Singapore Zoo is considered to be one of the best in the world. It’s also a convenient place to see the unique animals of Southeast Asia if you don’t have time (or simply don’t enjoy) jungle trekking. The zoo is known for its free-range orangutans and even has a successful breeding program. It’s an amazing … read the full post

The multi-tiered Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of Singapore’s most important religious sites and is a must-see on any walk around Chinatown. But there’s more to it than the impressive exterior; head inside to experience the chanting monks, museum of Buddhist art and peaceful rooftop garden. Opened in 2007, the Tang dynasty-style Tooth Relic … read the full post

Some travellers dismiss Singapore as “Asia lite”: sanitised, commercialised and dull. Dispel such silly notions with a visit to the wet market at the Chinatown Complex where some of the produce is so fresh it’s still hopping. With ground level stalls selling cheap souvenirs and sundries, the Chinatown Complex doesn’t look like much from the … read the full post

For one day each year, the streets of central Singapore are blocked off to make way for the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, a celebration of spirituality through self-sacrifice. This year it took place on February 7, 2012. Thousands of people walk the four-kilometre Thaipusam pilgrimage route carrying flower garlands or milk pots to give as … read the full post

Singapore’s wonderful botanic gardens boasts many attractions — we’ve always been particular fans of the orchid garden and simply that there’s such a lovely rolling splash of greenery so close to the centre of town. Near the orchid garden you’ll find a graffiti strewn tree decorated with everything from “Dave was here” through to melodramatic … read the full post

Whether you’re shopping for a designer watch, durian cookies, football cleats or the latest smartphone you can find it in Singapore – and all under one roof at the 24-hour shopping mecca of Mustafa Centre. Mustafa Centre is more than just a department store: it’s one of Little India’s biggest attractions. Its four levels are … read the full post

Singapore is famous for its crab. This is why. It can be a pricey dish to buy if you’re travelling on a budget — though No Signboard Seafood could be a start — so we suggest sampling it as part of a larger meal with a group. This is easy to do if you take … read the full post

Singapore wants to be famous for its glassy skyscrapers and and gravity-defying swimming pools but it’s often the simpler, down to earth shopfronts that are, if not the most beautiful, then at least harbouring the most character. These twins in Little India were among a mishmash of newer, uglier shopfronts and note that, save the … read the full post

With gleaming skyscrapers, colonial hotels, the world’s tallest ferris wheel, and a Merlion, there’s no mistaking the Singapore skyline for anywhere else in the world.  If you’re hoping to get some panoramic photos of this dazzling city-state, these viewpoints are where you’ll want to be. Marina Bay Sands Skypark: Singapore’s newest observation point is the … read the full post

With its gleaming skyscrapers and smoke-filled temples — often on the same street — Singapore is a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re doing a walking tour of Little India or hitting a hawker centre for a cheap meal, don’t forget your camera!