfect meals before a dip in the pool.

2. House in Dempsey. At House in Dempsey, brunch is a vintage-plated affair. Set among lush forest-scapes in a former army barrack, the slightly secluded spot isn’t a secret among in-the-know locals, who crave the creative fare. Stuffed French toast is bursting with berries, poached eggs are let loose on pizza, warm red teas resemble lattes and desserts are towering slices of cakes with local flavorings. The practice of brunch may be Western, but House’s influences are local.

3. Cassia. The weekend dim sum brunch at the Knoll’s gourmet Cantonese restaurant, Cassia, offers a menu of more than 60 dishes, accompanied by the Ruinart Blanc de Blanc or Ruinart Rosé. The chef of the regal dark brown and champagne-gold space lays out a handmade selection that includes Kurobuta pork buns, barbecued boneless duckling and crisp roasted U.S. Berkshire pork belly — an upscale riff on traditional Chinese breakfasts.

4. Greenhouse. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore’s Vintage Sunday Champagne brunch is a weekly decadent occurrence. But twice a year — in May and October — it transforms into a Super Brunch. The hotel’s Greenhouse is converted into three sections for the mother of all brunches, with approximately 260 feet of table space laid out with food. Guest chefs from five prominent Singapore restaurants are invited to showcase their culinary skills, making up a portion each of the massive meal. A typical Super Brunch includes a whole leg of Wagyu beef, whole roasted chickens spiked on cornbread, unlimited champagne, oysters, lobsters, sushi, foie gras and loads of desserts.

5. Hatched has the right idea — brunch should be all about the eggs. Located at the bottom of a old hostel building at the edge of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this all-day egg restaurant boils, bakes, poaches, scrambles and fries its main ingredient to satisfy as many hungry stomachs as possible. It is also one of few brunch places that serves eggs with soldiers. Your stomach will stand at attention for these “soldiers” — strips of buttered toast used for dipping into the soft-boiled egg.

Kid-friendly restaurants don’t just mean booster seats anymore — in Singapore, good food and fun entertainment come hand-in-hand. Bring your little ones to these top kid-friendly dining spots:

1. Eco Gourmet Café. At the entrance of Eco Gourmet Café’s open-air space, daybeds face World War II storage tunnels. Separated by a wall of wines, the dining area at the back is propped up on stilts so it overlooks the lush trees and plants of the nature reserve. Kids get to dine like adults on their big-city menu of proper fish and chips — none of that out-of-a-box, deep-fried fish fingers. After the meal, stroll past the historic never-fired-before cannons out to the waterfront.

2. Brussel Sprouts. The kids’ selection at Brussel Sprouts may not be as mature as Eco Gourmet’s — pasta in pink sauce and meatball with fries — but the little ones get to order bigger plates and the signature moule frites if they find their options stifling. Brunch is a fun affair here: Balloons and coloring pages will keep the little multitaskers occupied.

3. The Barnacles Restaurant. This eatery overlooking the South China Sea is the perfect setting for a family gathering. Children have their own dedicated buffet section placed at their height, while parents can enjoy oysters, Alaskan crabs and barbecued meats. Magic shows and balloon-twisting acts entertain kids over lunch. Head down to the beach or kiddie pool with three slides and a water feature, or stick around the two-story indoor playhouse after the meal.

4. La Villa. Bouncy castles of different themes pop up at La Villa every weekend. Kids can help themselves to the Italian buffet spread that includes classic cold cuts and freshly baked breads, eggs, salads and the standard desserts. The playground in the open field might make it difficult to pin these little adventure-seekers down, but you’ll probably find them at the machine serving fruit-flavored slushies.

5. Little Fan Room. At Melt - The World Café, the Little Fan Room has been set up specially for three- to 12-year-olds. The room holds a special buffet of mini burgers, finger sandwiches, popcorn and a do-it-yourself candyfloss machine. There are also cartoon screenings and storybook sessions. The more independent and artistic kiddos can make use of the drawing materials to express themselves.

