For the best in Singapore accommodation, enjoy luxury from USD$163.00 at the five-star Meritus Mandarin Hotel Singapore, located at 333 Orchard Road Singapore 238867.

International standard rooms with four-star service is available from USD$102.00 at the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Singapore, which can be found at 214 Dunearn Road, Singapore.

For travellers seeking a balance of comfort and value for money, three-star accommodation starts at USD$69.00 for a room at the Royal Peacock Hotel Singapore, conveniently situated at 55 Keong Saik Street Road Singapore 089158.

And for just USD$40.00, discerning visitors looking for budget accommodation can base themselves at the two-star Hotel81 Palace Singapore which is located at 25 Lorong 16 Geylang Singapore 398867.

Singapore in review

Once a Malay fishing village, Singapore has since transformed into a sophisticated city with impressive soaring high-rises of glass and steel and organised orderly streets. Sheltered beneath the skyscrapers a blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian locals create a contrast to the neat business city.

The fusion of cultures, architecture, cuisine and arts here are a representation of everything desirable when east meets west. Where else are you going to find a Chinese temple, a Hindu temple, a Christian church and a Muslim mosque alongside each other in harmony?

Singapore is a vibrant city and a shopper's delight, from Orchard road for designer brand shopping to Little India for ethnic items; make sure you have extra bags. Try some local specialities, such as Chilli crab, satay and a rojak salad, before taking a boat down the Singapore River and enjoying the amazing cityscape. Evoke the colonial era with a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel and complete the day with a traditional Chinese foot massage.

- From our editor A.Steenbhom – United States