Singapore - a cocktail of Asian cultures

The smallest country in South East Asia is also one of the richest. And pound for pound it has to be one of the most varied too.

Stopover in Singapore and you'll soon discover the traditional, cultural quarters of Chinatown, Arab Street and Little India intermingle with modern shimmering glass superstructures. Savour a Singapore Sling under the languorous ceiling fans of world-renowned Raffles Hotel and recapture echoes of its colonial roots.

Lucy Bennett and James Neal from the Austravel team, offer a glimpse into the many faces of super chic Singapore...

As the sun went down we headed for the bright lights uptown – after all no trip to Singapore would be complete without a little shopping spree. It’s a great place to pick up electrical gadgets – ipods, laptops and computer games galore, at extremely cheap prices. And of course, if you’re looking for clothes this shopping mecca has more than its fair share of fashion houses. Start at Orchard Road where all the top designers are found.

The Mustafa Centre is a 24-hour shopping mall and a great one-stop shop selling every conceivable item at some of the lowest prices in Singapore. Little wonder then that it was still busy when we arrived at 10pm. I saved about 60% on a camera compared to UK prices.

Be prepared for an overpowering of the senses as you step outside into the heart of Little India. The strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands lead through a treasure trove of ethnic jewellery, silver and brassware and colourful silk saris. Malay Village, or Geylang Serai, is a throwback to the good old ‘Kampung days’ with shops that emanate old-world charm and a potpourri of handicrafts is displayed from rugs and fabrics to furniture and antiques.

Later, feeling more than a little peckish, we took a trishaw ride with a friendly driver who was more than happy to show us the sights. The choice of food in Singapore is as incredible as it is cosmopolitan, so we hopped off in Chinatown and sampled what has become Singapore’s unofficial national dish, Chilli Crab. It’s delicious, a fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian styles of cooking. A perfect illustration of the merging tastes and cultures that makes Singapore so enchanting today.

To see one of Singapore's latest developments, visit the Harbour Front where you will find Vivocity. Having only just opened in November 2006, it comprises over a million square feet of shopping space with iconic structures and spaces staging world-class events along its waterfront promenade. Designed by world-renowned architect Toyo Ito, with over 300 shopping, entertainment and food outlets offering dining Al Fresco, it forms the largest retail and leisure complex in Singapore.

It’s hard to believe this city of contrast was once a humble fishing village. For centuries it’s provided a gateway to Asia for the West, which goes a long way to explaining its inexorable rise to the great seaport and bustling metropolis you see today.

We took a ride along Singapore River on one of the many bumboats, traditional cargo carrying vessels. It’s a great way to appreciate views of grand old colonial buildings alongside the gleaming skyscrapers of the financial district, before circling the majestic half-lion half-fish Merlion statue that’s become a symbol of modern Singapore.

For night owls, Singapore caters to every taste, whether that means a quiet meal in elegant surroundings and harbour views or the heaving, throbbing beats pumped out at world class clubs by big name DJs.

Opting for the quiet life we fell in love with the Clarke Quay area beside the Singapore River. With restaurant after restaurant lining the waterfront, offering an abundant variety of international and national cuisine, we were spoilt for choice. We also finally succumbed to the lure of that famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling, in the legendary surroundings of the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel.

For those wanting to dance until dawn, we recommend the world’s biggest Ministry of Sound on Clarke Quay with one of the most advanced audio and visual effects system to be found, a flagship of this now global brand. For a Spanish flavour, or more precisely, Ibiza, try the Café Del Mar where the young and beautiful hang out. Perched on the gorgeous sands of Sentosa's Siloso beach there's a pool behind where live bands feature.

St James Power Station near the harbour front offers another unique venue for live music. This huge, former coal-fired power station provides nine distinctive entertainment outlets and is also a museum by day for the Tiger Beer brand promising a ‘one-ofa-kind, visionary and multi-sensory experience’.

On top of MountFaber sits The Jewel Box, an architectural icon of elegance and splendour with breathtaking views of Singapore's harbour front and skyline. World-class cuisine is served in the magical setting of the Grand Ballroom with its floor to ceiling windows.

After three days, we felt ready for a bit of pampering. (Besides, the whole point of a stopover is to feel more relaxed than when you arrive!) So what better way of doing this than to treat yourself to a relaxing spa session? As you might expect Singapore has a great choice of spas offering the most elaborate treatments to simple yet soothing foot massages.

For the ultimate pampering experience we opted for a Javanese Lulur treatment at Spa Botanica in the Sentosa Resort. Singapore’s first tropical garden spa, this luxurious treatment was at one time reserved solely for royals. Other highly rated spas worth a visit include:

Spa Andana on Orchard Road (on the newly built sixth floor of Paragon) has been attracting a steady horde of executives, tourists as well as people who come for specialist medical treatment. Along with its hot and cold therapy pools, sauna and steam baths and access to private rooms on a first-come, first-served basis, it also offers facilities such as the use of Wifi and Internet access, reading and movie lounges along with refreshments in the way of food and beverages.

The Aramsa Garden Spa at Bishan Park is set amongst 52 hectares of lush tropical greenery with cypress reeds, lilies and water lettuce. It feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city and houses 12 treatment rooms, a studio, and the Green Room Café offering healthy, organic fare.