Despite a lack of natural resources, or perhaps because of it, Singapore has capitalised on the energy, enterprise and skills of its inhabitants to create something approaching a tourist mecca. Although most tourists only stop over for a couple of days in transit, many are beginning to stay longer and Singapore has much to merit a longer visit.

This is a city where the first impression is that of man's achievements; the efficient and aesthetically pleasing Changi Airport is repeatedly voted the world's best. But here, world firsts are becoming commonplace, for example Suntec City boasts the biggest man-made fountain, the Night Safari is the first night zoo and the world's highest man-made waterfall, at 30m (98ft), is at Jurong BirdPark.

Heat and humidity notwithstanding, the most efficient way to get to know local culture is on foot, especially around Chinatown, Little India and Geylang Serai in the heart of the city. These areas especially illustrate how Singapore's successful economy is based upon ancient traditions, rituals and beliefs. It is usually this combination that entices people, but for a healthy dose of pure consumerism and entirely modern architecture, Orchard Road is ideal.

But Singapore is not all urban landscape as first appears, and in keeping with its 'Garden City' label, there are many areas of natural beauty, albeit with a little help from humans. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore Zoological Gardens, the Night Safari and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are all hugely popular.

For history lovers and culture vultures, there is also an impressive selection of museums, exhibitions and architectural heritage, like the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Singapore Art Museum. New attractions include the MINT Museum of Toys, and Aramsa Garden Spa for resting weary feet.

Singapore Visitors Centre
Junction of Cairnhill and Orchard Roads
Tel: 1 800 736 2000.
Website: www.visitsingapore.com or www.stb.com.sg
Opening hours: 0930-2230 daily.

STB visitor centres can also be found at the following addresses: Tourism Court, 1 Orchard Spring Lane, 0830-1830 Mon-Fri; Changi, Arrivals Hall Terminals 1 & 2, Changi Airport, 0600-0200; Liang Court, Level 1 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 177 River Valley Road, 1000-2200; Little India, The InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel, 73 Dunlop Street, 1000-2200; Suntec City Mall, 1st Floor, 3 Temasek Boulevard; 1000-1800; Cruise Centre, Arrival Hall, Singapore Cruise Centre, Harbour Front, 1 Maritime Square, 24-hours (video conferencing facility).

Admission ticket packages are available for Singapore Zoological Gardens, Night Safari and Jurong BirdPark, also with combinations of any two. Tickets are valid for one month from the date of purchase. The Visitor Card (website: www.thevisitorscard.com) offers up to 40% off admission to many attractions and certain guided tours.