Singapore: More than a mall

With early bird airfares to Europe now on sale, planning a long-haul adventure to the Continent may well take you through Singapore. Over the years, I've been guilty of confining my Singapore experience to the vast shopping galleries of Changi Airport's transit lounge. But venturing beyond the airport has to be recommended.
With ferocious competition from the likes of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai as a stopover destination, Singapore has made a concerted effort in recent years to step-up its smorgasbord of visitor sights.
Sparkling clean, graffiti-free Singapore has shucked off its "boring" label, with a slew of captivating new attractions. The multi-billion dollar redevelopment of the downtown marina precinct is a civic triumph, and it plays host to the world's only night-time round of the Formula One Grand Prix.
A glittering new casino has opened for business, and the precinct also plays host to a head-turning observation wheel to rival the London Eye. Be sure to stop by Singapore's water-spout mascot, the Merlion. This half-fish, half-lion statue remains the nation's most photographed icon. While you're there, lap up the panoramic views across the harbour to Singapore's extravagant new theatre complex, the Esplanade. From there, the charming riverside walking trail guides you around Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. This area bustles with waterside eateries and bars, hitting top-gear after dark as one of Asia's hottest night-spots roars into life.
The Colonial District remains one of the most revered urban clusters in Asia, providing visitors with an insight into the island state's British influence. The leafy precinct houses the oh-so English green oval of the Singapore Cricket Club. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles conquered the island and his imprint remains indelibly stamped on it. Raffles Hotel, a symbol of colonial opulence is a must-see landmark. Slink into the Long Bar for a Singapore Sling.
Little India and Chinatown are Singapore's most enchanting cultural districts, speckled with temples and roadside cheap-eats.
All of the Hindu and Buddhist temples are beautiful, but in Little India my favourite sights would be the Temple of 1000 Lights, and the golden dome of the Little India Mosque. Chinatown's Thian Hock Temple is a show-stopper. Built by Chinese immigrants, it's exquisite. It's dedicated to Ma Cho Po, Goddess of the Sea.
TIPS
* Shopaholics should beat a path to the popular Orchard Rd retail strip, the shopping heart of Singapore which has been given a multibillion-dollar makeover. Designer brands flaunt their merchandise in flashy showroom stores, intermixed with bargain-hunting markets and traditional tailors.
* Singapore Airlines flies daily from Auckland to Singapore, with connections across Asia and to Europe. www.singaporeair.co.nz