77 Audley in Singapore Regularly used as a stopover en route to Southeast Asia or Australasia, Singapore is the ideal city break for sightseeing or shopping. In terms of accommodation, Singapore's most famous hotel is the opulent Raffles but there are plenty of alternatives, from international five star hotels to boutique properties in converted shop- houses. We can suggest a range of excursions such as a walking tour of Chinatown and the colonial district, a ride on a traditional bumboat on the Singapore River or the breathtaking cable car flight to Sentosa Island. Climate Singapore is a year- round destination, being consistently hot and humid with an average temperature of 27 degrees. There is always the chance of a heavy downpour as the island is swept by two monsoons, thankfully both usually mild, that approach the northeast from December to March and the southeast from June to September. Cultural Diversity The 4.5 million people of Singapore share an incredibly diverse cultural heritage. The majority are Chinese but there are large numbers of Malays and Indians as well as Eurasians and other ethnic groups. The Malays were the original inhabitants of the island who first met Stamford Raffles in1819. Singapore prospered as a trading post and soon attracted migrants from the Indonesian islands followed by Chinese from the southern provinces. In Chinatown today, a number of Chinese dialects are spoken, with Mandarin being the official language of the community. English is the language of business and administration but Malay and Tamil are also officially recognised languages. In the early 19th century, Indians and Sri Lankans arrived from the southern subcontinent and Little India remains a charming and fascinating area of modern day Singapore. Religious freedom is honoured everywhere, with an array of churches, mosques and temples: every religious festival is celebrated with extravagant enthusiasm. 48 Hours in Singapore We recommend a minimum of 48 hours in Singapore to learn a little of its history and get a feel for the main sights. A great place to start is the Raffles landing site and Cavenagh Bridge area by the river at Boat Quay. After admiring the legacy of Raffles and Cavenagh, who governed the Straits Settlements for eight years, head into the Asian Civilisation Museum. Here impressive displays cleverly document some of the many cultures found in Asia. A relaxing and informative way to explore the river is on traditional bumboats which depart regularly from piers along the quays. At lunchtime you may like to relax in shady Fort Canning Park with great views over the city. A worthwhile trip just out of the city is to Changi Museum with poignant reminders of Changi Prison's history as a World War II Prisoner of War camp. A good contrast on day two would be to visit Chinatown, one of Singapore's most historically intact areas. Amongst the highlights are Amoy Street with tastefully renovated shop- houses, the Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple and the stunning Thian Hock Buddhist Temple. The nearby Chinatown Heritage Centre is our favourite museum in Singapore. Continue your exploration of Singapore's diverse culture in Little India where the fortune tellers, spice and aromatic curry stalls and Indian music around Serangoon Road recreate the subcontinent in miniature. In the evening you might like to take a sunset trip on the Singapore Flyer, Singapore's version of the London Eye, only much bigger. The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay often host world class concerts, musicals and plays but do need to be booked in advance. Or simply relax by the river and sample some of Singapore's sensational cuisine. Singapore www. audleytravel. com/ singapore Telephone: 01993 838 135 Decorative entrance to temple, Chinatown Traditional floral offerings at a market stall, Little India

78 Boat Quay Raffles Hotel THEVALLEYWING, SHANGRI- LA Shangri- La's flagship property in Singapore is split into three wings. Our favourite is the Valley Wing which has its own entrance and lobby leading to 131 beautifully appointed guestrooms. Guests staying here enjoy breakfast in the exclusive Summit Room, free champagne and refreshments all day at the Champagne Bar and the superb service for which the Shangri- La group is famous. Set in tropical gardens near Orchard Road, the hotel has a large free- form swimming pool, an indoor rock- climbing wall, a range of excellent dining options and a spa. RAFFLESHOTEL Established in 1887, Raffles Hotel is as much a landmark of Singapore as an accommodation option. The first choice for elite travellers since its opening, the hotel is centrally located and is renowned for its immaculately landscaped gardens and polished service. The 103 suites are all furnished in period style and the property retains much of its original character. Raffles' high teas are always a highlight and a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar - almost an institution - is an essential part of any visit to Singapore. It is a beautiful place to spend a night or two in lavish and elegant surroundings. Another Day in Singapore Having spent time exploring the main highlights of the city you may like to spend a day relaxing on the beach or familiarising yourself with some of Southeast Asia's wildlife. Sentosa Island is Singapore's playground where attractive beaches are backed by a range of active options: amusement parks, gardens and a fascinating underwater world. There are a couple of good resorts here, but the island is easily accessible as a day trip. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve takes you back to a time when Singapore was swathed in virgin rainforest. Home to an incredible variety of insects, birds and plants and with good walking trails, this is a great place to acclimatise before exploring Asia's wilder tropical jungles. To see larger animals as well as some of the continent's most endangered species, we recommend the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. Sensitively managed and run with a strong emphasis on conservation, the zoo and safari provide great opportunities to get close to the wildlife. National Orchid Garden Rickshaw driver