Singapore packs more into its 250 square miles than most islands. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles made it a British trading post. But the informal style of this air-conditioned city-state is addictive.

Cuisines from all over the world converge in this vibrant city. There is a dizzying diversity not only in the assortment of ethnic dishes but also a fusion of different cooking styles. There are open-air hawker stalls groaning with exotic foods for round-the-clock picnics. Dine at one of the chic bistros along the river or drop in on one of the swank hotels for a Singapore Sling.

Sights? The new art museum is one of the finest in the Far East. A mini-Chinatown, Little India and of course, Arab Street. Singapore’s multi-cultural origins are celebrated all year round and these celebrations make the nation come to life with festivals like the Lunar New Year and the world famous Dragon Boat Festival among others. At Jurong Bird Park you’re in a gigantic open-air cage. Then there’s shopping – the city has just about everything displayed in a seemingly endless variety of shops and stores. Whatever your interests are, Singapore’s excellent location, fascinating cultural contrasts, wildlife and tourist attractions draw an ever-increasing number of tourists. Each year, over six million visitors come to Singapore, making it one of the few countries in the world to receive more visitors annually than its resident population.