Long before any club hit Singapore, Zouk helmed the nightlife scene. It has been the go-to club since it launched in 1991, and it’s still going strong: International guest DJs deliver top Balearic beats and its cheesy Mambo Jambo nights (Wednesdays) still make for fun, must-experience-at-least-once entertainment. On weekends, let go to global decksmiths such as Sven Väth and Infected Mushroom, and in December, put on your beachwear for the annual ZoukOut rave on the beach.

Following intently on this powerhouse’s heels is Butter Factory, the club of choice for younger, Top 40-loving, might-have-been-a-Zoukster-in-the-’90s crowd. The second-floor space at One Fullerton is much cozier than the previous, so clubbers heave together to the strong bass beats.

The recent months have seen celebrity-endorsed Avalon — think Ashton Kutcher, Cameron Diaz and Black Eyed Peas — hit town. Stretching across the top two levels of Marina Bay Sands’ Crystal Pavilion, this glass-encased 12,000-square-foot club features a state-of-the-art visual and lighting system. The world’s leading DJs, including Kele and Boy George, spin the decks here before heading directly underwater to ultra-lounge Pangaea for a more intimate set to the likes of Madonna and Lou Reed.

Avalon and Pangaea aside, it’s ladies’ night every Wednesday. The fairer gender gets into clubs for free not to mention complimentary free-flow of drinks for around three hours starting at 10 p.m. Clarke Quay is best destination to club-hop. Go from the live-band-powered nostalgic-tuned Pump Room, to mainstream chart-topper Attica and a mix of both at pool-hall-with-a-dance-floor China One. When every other club has closed, traipse over to Dim Sum Dolly for live Mandarin concerts until the sun rises.

If an indie night is more your style, pull up at Home Club. Up-and-coming local DJs pay to showcase their skills on the decks. Members of local audio-visual collective Syndicate regularly battle it out among themselves here, one-upping each other with hip-hop, deep house, techno, indie, electro and drum ’n’ bass on-the-spot mixes with matching optical illusions in screen.

The hot and humid Singapore weather calls for light, airy clothes, like those made of cotton, linen or silk blends. The outfits can be separated into two styles: casual and semiformal. While casual will get you into almost any establishment in the day, folks tend to dress up at night. Pack one long-sleeved top and pants or a long skirt if you plan to go to a temple.

As far as footwear, sandals are acceptable. But bring along good walking shoes and another formal pair for those nights out. Sunscreen is necessary, too, even if you bring a hat and an umbrella with you. Bring a fan to keep cool.

It goes without saying that you’ll want to take in the city’s varied architecture and snap up encounters of the distinct daily occurrences in Singapore, so bring along a small but powerful camera. Electricity in Singapore flows at 230 volts with a 50-hertz frequency using three-pronged G plugs and sockets.

The Esplanade, otherwise known as “The Durian,” is the biggest and most all-encompassing live music venue in Singapore. Apart from free gigs by local and visiting artists every week, this performing arts center organizes more than 14 festivals and 20 ongoing series in a year. Among the offerings, the 10-day Mosaic Music Festival and series is most tuneful. International jazz, funk, hip-hop and world music artists like Wynton Marsalis and Joanna Newsom have dropped in to perform at this jamboree.

Most local artists get their starts and residencies at Timbre. A stint at one of this live music bar and restaurant’s three locations is a rite of passage for up-and-comers who wish to cast their notes in the industry. It’s the guitar-strumming cover bands that usually stay — the Goodfellas’ adaptation of rock, pop and Motown have struck a lasting chord, while Michaela Therese has graduated to self-penned jazz tunes. In April, this nurturing band circuit puts together the Timbre: Rock and Roots festival. Past fests brought in big names like the legendary Bob Dylan, the ethereal Imogen Heap and soulful John Legend.

Timbre’s predecessor, Wala Wala, is now one of the smaller, standalone venues, alongside CMPB in Dempsey and the Hard Rock Café. The set list encompasses mostly covers of pop songs for the first two venues, and rock for the latter.

