Colonial District

Asian Civilisations Museum

This remarkable museum houses the region's most comprehensive collection of pan-Asian treasures.

Its galleries explore the history, cultures and religions of Southeast Asia, China, the Asian subcontinent and Islamic West Asia.

Gardens by the Bay

Singapore's 21st-century botanic garden is a S$1 billion, 101-hectare fantasy land of space-age bio-domes, high-tech Supertrees and whimsical sculptures.

The Flower Dome replicates the dry Mediterranean climates found across the world, while the even more astounding Cloud Forest is a tropical montane affair, complete with waterfall.

Peranakan Museum

This is the best spot to explore the rich heritage of the Peranakans (Straits Chinese descendants). Thematic galleries cover various aspects of Peranakan culture, from the traditional 12-day wedding ceremony to crafts, spirituality and feasting. An especially curious example of Peranakan fusion culture is a pair of Victorian bell jars in which statues of Christ and the Madonna are adorned with Chinese-style flowers and vines.

The museum shop stocks embroidered bags, Peranakan-style kebayas (traditional blouse dresses) and ceramics, and books spanning Peranakan history, food and architecture.

Fort Canning Park

When Raffles rolled into Singapore, locals steered clear of Fort Canning Hill, then called Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill) out of respect for the sacred shrine of Sultan Iskandar Shah, ancient Singapura's last ruler.

Today, the hill is better known as Fort Canning Park, a lush retreat from the hot streets below.

Marina Bay Sands

Designed by Israeli-born architect Moshe Safdie, Marina Bay Sands is a sprawling hotel, casino, mall, theatre, exhibition and museum complex.

Star of the show is the Marina Bay Sands hotel, its three 55-storey towers connected by a cantilevered SkyPark. Head up for a drink and stellar views at CÉ LA VI, before catching a show at the MasterCard Theatres or doing serious damage to your credit card at the Shoppes.