Singapore (32)

Singapore's Mandarin Oriental is a destination in itself. Located on the waterfront, this premium property benefits from high quality rooms, delicate decor and an excellent breakfast buffet. Singapore's Mandarin Oriental differs from other hotels in this luxury chain in that it is a lot cheaper than others in Hong Kong or Japan. My recommendation would be to go for the breakfast buffet. A huge selection of Western and Asian cuisines will delight all taste buds. Many visitors come to the hotel just for the breakfast itself. Try out some local favourites including the fresh dim sum, congee (rice porridge) and freshly baked pastries.

If you have a number of trips to make out of Singapore, it may be more cost effective to use low-cost airline JetStarAsia (www.jetstarasia.com). Operating out of the same airport as the main airlines, the connection is easier than other countries and can be particularly useful for one-way journeys. Savings can also be quite significant - a random check in June shows a return journey from Singapore to Hong Kong at around USD300 vs United Airlines at USD400 and Singapore Airlines an astonishing USD1500.

If you fly on Singapore Airlines to Asia or Sydney, then you will probably be eligible for a free Singapore stopover. You can also make use of a number of benefits offered by Singapore Airlines, such as discounted accommodation, special offers on shopping and food as well as a free shuttle bus up and down Singapore's famous Orchard road.

If you are feeling pretty brave or have lost all sense of smell, then why not try durian fruit on your trip to Asia. This soft yellow fruit is considered quite tasty (well why else would anyone eat it) but it is most famous for its strong and pungent smell. Note, public transport systems will not allow you to board with this fruit! If you can get over the smell, then you discover a soft creamy texture with a unique taste (just try holding your breath whilst swallowing). Buy pre-prepared durian from market stalls and eat with caution!

Many people, when doing a south-east Asian tour on business, will find they have to travel between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and vice versa. My suggestion is to think about using the executive coach travel available between both of these cities. It is not a great deal longer than the process of flying between these two points and involves a far friendlier and easier mode of travel.

The executive coaches have seats similar to airline buisness class ones. They have power points for laptop usage and food and entertainment on board for individuals. I have made the journey by plane many times and this was a little longer (maybe an hour at the most) but a lot less hassle and lot more pleasurable.

Singapore Botanical Gardens: Singapore is very built up and exciting but this is good for a chill out and escape for a bit if you have the time!

A great way to break up a bleary stopover at Singapore airport is to take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. It's 'Balinese style' - more beach lilo than Olympic lanes. It's a much more relaxing way of getting the blood flowing after a long haul flight than drifting round the duty free shops, especially if you don't have enough time to get into Singapore itself. The humid climate means you can use the pool pretty much all year round. It's open from 7am to 11pm and the small entrance fee includes a hot shower and a free non-alcoholic drink. If you're en route to a business meeting, a quick swim will help get rid of that gone out look. If you're celebrating a done deal, there's a poolside bar. Every airport should have one.

If you have a couple of hours to spare one evening after a hard day of conferencing why not visit the world's first Night Safari at Singapore Zoo? You get to explore wildlife in a tropical jungle at night! And in case you're thinking zoo=bad, think again. Singapore Zoo is a model of the 'open zoo' concept. The animals are kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from the visitors by dry or wet moats. It's magical.

Recommend Pan Pacific - my flight was delayed for several hours but the hotel pick up service was waiting just after embarking of the plane. Got free rides to the city each morning when booked beforehand and the service was great.

After a long flight from Heathrow (or anywhere else for that matter), there's nothing better than an outdoor swim in a rooftop pool without even leaving the airport. If you have a few hours stopover in Singapore airport, follow the signs for the spa - it's a bit of a trek, but very much worth it. For about GBP8 you get a swim, a towel and a free cocktail by the pool. Generally very quiet and wonderfully relaxing. Even better if it rains!