Jazz fiends should head to the smart-casual Ink Bar at level one of the Fairmont Singapore hotel, where Jeremy Monteiro and his band have been tinkering the keys for several years. The grittier, more laid-back BluJaz at the back of Haji Lane also touts jazz nights. It has a larger, more improvisation-friendly atmosphere with 10-piece band Omniform on the first Monday of every month, a quartet on alternate Fridays and scat-singing Alemay Fernandez every now and then.

If you want to visit Singapore’s best museums, you’ll find one of them at the forefront of the skyline, the ArtScience Museum. The lotus-shaped structure houses three rooms of material that straddles the art and science realms. It is here that an ancient Chinese scroll, Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machine and the Kongmin lantern come together. This is also the temporary resting place for international traveling exhibitions, like Salvador Dalí’s surreal Dali: Mind of a Genius’ and the epic Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.

A rival to this prominent structure is the Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium at Sentosa’s waterfront. This newly anchored steel-and-glass hull space houses permanent exhibitions based on the theme of the Maritime Silk Road. A replica of a 9th-century Arab dhow that was a gift from the sultanate of Oman is moored permanently here.

The largest museum on the island keeps the focus local: The National Museum traces the history of Singapore back to its beginnings in the 14th century. Its Living Galleries explore the food, fashion, film, photography and wayang (Javanese shadow theater) components, while the newly opened William Farquhar Collection archives important botanical and zoological discoveries made and commissioned by the first resident and commandant of Singapore when she was still a British colony.

The Asian Civilisations Museum is similar in that it specializes in the material history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia. The interactive touchscreen kiosks and barcode readers help customize your tour through the historic Empress Place Building.

The most comprehensive collection of Peranakan artifacts in the world resides in the Peranakan Museum; 10 galleries explore the various facets of this vibrant Nusantara Chinese-immigrant Nyonya-Baba culture. The importance of the sarong kebaya — the inspiration for the Singapore Airlines flight attendant uniforms — is displayed in the Nonya Gallery. In the Conversations Gallery, a myriad of the culture’s clothing, food, jewelry and artifacts are laid out.

Unlike the rest, the Singapore Art Museum has never held blockbuster shows. Because of its small, unusual and hidden gallery spaces, it specializes in smaller exhibitions, mostly 20th-century Asian visual art. It often draws from its own collection of Southeast Asian pioneer art.

If you only have two days to see Singapore, start off your whirlwind tour with a meal at Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. A strong cup of sock-brewed kopi (coffee) and some banana and yam fritters should tide you over until you come across your next food stall. If you’re adventurous enough, try the savory sliced raw fish congee.

Spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon experiencing Singapore’s three major cultural groups’ way of life. Starting at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum across the street in Chinatown, this Tang Dynasty-style building is said to house the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha. It was found in 1980 in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar. Afterward, leave this gold and red building to peruse the shophouse-lined streets for snacks and souvenirs.

At the beginning of Temple Street sits the oldest Hindu temple in the country — the Sri Mariamman Temple. Founded in 1827 by government clerk Nariana Pillai, the entrance to this house of worship was initially made of wood and attap. Take your shoes off, step in and observe a lunch prayer session. On the next street is Masjid Jamae (Jamae Mosque), one of the earliest mosques to be constructed in Singapore. Non-Muslims are discouraged from entering this sanctuary, but feel free to take pictures beneath the onion-topped octagonal minarets.

When through exploring, have lunch at Spring Court, Singapore’s oldest family-run Chinese restaurant. Now housed in a four-story banquet space, it has retained its traditional wooden chairs and elegant carpeted rooms with fabric-covered furniture and vaulted ceilings. Open since 1929, this Chinatown restaurant is best known for its crisp-skinned Peking duck.

After your meal, make your way to Clarke Quay. Wander through the shops along the river as you walk down toward Boat Quay and the Fullerton Hotel, a former post office. Do a tour at the Asian Civilisations Museum or go through the free art exhibits and mini museum in the lobby of the Fullerton Hotel.

