Singapore: Move over, a new model's here

Singapore's scintillating makeover is helping it grab a bigger share of the stopover market
Singapore, the old maid of Asia, is sporting a much shorter skirt and plenty of bling. With competition from the likes of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Dubai as a stopover destination, Singapore has been in "makeover mode" for the past decade, increasing its tourist appeal by broadening its palette of sights and delights.
And there's no doubt that the spanking clean, graffiti-free island nation has successfully shucked off its "boring" label, with a host of blockbuster, whiz-bang developments.
The multibillion-dollar redevelopment of the downtown marina precinct is a civic triumph, proudly hosting the world's only night-time round of the Formula One Grand Prix. A Vegas-style casino resort has opened for business, and Singapore continues to turn heads with its observation wheel, to rival the London Eye. The Singapore Flyer has redefined the city skyline and is best enjoyed at night. Be sure to stop by Singapore's water-spout mascot, the Merlion. This half-fish, half-lion statue remains the nation's most photographed landmark. While you're there, lap up the views across the harbour to Singapore's swanky theatre complex, the Esplanade.
From there, the charming riverside walking trail leads you around Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. This area bustles with colourful waterside eateries and bars, hitting top-gear after dark as one of Asia's hottest nightspots roars into life.
The Colonial District continues to provide visitors with an insight into Singapore's British influence. The leafy precinct continues to house the timber charm and 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, ever since he developed it as a free-trade hub. Raffles Hotel, a symbol of colonial opulence, is a must-see landmark. Slink into the Long Bar for a Singapore Sling, and throw some peanut shells on the floorboards, as is the custom.
Little India and Chinatown are enchanting cultural districts, speckled with temples and enticing roadside cheap-eats.
I must confess that as an incorrigible animal-lover, I often judge a city by its zoo. And Singapore Zoo continues to set the benchmark as a world leader. The zoo was at the vanguard of the global movement to adapt zoo's to the open-enclosure concept.
It's a wonderful irony that one of the world's most high-density populations has given its four-legged residents so much room to roam.
If you're travelling with children, a zoo visit is an absolute must. Singapore Zoo has introduced the wildly popular Night Safari attraction. After dark, the zoo operates an up-close encounter with a procession of nocturnal creatures in near-to-natural settings.