Colonial Singapore

The mark of Sir Stamford Raffles is indelibly stamped on central Singapore. By moving the business district south of the river and making the northern area the administrative centre, Raffles created the framework that remained the blueprint for central Singapore through generations of colonial rule and the republican years of independence. Places of interest include: Empress Place Building, an imposing Victorian structure, built in 1865, that houses a museum, art and antique galleries and a chic restaurant; the incongruous Padang, where flannelled cricketers once caught, bowled and batted in the searing heat; Raffles Hotel, a Singaporean institution which has become a byword for oriental luxury; and any number of imposing churches, such as St Andrew's Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

Chinatown

Chinatown is Singapore's cultural heart and still provides glimpses of the old ways with its numerous temples, decorated terraces and its frantic conglomeration of merchants, shops and activity. Unfortunately much of Chinatown has been torn down and redeveloped over the past 30 years. Faithful restoration by the Urban Redevelopment Authority has saved some parts but it has also posed a new threat, since the restored buildings are now desirable properties commanding high rents, and traditional businesses - such as shops selling incense to temple worshippers, letter writers and chop (stamp) makers - are moving out and a new gentrified Chinatown of fashionable restaurants and expensive shops is taking its place. It's still a fascinating place to explore though, especially in the early morning hours when activity is more pronounced. The Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown is arguably the most interesting in Singapore.

Orchard Rd

This is the area where the high-class hotels predominate. It is also the domain of Singapore's elite, who are lured by the shopping centres, nightspots, restaurants, bars and lounges. A showcase for the material delights of capitalism, Orchard Rd also possesses some sights of cultural interest where a credit card is not required.

Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Town, west of the city centre, is a huge industrial and housing area that is the powerhouse of Singapore's economy. This might seem an unlikely spot for a number of Singapore's tourist attractions but it is home to the Haw Par Villa (an incredibly tacky Chinese mythological theme park), the beautifully landscaped Jurong Bird Park, Chinese & Japanese Gardens and the hands-on Singapore Science Centre.

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is an excellent zoo.The Singapore Zoological Gardens was founded by the late Dr Ong Swee Law.With the Government's support of S$9 million and after almost six years of hard work, the Singapore Zoological Gardens finally opened its gates to guests on 27 June 1973. lovely landscaping, spectacular views of the Seletar Reservior make the Singapore Zoo the most tempting place that worth a visit.

Sentosa Island

Considered the granddaddy of Singapore's parks, Sentosa Island is the city-state's most visited attraction, especially on weekends. It has museums, aquariums, beaches (with imported sand), sporting facilities, walks, rides and food centres. And if a day isn't enough to take in all the sites and activities, the island has a camping ground, hostel and luxury hotels.