Before the sun sets, head up to the Marina Bay Sands’ observation deck to watch the star dip under the horizon. Have dinner at regional celebrity chef Justin Quek’s restaurant Sky on 57. At Quek’s panoramic restaurant, hawker food — the street eats you had at breakfast — is prepared with luxury ingredients, plated in European style and paired with wines from all over the world.

On the second day, have breakfast at Ah Teng’s Bakery at Raffles Singapore. Biscuits, cakes and dim sum go well with the Chinese-style morning cuppa. The hotel is strict with its dress code, so leave the sandals at home.

Now that you’re all fueled up, explore the Peranakan Museum on Armenian Street for the rest of the morning. Learn about the vibrant Nusantara Chinese-immigrant Nyonya-Baba culture, including the importance of the sarong kebaya, the beautiful traditional garb of Peranakan women.

When you’re done looking at the exhibits, savor lunch at True Blue Cuisine, the Peranakan Museum’s restaurant. The artifact-laden, two-shophouse restaurant is run by Benjamin “Baba Ben” Seck and decorated with hand-me-down baskets, beaded shoes and a life-sized drawing of Seck’s great-grandmother. Food — recipes handed down from Seck’s mother — is served on real vintage wares, which gives the meal an authentic feel.

After lunch, cab it to the Singapore Zoo to finish out your last day in Singapore. Get there just in time to watch the elephants work and play at 3.30 p.m. The staged show transports you to a Burmese elephant logging camp, and it ends with a feeding session. After the sun sets, scurry on over to the Night Safari to observe more than 900 nocturnal animals in the lauded open-concept evening zoo. The tram ride will take you through the Nepalese River Valley to see the pelicans and golden jackals, Asian Riverine Forest for Malayan tapirs and red dholes (wild dogs), and Equatorial Africa for the caped giraffe. Make sure to get off and walk the trails if you want to catch the mousedeer and leopard.

Festive and festival seasons are the best times to visit Singapore, and they happen almost every month. There is always something to do in Singapore, and unlike most countries, the city does not shut down when Christmas or New Year’s rolls around. The multicultural elements and economic acumens of the city allow for businesses to remain open during typical holiday seasons.

The Chingay Procession — a parade of Carnivale proportions — takes place during Chinese New Year in January; the government throws a nationwide party in August to celebrate the country’s independence day; mooncakes are baked in September for the Mid-Autumn Festival; the Formula One Grand Prix zooms in during the last week of September; and Little India lights up for Deepavali in November.

Perhaps the only period to avoid Singapore is during the monsoon season. It starts pouring in November and tapers off in January, just in time for you party at the Chingay Procession.

If you only have one day to see Singapore, start off with a meal at Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. A strong cup of sock-brewed kopi (coffee) and some banana and yam fritters should tide you over until you come across your next food stall. If you’re adventurous enough, try the savory sliced raw fish congee.

Spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon experiencing Singapore’s three major cultural groups’ way of life. Starting at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum across the street in Chinatown, this Tang Dynasty-style building is said to house the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha. It was found in 1980 in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar. Afterward, leave this gold and red building to peruse the shophouse-lined streets for snacks and souvenirs.

At the beginning of Temple Street sits the oldest Hindu temple in the country — the Sri Mariamman Temple. Founded in 1827 by government clerk Nariana Pillai, the entrance to this house of worship was initially made of wood and attap. Take your shoes off, step in and observe a lunch prayer session. On the next street is Masjid Jamae (Jamae Mosque), one of the earliest mosques to be constructed in Singapore. Non-Muslims are discouraged from entering this sanctuary, but feel free to take pictures beneath the onion-topped octagonal minarets.

When through exploring, have lunch at Spring Court, Singapore’s oldest family-run Chinese restaurant. Now housed in a four-story banquet space, it has retained its traditional wooden chairs and elegant carpeted rooms with fabric-covered furniture and vaulted ceilings. Open since 1929, this Chinatown restaurant is best known for its crisp-skinned Peking duck.

After your meal, make your way to Clarke Quay. Wander through the shops along the river as you walk down toward Boat Quay and the Fullerton Hotel, a former post office. Do a tour at the Asian Civilisations Museum or go through the free art exhibits and mini museum in the lobby of the Fullerton Hotel.

