A bit about Singapore

Singapore may only be a small nation, but it's a fascinating one with plenty to keep all kinds of travellers busy. It was originally founded as a British trading colony in the early 19th century and since its independence it has flourished into one of south-east Asia's top destinations.

A holiday in Singapore can encompass many different things, which is one of the main reasons why it's such a popular place to visit. Although some people believe Singapore to be a rather sterile, soulless city, nothing could be further from the truth. There is a vibrant blend of cultures here that gives it a very distinct atmosphere. One moment you could be strolling along a street lined by colonial buildings and the next you could be in the midst of a Chinese street market.

It isn't all about urban attractions either, as there are some wonderful parks and nature reserves for you to discover, not to mention beautiful beaches on Sentosa Island and the east coast of Singapore. While many people simply see Singapore as a convenient place for a stop-over of a day or two on a longer journey, we think it's well worth taking a holiday to Singapore to discover all that this amazing city has to offer.

Experience the Riverside and Colonial District

The Riverside area is one of the most popular places to stay on a holiday in Singapore, with many of the city's top hotels located in this region. The north side of the river is where Mr Raffles initially set up his colony and is, unsurprisingly, where you'll find the world-famous Raffles Hotel - the very place that the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented.

Wander around here and you'll find a mixture of colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers, not to mention numerous museums. This makes it a great place for culture vultures to stay, with Fort Canning, the Cavenagh Bridge, the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Peranakan Museum and the Victoria Theatre all within easy reach.

Along the quays there are numerous restaurants where you can enjoy an indulgent meal in the evenings - among the best areas to explore when it comes to high-end eateries are Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Many of the restaurants here have outdoor terraces with wonderful views of the river and city skyline.

Discover Little India and Chinatown

One of the most incredible things about going on a holiday to Singapore is being able to discover so many Asian cultures in one location. Two districts that should definitely be on your list of places to visit, even if you don't stay in them, are Little India and Chinatown.

Chinatown is easy to reach from hotels in Singapore's Riverside district, and it really will feel as though you've walked into a new city when you wander around here. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Chinatown Heritage Centre and the Sri Mariamman Temple are among the top sights, but one of the real pleasures of visiting this district is simply strolling down the streets exploring the varied and unusual shops you find along the way. Around Chinese New Year, this part of Singapore really comes alive and is incredibly colourful and vibrant.

Little India, meanwhile, is located just to the north of the city centre and is a fascinating place to discover. The main sight here is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which is the oldest place of worship in this part of Singapore. Otherwise, the main reason to visit Little India is to feast your senses on the smell of incense wafting from temples, the sight of colourful spices and glittering bangles in shop displays, the taste of traditional Indian dishes, and the sound of Bollywood music drifting along on the breeze.