48 hours in Singapore

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-27 14:54

SUNDAY

10 a.m. - Brunch at PS Cafe for bacon, egg and asparagus sandwiches and the best cakes in town, in an airy restaurant overlooking the greenery of Dempsey Rd, an area of former British army barracks converted into eateries, bars and furniture shops.

11 a.m. - As the day heats up, head inside to the Asian Civilizations Museum, to see its collections of cultural relics and the histories of Singapore and the region. Highlights include artifacts from Java's early Hindu kingdoms, the Islamic art of West Asia and Chinese porcelain.

1 p.m. - Have lunch next door at the elegant Indochine on the Singapore River, for Southeast Asian fusion such as shrimp and pomelo salad, mussels with lemongrass, French beef stew or "drunken" venison with rice wine. Or cross the river to the House of Sundanese Food on the docks of Boat Quay, for Indonesian grilled fish, spicy beef rendang and vegetables in coconut gravy.

2 p.m. - Walk around nearby Chinatown, where you can have your fortune told, feet massaged and wallet lightened by Chinese artifacts. Hindu, Chinese and Muslim places of worship all lie on South Bridge Road, while Club Street hides bijou bars and spas under colorful archways. The Chinatown Heritage Center on Pagoda Street gives an idea of the tough life in shophouses and opium dens for 19th century immigrants.

4 p.m. - Head up Mount Faber for a cable car ride to Sentosa Island -- a view over a sea dotted with ships toward Indonesia, and inland to the tower block estates where most Singaporeans live. On Sentosa, play golf if you can get access to an exclusive club, head to Spa Botanica (voted one of the world's best by Conde Nast Traveler), or chill out at Km8 bar on Tanjong beach.

7 p.m. - Food-obsessed Singaporeans will ask if you've had chilli or black pepper crab at the East Coast's outdoor seafood restaurants -- and it happens to be on the way to the airport. Try Jumbo's for crab with doughnuts or prawns and dried chillis.

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