Before the sun sets, head up to the Marina Bay Sands’ observation deck to watch the star dip under the horizon. Have dinner at regional celebrity chef Justin Quek’s restaurant Sky on 57. At Quek’s panoramic restaurant, hawker food — the street eats you had at breakfast — is prepared with luxury ingredients, plated in European style and paired with wines from all over the world.

Singapore may play the high stakes economically, but there are still a lot of free activities you can do for fun in this burgeoning city, especially when it comes to the great outdoors and the arts. Here are our picks for the five best free things to do in Singapore:

1. Bridge up with nature. Past the rubber trees and pitcher plants at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park — open since 1868, it’s Singapore’s oldest reservoir — is an 820-foot suspension bridge that is part of the HSBC TreeTop Walk. All along this hanging link are vantage points to look out onto the park’s mature secondary forest. Those not quite willing to leave the city behind should head up to the Henderson Waves, a modern wave-like pedestrian bridge that gazes onto the city’s skyline.

2. Visit the places of worship. Get to know the melting pot of cultures in Singapore by visiting the various religious places of worship. The Sri Thandayuthapani Temple (Chettiar Hindu Temple) at Tank Road is where the steel-spiked Kavadi carriers end their walks every Thaipusam, the yearly wintertime Hindu festival. Daily ceremonies can be observed here as early as 8 a.m. For a similarly welcoming experience of a different belief, visit the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho temple in Bugis. Grandmothers come daily to offer lotus flowers, incense and prayers to the benevolent Goddess of Mercy.

3. See the art galleries. Stop in at the dozens of art galleries and spaces in Singapore to admire contemporary work. The Substation Gallery is known for supporting quirky local artists, who do everything from poetry to installations; Gallery Krisstel Martin showcases regional talents like Japan’s Taiji Hayama; and while 2902 Gallery focuses solely on photographs, it brings in artists from all over the globe. John Clang, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró and Balthasar Lobo have all been here.

4. Head to Marina Barrage. On top of Marina Barrage is an expansive windy green field conducive for kite-flying and picnicking. This space sits across the mouth of Marina Bay, creating the country’s 15th reservoir and the only one in the city. This seamless feat of architecture that has won international awards for its environmental engineering is a Zen space from which to look upon the business district skyline.

5. See a performance at the Esplanade. Duck into one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the Esplanade, for free performances by local and visiting artists like the Klunchun Dance Company from Thailand. At the concourse, dances and mini classical concerts featuring instruments like the gu zheng (Chinese plucked zither) take place to the backdrop of extensive rotating art installations. Rock bands perform at the On the Waterfront stage with the Fullerton Hotel lighting up background.

Not the typical island getaway, Singapore has much more to offer, especially for couples. A date on this metropolitan isle can be as secluded or whirlwind as you prefer; from private spas and exclusive lookouts, to dancing under the moonlight and nestling in cabanas. Get lost, get high (as in altitude) and get hot.

1. Check out the skyline. Use the breeze as an excuse to snuggle up to each other as you look out onto the brilliant modern city skyline. Lean back with champagne and shellfish in a cabana seat at Sky on 57’s Oyster Bar. Cocktail loungers looking to let out some dance moves should head over to the other side of the bay to the world’s highest alfresco bar (complete with dance floor), 1-Altitude. Beer lovers, on the other hand, would take to the high barstool-aided view from microbrewery LeVel 33 quickly. Arrive before the sun sets for great glimpse of the city.

2. Dine on the biggest Ferris wheel in the world. The 541-foot Singapore Flyer serves up a champagne-popping, four-course European-style dinner in the pods, complete with a personal butler. A meal takes place over the course of an hour, so you get to enjoy the dimmed lights, quiet music and sparkling panorama in two rotations.

3. Eat at Ice Cream Man. Things can, and will, get heated up in Singapore. Call ahead to Ice Cream Man on Haji Lane to simultaneously tame and set alight those burning desires. This couple-run ice cream shop will customize any flavor as long as you promise to buy at least 33 ounces when it’s done. Let your smitten imagination run wild. Your partner will be impressed by this coolly planned break in the middle of the cozy, quirky shoppers’ lane on a scorching day.

