Despite a lack of natural resources, 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 is determined to keep them, with a range of new attractions under construction, particularly around Marina Bay. The Singapore Flyer, the world's tallest Ferris wheel, opened here in 2008, and the giant Marina Bay Sands casino, hotel and entertainment resort is due to open in late 2009. Other new attractions include new Botanic Gardens south of Marina Bay and the Marina Barrage with its futuristic curving pedestrian bridge across the bay.

Singapore 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 Bird Park.

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

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 superb National Museum of Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum, Peranakan Museum and the Singapore Art Museum. New attractions include the MINT Museum of Toys and Aramsa Garden Spa for resting weary feet.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
Orchard Road, at junction with Cairnhill Road
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: Changi, Arrivals Hall Terminals 1, 2 & 3, 0600-0200 daily, and Tourism Court, 1 Orchard Spring Lane, 0830-1830 Mon-Fri.

The main pass in Singapore is the Electronic Smart Card known as ez-link card (www.ezlink.com.sg), which may be used on any MRT, LRT or bus journey, and can be purchased and topped up from general ticketing machines at all MRT, LRT and bus stations, as well as online.