Singapore Botanic Gardens:

With a 150-year history (since 1859), this spectacular jungle of tropical vegetation in the heart of the city is home to more than 10,000 species of plants and one of the most impressive orchid gardens in the world, with more than 3,000 types. Enjoy a romantic stroll along the shady paths through the park and prepare to be enraptured by their beauty.

Address: 1 Cluny Road, 259569 Singapore, www.sbg.org.sg

Sentosa Island:

Just 500 metres off the coast of Singapore, the one-time British military fort (1880) has now been converted into a gigantic theme park with luxury resorts, an impressive aquarium, a bird observatory, a butterfly garden, fabulous spas and of course the Universal Studios park which crowns the island’s reputation as an Asian Disneyland. Opt for taking the cable car connecting the city of Singapore with the island. The view from the aerial gondolas is breathtaking.

Address: Sentosa Island, 098269 Singapore, www.sentosa.com.sg

Singapore Zoo & Night Safari:

Thick with lush tropical vegetation, the best zoo in Asia features more than 2,500 species of animals in an open, natural environment. Famous for the large colony of orangutans and the working elephants from Thailand, the zoo also houses a special park of nocturnal wild animals and offers an opportunity to experience a night-time safari for an atmospheric meeting with tigers, lions and huge low-flying bats.

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, 729826 Singapore, www.zoo.com.sg

Peranakan Museum:

A fascinating museum devoted to the unique civilisation, traditions and intricate lifestyle of the Peranakans, descendants of Chinese and Malay immigrants. The museum houses 10 permanent collections focusing on, among other things, the Peranakan gastronomic culture and the custom of the12-day Peranakan wedding.

Address: 39 Armenian Street, 179941 Singapore, www.peranakanmuseum.org.sg

Chinatown Heritage Centre:

This unique museum provides a realistic representation of the Chinese experience in Singapore through photographs, dioramas and models of the homes and shops of the first Chinese immigrants.

48 Pagoda Street, 05920 Singapore, www.chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg

Singapore Flyer:

This giant observation wheel stands at a height of 165 metres above the beach on Raffles Avenue and offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Climb into one of the glass cabins and enjoy the startling view of the Singaporean skyline in slow motion.

Address: 30 Raffles Avenue, 039803 Singapore, www.singaporeflyer.com

Baba House:

This impressively restored Perakanan house of the early 20th century is now a museum offering an exciting look at the lives of ordinary Singaporeans during the country’s era of great maritime prosperity. The intense blue of the façade and the opening doors (pintu pagar) of the entrance with gilt and ivory inlays will captivate you.

Address: 157 Neil Road, 088883 Singapore, www.nus.edu.sg

Sri Mariamman Temple:

The oldest temple in Singapore (1827) is located in the heart of Chinatown and is a place of worship for the country’s Tamil Hindus who gather here for the Deepavali Festival of Lights every October-November. You can admire the tiers of Hindu deities decorating the tower that rises above the entrance to the temple and its explosive colours.

Address: 244 South Bridge Road, 058793 Singapore, heb.gov.sg

Thian Hock Keng Temple:

One of the oldest (1842) and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore, it was a place where the early Chinese immigrants gave thanks to Mazu (Goddess of the Sea) for their safe journey. Built in a traditional style, it is a masterpiece of architecture made of stone, tiles and wood, with exquisite reliefs and sculptures. It has been a national monument since 1973.

Address: 158 Telok Ayer Street, 068613 Singapore, www.thianhockkeng.com.sg

National Museum of Singapore:

The oldest museum in Singapore (1887) is housed in a splendid building in the neo-Palladian and Renaissance style and uses state-of-the-art media to highlight the entire history of Singapore’s transformation from a small agrarian island to a modern, hi-tech 21st century metropolis.

Address: 93 Stamford Road, 178897 Singapore, www.nationalmuseum.sg