4. Go au naturel. Nature and history lovers will love Labrador Park’s mix of serenity with historic never-been-fired cannons, tunnels that lead to nowhere and waterfront views of the Straits of Malacca. Alternatively, head over to the Singapore Botanic Gardens to explore the orchids; or take a romantic stroll up to the Henderson Waves, a canopy bridge that looks far out into the horizon.

5. Have a quiet dinner for two. The stunning backdrops and secluded atmospheres of restaurants all around Singapore make romantic dinners an effortless affair. Dine on European-Asian plates while surrounded by vibrant flowering ginger plants at Halia in the Singapore Botanic Gardens; slurp up nutritious soups at Empress Jade atop the oft-overlooked Mount Faber; or feel like you’re on top of the city while right in the middle of it at Equinox Restaurant on the 70th level of the Swissôtel the Stamford.

Despite its reputation as a fast-growing economic metropolis, Singapore is very much a haven for kids. Uncover the history of a Japanese-occupied World War II, explore the nature trails of a tropical rainforest, delve into the world of cultural performances or simply hop onto roller coasters for a thrilling ride — there is much for young minds to do in this small but adventurous city.

1. Universal Studios. Just off the south of the city on Sentosa Island is Universal Studios, Southeast Asia’s first blockbuster movie and television show theme park. In this fantastical enclave, the world’s tallest dueling roller coasters — the Human and Cylon routes of Battlestar Galactica — fill the skies at 140 feet, vintage desert jeeps roam ancient Egyptian lands, and pterodactyls soar through the Lost World. Eighteen of the theme park’s 24 attractions were specially adapted.

2. The botanic gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a rich 183-acre cluster of flora and fauna in the middle of the city. What started out as rainforest has long been landscaped into a public park. Plus, the gardens have free entry, open from 5 a.m. to midnight every day of the year. Have a picnic, roam or slide out of tree houses and mazes. Or bring the little ones and take part in educational workshops at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, one of the first kiddie gardens in Asia.

3. The Night Safari. Set in a secondary rainforest, the world’s first night zoo houses more than 900 nocturnal critters from 130 species. Opened in 1991, the Night Safari was the first to use special lighting techniques to highlight animals in their original surroundings without barriers. Observe in awe as lions gnaw on big-boned carcasses, mountain deer stop in their tracks and, if you’re lucky, rhinoceros taking their bath. Hop off the tram to go in search of flying squirrels, hanging bats and roaming leopards. As if that weren’t exciting enough, a River Safari will open in 2012.

4. Take the kids to the East’s Broadway. Catch some big productions at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands. The Lion King musical had a nice run in the 1,900-seat Sands Theatre. Though it’s too late to see the colorful life-sized animal puppets and hear African melodies composed and adapted by Elton John, the theater stages other popular shows like Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz.

5. Fort Siloso. Go back in time with country’s largest collection of World War II memorabilia at Fort Siloso. Sign up for the tours that include a Fort Siloso History Passport — the passport route will take you through old tunnels of this vital point of defense for the Malayan region. Check out cannons and original guns — don’t worry, it’s all safe — from the Occupation era.

Orchard Road is Singapore’s most established and varied shopping strip. Luxury ateliers such as Harry Winston and Cartier at the imposing, futuristic-looking ION Orchard; local brands AllDressedUp and Raoul at Paragon; smaller, self-manufactured homegrown labels at teen hangout the Heeren; and all the usual shopping staples (Topshop, H&M, Uniqlo, Pedro) pack this 1.3-mile tree-lined route that was a former fruit orchard.

The tai tais (socialites, or ladies who lunch) flock to ION, Paragon, Ngee Ann City and Mandarin Gallery for big-name labels like Chanel and Bvlgari. Those with a little more edge will head to Jimmy Choo and Ashley Isham; their daughters follow suit for the red-soled Louboutins and flirty Marc Jacob frocks. If you tend to like indie- and street-style threads, Hansel and BAPE are also on the way.

