Clinging to the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula, the island nation of Singapore is probably most famous for its signature cocktail – the Singapore Sling.

It is also where passengers stop over to stretch their legs on the ‘Kangaroo Route’ flight between Europe and Australia. And the name Singapore (a.k.a The Lion City) conjures up images of towering skyscrapers and an ultra-modern city.

In 1915 a bartender stirred up a concoction of gin, Cherry Heering, Bénédictine and fresh pineapple juice, and the Singapore Sling was born. Today, it’s more likely to be made from gin, bottled sweet and sour and grenadine.

Without a doubt, one of the best places to enjoy a Sling is perched 200 metres in the air with a 360-degree view of Singapore at the Ku De Ta bar, considered one of the world’s most hip nightspots.

It’s on top of the Marina Bay Sands resort, an architectural masterpiece which opened in 2011. Inspired by card decks, the resort consists of three towers topped by a 340-metre long Sky Park housing the Ku De Ta bar and a 150-metre-long infinity pool.

Singapore may be one of the smallest countries in Asia, but it’s also one of the most multicultural. Once part of the Sumatran empire, Portuguese raiders plundered the state before Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819. Recognising its strategic location, it was turned into a British trading post.

As the country’s rubber plantations flourished, immigrants flocked there for work… and stayed.

Invaded by the Japanese during World War II, Singapore declared independence from the UK in 1963 and joined the new Federation of Malaysia. However, its marriage with Malaysia proved to be shortlived as the Malaysian Muslims disliked Singapore’sChinese majority, associating it with communism.

Singapore left the union, went alone and developed to become one of the four original Asian Tiger nations, fast becoming an economic powerhouse in the region. Today, the city state has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world and is one of the most expensive countries in Asia.

Thanks to its colourful history, Singapore is a melting pot of culture. The country has preserved its British colonial roots but also absorbed the influences of the Chinese, Arabs, Indians, Indonesians and expats who have set up home in the Southeast Asian nation.

Foreigners make up around 42 per cent of Singapore’s population. Like many other expats, Danish scientist Lars Friis Mikkelsen, came to Singapore for work, lured by the tropical climate, foreigner friendly environment, cutting-edge architecture and high quality of life.

“Living in Singapore is very easy and attractive,” he says. “I enjoy the diversity and different cultures that all live together in harmony – and the variety of dishes from all over the world.”

“Singapore rocks at nights and at weekends. It seems like everybody likes working hard and playing hard like me,” he adds.

Sadly, little remains of the beautiful colonial buildings that once characterised the former British trading post. As Singapore developed into a modern country, they, and tropical rainforests, were replaced by towering skyscrapers, perfectly manicured gardens, modern infrastructure and shopping malls.

“Our favourite hobbies in Singapore – for both locals and expats – are shopping and eating,” jokes our taxi driver. He’s serious. Singapore has some of the best restaurants and greatest variety of food in the world. Likewise, you’ll probably find every luxury designer and high end store if you’re looking for retail therapy.

Besides good shopping, nightlife and food, Singapore has lots of particularities; one of them – like it or loathe it – is efficiency, planning and control; everything is tightly regulated by the Government. Think twice before spitting your chewing gum on to the street as you’ll be fined.

Things are well-thought through, well regulated and clean. Which is not a bad thing in a country which is just 710 square kilometres (roughly twice the size of Malta) but has over five million people.

To avoid utter chaos on the streets, the country has strict rules on car ownership, making it a luxury product for just an elite few – around 10 per cent of the population – who can afford the Singaporean Certificate of Entitlement licence fee, valid for 10 years.

On top of this fee, the car owner also has to pay a tax which is one-and-a-half times the price of the vehicle’s market value. That’s why most locals use taxis – cheap by European standards – or public transport.

Singapore’s definitely worth a visit. Not for a two-week vacation but it’s a great stopover if you’re headed to Australia, or a good base if you want to explore Southeast Asia. It might not be the most exciting country in Asia, or the most authentic, but it’s certainly one of the most cosmopolitan.

How to get there

Emirates or Lufthansa via Dubai or Frankfurt (Singapore Airlines code-shares with Lufthansa but operates old, shabby planes on this route compared with Lufthansa’s new A380).

Don’t miss …

Lau Pa Sat: this bustling antique-style ‘food court’ dates back to 1825 and is a great place to try all types of Asian food, especially dim sum (steamed Chinese dumplings) and satay (skewered meat with spicy sauce).

Marina Bay Sands resort: boasting the best views of Singapore and one of the city’s most iconic buildings, you’ll find shopping, dizzying views and restaurants under one roof.

Botanic Gardens: stroll through this green oasis with over 150 years of gardening history and experience.

Raffles Hotel: soak up the colonial vibes and sip on a Singapore Sling at this legendary institution.

Orchard Road: shop till you drop at the never-ending shopping malls.

Laser show: enjoy the free daily show illuminating key landmarks; the best observation points are at the Fullerton Bay Hotel or Marina Bay Sands.

Night safari: under the stars at Singapore’s wildlife park; it’s very touristy but regularly voted one of the country’s best visitor attractions.

Arab and Chinese quarters: worth a visit for a taste of this rainbow country’s local culture.

www.yoursingapore.com

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