The award-winning Singapore Airlines (www. singaporeair. com) flies direct from London.

Alternatively you could fly to Dubai with Aer Lingus (www. aerlingus. com) from 28 March and then on from there with Emirates (www. emirates. com).

So what's to see then?

A good way to orientate yourself is with a boat trip on the river, from where you'll get a perspective of the main sights, the buildings, the bridges and the like. With its mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay traditions this Asian city offers the best of all worlds but you shouldn't miss Chinatown with its vibrant mix of shopping and cuisine. You'll also see the Sri Mariammam Temple here. Catch the cable car from the World Travel Centre up to Mount Faber and take in the views of the city. And don't forget to indulge in some serious shopping . . . this city is shopping heaven and you should check out the Suntec City mall where you'll be spoiled for choice with almost 300 shopping and dining outlets.

And accommodation?

Fifteen minutes from down-town Singapore is the Rasa Sentosa Resort, the city's only beachfront hotel, with 450 bedrooms, a host of restaurants and bars and top-class recreation facilities. One of the Shrangri-La portfolio, you can check it out at 0065 6275 0100, www. shangri-la. com.

Alternatively, for a sense of history, try Raffles Hotel (0065 6337 1886, www. raffleshotel. com), one of Singapore's most elegant and celebrated colonial landmarks.