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Singaporef l i n gIn recent years, the island state has metamorphosed intoone of Asia’s most exciting destinations, complete withever-changing skyline, vibrant nightlife, non-stop shoppingand plenty of surprises, says Annabel MackiecorbisOn a world map, Singapore maybe just a tiny dot at the tip ofPeninsular Malaysia, but don’tbe deceived by its diminutivestature: this island city statepacks a powerful punch. Once looked onas little more than a stopover for thosejourneying to and from Australia, it’sreinvented itself over the past decade,transforming its skyline and adding newworld-class attractions that have turned itinto one of Asia’s top entertainment hubs.So banish all preconceptions you mighthave that it’s bland and conservative.Yes, Singapore’s main ethnic groupings –Chinese, Malay and Indian – still upholdstrong family values and respect the socialhierarchy, but in recent years, there hasbeen a significant shift in attitudes as theyounger generation adopts more liberalviews and creative ideas. Singapore todayis a city where you can ride adrenalinpumpingroller coasters at UniversalStudios, have breakfast with orang-utansat Singapore Zoo, sip cocktails at sky-highbars, take in the world’s only night-timeGrand Prix and let your hair down at NewYork-style nightclubs.Much of the new development is centredon reclaimed land around Marina Bay.This ever-evolving area is home to thebrand-new International Cruise Terminal(capable of accommodating the world’sbiggest cruise liners), along with attractionsincluding the SGD1 billion Gardens bythe Bay, a 101ha green space in one of theworld’s most built-up cities.Despite all the rapid development,Singapore still retains a fascinatingtraditional side, with well-preservedneighbourhood enclaves, such as Little Indiaand Chinatown, to explore, and rapidlyvanishing remnants from the Britishcolonial era to discover. Add in endlessshopping opportunities, a vibrant culinaryscene, super-efficient public transport andthe cleanest and safest streets in the world,and it’s clear visitors are in for a treat.CultureThese days Singapore’s major museums– among them the National Museum ofSingapore (www.nationalmuseum.sg) andAsian Civilisations Museum (www.acm.org.sg) – can attract blockbuster exhibitionsfrom around the globe, from Harry Potter44volume thirteenSummit