Singapore

Like its neighbour Malaysia, Singapore is a vibrant cultural melting pot, predominantly Chinese, Malay and Indian. This diversity is best discovered by exploring its distinct ethnic neighbourhoods:

Each enclave has its own distinct energy, yet all share that uniquely Singaporean blend of heritage and hyper-modernity, where century-old customs and restored shophouse facades sit comfortably alongside futuristic glass towers.

Once in Singapore, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is the best way to get around. It is clean, efficient, extensive and affordable, and with clear English signage, air-conditioned trains and a network that reaches every major attraction, exploring the city is remarkably simple.

Singapore is known for its high accommodation costs compared with the rest of Southeast Asia. Options range from iconic luxury hotels such as Marina Bay Sands and the historic Raffles Hotel to a wide array of international mid-range chains, plus stylish boutique hotels set in restored shophouses in neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Kampong Glam. Budget travellers are also well served by excellent, modern hostels, so there is a bed for every wallet — you simply need to book ahead to secure the best value in this compact city-state.

Singapore's food scene is legendary and an essential part of its national identity. For an authentic and affordable experience, a visit to a hawker centre is a must. Places like Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat and Newton Food Centre serve up a dizzying variety of local dishes, from Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab to laksa. For a more upscale experience, the city also boasts a fast-growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants, cementing its reputation as a true world capital of gastronomy.

Wherever you choose to eat — a humble hawker stall or a celebrity-chef dining room — one thing is certain: you will eat very well in Singapore.