Pois at Paragon and its offshoot enVie de Pois are the ultimate one-stop shops for lesser-seen designers, such as Alessandra Rich, Alexandre Vauthier, Amaya Arzuaga, Catherine Regehr and Hervé L Leroux. Shop these spots for duds that no one else will have back home.

If wading through throngs of people is not your idea of luxury shopping, go farther down to the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, where the exclusive Louis Vuitton Island Maison is located. The nautical-inspired interiors of this French brand’s first Maison in Southeast Asia were designed by acclaimed architect Peter Marino. While you won’t find limited-edition items here, you will inside the Shoppes in the main building — Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Fendi, Hermès and definitely at Van Cleef & Arpels.

For goods with a more eclectic, hipster and independent flair, head over to open-air Haji Lane. Local labels, vintage and secondhand clothes, and a small but cute array of home accessories fill the stout shophouses that flank this narrow lane. Pick up structural dresses and tops at Egg3; peruse Parisian vintage shoes, dresses and bags at Nostalgic Diva; and ride off with a lightweight, vintage-looking bicycle at Tokyo Bike.

Go off the beaten path to Frederick Lee’s studio for a customizable outfit. This local fashion and costume designer, known for his extravagantly crafted wedding gowns, has delved into other kinds of clothing and will create a one-of-a-kind ensemble just for you.

A melting pot of cultures, cosmopolitan Singapore is not merely one of the top economies of the world, it is also one of the most culturally diverse. This modern city rises to the backdrop of traditions and cultural practices handed down through generations of the largely Chinese, Malay and Indian populations. Activities are therefore a diverse and harmonious mix of the new and old. Check out these top things to see and do in the Southeast Asian capital:

1. Explore the cuisine. Singapore has one of the most diverse cuisine offerings among the Southeast Asian countries. Eat like a local at one of the 107 open-air hawker centers that sell street food all over the city or go formal at celebrity-chef spots, such as Wolfgang Puck’s Cut and Guy Savoy at Marina Bay Sands, and Joël Robuchon’s L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Joël Robuchon Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa. You won’t stop eating in Singapore. It’s so ingrained in the culture that to greet someone in the local Hokkien dialect is to, literally, ask if he’s eaten.

2. Shop the area. No trip to Singapore is complete without bagging a couple of finds at Orchard Road, limited-edition luxury goods at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and local up-and-comer labels on Haji Lane. While shopping isn’t tax-free, any purchase over S$100 (about US$79) in a single receipt entitles you to refunds on the 7 percent goods and services levy that’s been automatically incorporated into prices.

3. Check out the nightlife. This is a city that never sleeps, and why should she? Nightlife in Singapore is too vibrant to catch some Z’s. There’s the Will Alsop-designed Clarke Quay, where pubs, live music venues and DJ-fronted clubs such as the quirky Dim Sum Dolly reside; standalone powerhouse Zouk of the famed annual ZoukOut parties on the beach; and international nightlife brands Pangaea and Avalon at Marina Bay Sands — the choice of decks will have you spinning all night long.

4. Singapore Grand Prix. The only night race in the Grand Prix circuit takes place in the Marina Bay area. Central roads are cordoned off, grills are put up and 3,000 lux of light glow every September for the 3.152-mile circuit. Dust is blown off the seats, containers transform into swish VIP lounges and seven stages get erected for the Formula 1-loving city to get revved up for a nationwide party. Beyoncé, Mariah and Shakira have all been here to join in the racing festivities.

5. Take a tour. To really get a feel for the city, take a cultural walking or bus tour with knowledgeable guide Geraldene Lowe. The Singapore native has been conducting tours even before the country gained independence in 1965. Lowe plans out the most detailed and historically researched itineraries, tapping into the unknown and lost parts of the city. Her tour through Emerald Hill, for example, leads you into private shophouse residences. She explains everything, from the bat motif on the windows to the well in the middle of the house and the origins of the peephole above the five-foot walkway.