Update 7 Dec 2022: We would like to inform you that The Peranakan Museum is currently under renovation, however, visitors can still pop by the Asian Civilisations Museum located just nearby - 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555.
Older original article: There is so much to see and do in Singapore that trying to cram it all into a short period of time can be quite tricky. However, this bustling city state on the southern tip of the Asian continent remains the destination of choice for many travelers looking for a weekend break.
Distilling all your possibilities into two or three days might seem as if you are letting yourself in for some overly frantic activity. But with careful planning, it is perfectly feasible to prepare an itinerary for a short spell in Singapore.
A good idea is to jump in at the deep end. Where possible, try to book a hotel that is near the centre of the city. Once you have checked in, exiting your hotel will launch you straight into the hustle and bustle of Singapore life. Head for Chinatown, where you have the opportunity to browse through dozens of interesting shops in a short distance. This is the perfect place to stop for lunch at one of the many chicken rice stalls (known locally as Tian Tian). If you are looking to savour Asian cuisine of a more substantial nature than fast-food, there are also some fabulous restaurants here. Especially recommended are the restaurants at Ann Siang Road and Bukit Pasoh. The good thing about Singapore banquets is that many of the rice and noodle-based dishes will not bag you up, enabling you to carry on with your activities without feeling too bloated.
To get the most out of your Singapore weekend break, the ideal time to be setting your alarm clock should be around seven or eight o'clock in the morning. Why not head out to Singapore Botanic Gardens where you can watch locals doing their daily exercises before taking breakfast at Casa Verde? Orchard Road is only a few bus stops away. where are you can indulge in some serious retail therapy. Within the many shopping malls there are also numerous places to eat, such as Crystal Jade or Din Tai Fung. These chains offer customers delicious noodles, dim sum and sundry other mouthwatering snacks. If you want to soak up some local culture, the Peranakan Museum is just round the corner. With an annual visitor tally of over 100,000 people, there are 10 galleries showcasing Peranakan culture (all about the descendants of 16th century Chinese immigrants).
For your final day you could go out with a bang, experiencing the riotous delights of Universal Studios and the Marine Life Park, one of the world's largest aquariums. With the latter, whether you decide to simply observe the marine creatures, or go swimming with dolphins, the experience will linger with you long after you've left Singapore.