36 HOURS IN SINGAPORE

Do yourself a favour and stopover in the Lion City

- NICHOLAS YONG

Once dismissed by an Indonesian president as a little “red dot,” Singapore is celebrating its diamond jubilee this year as an independent, an economic powerhouse and one of the cleanest, safest places in the world.

At less than 735sq km, Singapore, a former British colony, is a multicultural, multireligious and multilingual wonder where skyscrapers and shophouse malls sit alongside districts steeped in culture and tradition.

The most commonly spoken language besides English is Singlish, a creole language often derided by the authorities but now used in tourism campaigns. Among Singapore’s many attractions is the dizzying variety of food, as exemplified by the 120 open air food courts with dozens of stalls — more than a few have Michelin endorsements — where a meal costs as little as SG$5 (125 baht). Thirty-six hours and swelling almost year round, Singapore makes an ideal weekend trip before heading on to the rest of Southeast Asia.

ITINERARY Friday 5pm | Start with Little India

You can almost smell it before you see it: spices, curries, incense and, if the season is right, mangoes and pomegranates. Vibrant and bustling, the centrally located Little India district is a wonderful mix of food, culture and tradition. Wander around and stumble upon street art, markets and delightful little shops selling jewellery and knick-knacks.

Check out the 19th century Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the preserver of cosmic order, and the colourful former house of Chinese merchant Tan Teng Niah (built in 1900), the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India. Your final, essential stop: Mustafa Centre, where you will find bargains, snacks and souvenirs.