24 hours in Singapore

Local tip

Sentosa Island boasts two stunning golf courses, a brand new casino and Universal Studios (entry starts at SGD$66 per adult). It also has a line of beaches where you could be forgiven for thinking you're somewhere in the mid-Pacific rather than a sprawling metropolis. You can hit the ground flying with a rollercoaster ride or get an alternative adrenaline kick by doubling down on a few hands of blackjack. Whatever your pleasure, Tanjong Beach on the back of the island awaits. Soak up the required rays before getting on the Mojitos at the brand new, über-hip Tanjong Beach Club. Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore.

Essential shopping

The best time to visit the city is during the mid-year Great Singapore Sale, where prices go so far south you'll need an extra suitcase on the return leg of your trip after indulging at the likes of Zara, H&M and Topshop. For the best one-stop shopping in the city visit Orchard Road; it's home to a plethora of shopping centres but on our list is the street's latest behemoth - Ion Orchard. This futuristic multi-level centre features 66,000 square metres of retail space (over 300 stores), including flagship Singapore branches for many of the world's leading labels. Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore. (+65 6238 8228).

Foodie hotspots

Singapore's dining scene moved up a gear with the recent opening of the Marina Bay Sands mega-complex. Located inside is a range of eateries spearheaded by Tetsuya Wakuda's highly-anticipated second restaurant, Waku Ghin. It's fast becoming regarded as one of Asia's finest eating houses and with only enough space for 45 covers, you'll need to book super-early if you want this on your 24-hour itinerary.

Take heart, those of you who hate to book ahead: an equally exceptional wine list lurks next door at Santi, from chef Santi Santamaria, where the order of the day is Catalonian dishes with a unique Asian influence. Santi and Waku Ghin, Casino Lvl 2, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore. (+65 6688 8501 for Santi,+65 6688 8507 for Waku Ghin.

Top drinking dens

And Tetsuya isn't the only Australian upping the ante over in Singapore. Melburnians Matt Bax and Ryan Clift, of Der Raum and Vue de Monde fame, have received wide acclaim since theTippling Club opened in 2008. The killer cocktail list really raises the bar, and the gastronomic menu here has had Singaporeans in a spin - the 10-course degustation menu is a destination in its own right. The Tippling Club, 8D Dempsey Rd, Singapore. (+65 6475 2217).

Back at Marina Bay Sands, the first outpost of Bali's legendary Ku De Ta has opened on the roof as part of the complex's SkyPark. Here it's about cocktails by the pool garnished with the world's best DJs and a hip crowd. Ku De Ta, SkyPark, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. (+65 6688 7688).

If there's one last throw of the dice before reaching for the boarding pass (return to hotel optional), iconic club Zouk boasts three venues in one and a resident DJ to whip up the crowd. Dance the night away here (Time Out Singapore's Club of 2010). 17 Jiak Kim St. (+65 6738 2988).

Where to stay

If you're eating and drinking at Marina Bay Sands, then a bed at the 2,500-room hotel is a no-brainer. Luxurious suites cater to your technology needs, the views are stunning, and access to the infinity pool at the SkyPark is welcome indeed. 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore. (+65 8868 8888).

Across town, Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre is a hidden gem, thanks to its recently renovated rooms and location just off Orchard Road - perfect if you're planning on splurging in the shops along the famous street. 11 Cavenagh Rd, Singapore. (+65 6733 8333).

Another top spot is Hilton Singapore, a great base if you're making the most of the city. Its high quality rooms are good value for money and the hotel has an Orchard Road location to boot. 581 Orchard Road, Singapore. (+65 6737 2233).

Getting there

Home airline of the Lion City, Singapore Airlines flies three times daily to Singapore from Sydney, including once on the Airbus A380 superjumbo. If it's a flying visit you have in mind, you might make the trip part of the trip, so to speak, and take the upgrade to Business Class. Singapore Airlines boasts the widest seats in the market, meals from Aria's Matt Moran, and thousands of hours of entertainment on demand. See if you can get your Singapore Sling order in before you leave the gate.

Then again, if you're saving your mighty Aussie dollar for Orchard Road, a seat down the back gets you the same entertainment system as the pointy end and you have some options to shop around: Qantas and British Airways also fly direct to Singapore from Sydney.
 

Want more? Don't miss Time Out's Little Black Book! Free with this issue of Time Out Sydney, it's the ultimate pocket-sized guide to Singapore, detailing the city's best spas, restaurants, galleries, museums and more. You'll also find the latest online updates at Time Out Singapore.

To plan your ideal Singapore visit, head to Your Singapore

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