Perfectly positioned as the gateway to the East, Singapore Airlines offers direct flights from both Johannesburg and Cape Town. If you're passing through on your way to Australia or the Far East a few days spent exploring this booming city state is a must for any traveller.

While many tourists only spend a few hours here in transit, to discover the secret spots in the city's nooks and crannies you should set aside at least three to four days. Take your time to soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic trading port, and hit the streets to work up an appetite!

Here are the highlights you shouldn't miss out on…

Shopping paradise
Asia and shopping go together like noodles and chopsticks, and there's no better place to give your credit card a work-out than Orchard Road. With gleaming malls home to the world's top brands you'd better come here ready to spend!

At the other end of the scale, Singapore's markets offer a cheaper, more authentic taste of this trading city. Stock up on reams of silk on Arab Street, but don't expect to find any price tags here… half the fun is in the haggling!

If the crowds on Orchard Road get too much, you can always take time out in one of the two green spaces book-ending this shopping paradise. The colourful, well- groomed Singapore Botanical Gardens sit serenely at the western end of the strip, while the president's Istana Grounds (open to the public on public holidays) guard the east.

Chinatown
The centre of Chinese culture in Singapore, Chinatown may nowadays be overshadowed by towering skyscrapers, but is still home to fantastic restaurants and cultural sights. Start your tour wandering the winding streets, peering in the windows of old-style coffee houses and traditional craft shops.

The enormous Thian Hock Keng Temple (Temple of Heavenly Happiness) has recently been spruced up and is an impressive Hokkien-style building. It's here that immigrants would thank Ma Chu Por, the queen of heaven, for their safe passage. If you've just arrived, perhaps you should do the same!

Blue Ginger in Tanjong Pagar Road offers authentic Peranakan (Singaporean) cuisine and this moderately priced restaurant with just a handful of tables is a local favourite. For something more informal the food stalls at Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat Festival Market serve up everyday dishes and offer a great opportunity to meet and eat with the locals.

If you've got a strong stomach, also make sure you stop by the wet market, where you'll find everything from fresh fish and lobster to crates of turtles and frogs!

Arab Quarter
The Arab Quarter has been home to Singapore's Muslim population since 1820 and is one of the city's most colourful districts. The Quarter is a riot of colour, from vivid bolts of cloth in the famous textile shops to the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque, which is open to the public. The Istana Kampong Glam is a former royal palace that is now home to the Malay Heritage Centre (open daily).

Bounded by Arab Street, Beach Road, Jalan Sultan and Rochor Canal Road, you can easily explore the Arab Quarter on foot in an hour.

Little India
While the Arab Quarter is riot of colour, you'll never forget the fragrance of Little India where spice shops line the streets and bhangra music blares across the pavements.

Once you've wandered the markets end up at the legendary Banana Leaf Apolo (daily 7am – 10pm), who have been serving up their famous fish-head curry for over 30 years. There's also a selection of delicious North and South Indian dishes on offer, all served on… a banana leaf, of course.

Hot in the City
The city centre is divided into numerous districts, but a good place to start is on the waterfront.

In front of the iconic Fullerton Hotel, the Merlion is the symbol of Singapore and one of the most-photographed sights in the city. It's also a great viewpoint to marvel at the skyscrapers in the heart of the business district. For a close-up view take a wander to Raffles Place, the centre of commercial Singapore, or grab a bum-boat ride up the river to Boat Quay where you'll find some of the best mid-price dining options in the city.

If you still need to work up an appetite, take a wander across to the Padang and the Colonial district.

The Padang ("field" in Malay) was the heart of colonial life and the well-groomed grass nowadays hosts the Singapore Cricket Club and regular cultural festivals. From here it's a short walk to the famous Raffles Hotel, one of the world's 'grand old ladies'.

Apart from opulent accommodation enjoyed by everyone from Rudyard Kipling to Michael Jackson, the hotel is famous for its signature cocktail: the pink 'n sweet Singapore Sling.

Party time
When the sun sets and the bright lights of Singapore light up the skyline it's time to put on your glad-rags and sample some of the city's famous nightlife. Clarke Quay has been given a new lease on life and has rapidly become the hub of Singapore's 24-hour entertainment precinct.

You can grab a table at one of the riverfront restaurants, or put on your dancing shoes at clubs like Lunar, Attica or the world-renowned Ministry of Sound. The bright lights and pumping bass aren't for the faint-hearted, but younger travellers will love it!

When to visit
Singapore is truly a year-round destination. Just 136-kilometres north of the Equator the island is hot and humid throughout the year. If you want to avoid the rains June to August is your best bet, while in November and December you'd best keep your umbrella handy!

For more information on the city go to www.visitsingapore.com. Singapore Airlines flies daily from South Africa to Singapore.