Pubbing … Disco … Relax lah

Singapore's thriving bar-disco-pub scene has spread out from the city centre to surprising corners of the city. Former warehouses along the Singapore River, shophouses in Mohamed Sultan Road, Tanjong Pagar and Holland Village all provide diverse options for a night out. During happy hours (typically from 5pm to 8pm), drinks are served at reduced rates or two for the price of one. Discos have a cover charge which normally includes the first drink. Dress code is smart casual in most night spots.

Singapore's thriving bar-disco-pub scene has spread out from the city centre to surprising corners of the city. Former warehouses along the Singapore River, shophouses in Mohamed Sultan Road, Tanjong Pagar and Holland Village all provide diverse options for a night out. During happy hours (typically from 5pm to 8pm), drinks are served at reduced rates or two for the price of one. Discos have a cover charge which normally includes the first drink. Dress code is smart casual in most night spots.

Those who want something more relaxed may enjoy a night at a number of pubs in the city or just recline comfortably at a jazz lounge where world-class jazz can be heard.

If wine and high spirits are not for you, go for all-night bowling at one of the bowling alleys at Kallang and Marina South. After a hectic night of activity, settle down to supper at one of the many 24-hour coffee houses in the city and superb food stalls scattered throughout the island. Teochew porridge, caramel bean curd or just coffee and cake are just some satisfying ways in which Singaporeans end a pleasant evening.

	The dining experience in Singapore extends beyond 3 main meals a day. Breakfast on buttered toast and kaya, a rich coconut custard jam, in an old colonial shophouse cooled by ceiling fans or enjoy a late-morning meal of Cantonese dimsum in a charming old Chinatown teahouse.

For lunch, you may indulge in a meal of delicious pasta at a ritzy Italian restaurant, moist tender enchiladas in a cosy Mexican diner or sushi at one of the many Japanese outlets. Then in the afternoon, delight in an Asian high tea buffet in a skyscraper restaurant with an impressive view of the city. For dinner, the choice may be one of the superb French restaurants in Singapore, a seafood barbecue at an open-air food centre or perhaps New Asia cuisine in the intimate ambience of a lovingly-restored hotel.

For lunch, you may indulge in a meal of delicious pasta at a ritzy Italian restaurant, moist tender enchiladas in a cosy Mexican diner or sushi at one of the many Japanese outlets. Then in the afternoon, delight in an Asian high tea buffet in a skyscraper restaurant with an impressive view of the city. For dinner, the choice may be one of the superb French restaurants in Singapore, a seafood barbecue at an open-air food centre or perhaps New Asia cuisine in the intimate ambience of a lovingly-restored hotel.

To round off a perfect evening, Mediterranean coffees and Belgian chocolates are wonderful complements to good company and sparkling conversation. Whatever the melange, you have the luxury of choice to make each day of dining in Singapore a memorable one.

The Shopping Experience

Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Singapore. Part of the fun is the excellent buys and great variety of shops all over the island. Delight in a bargain at a little neighbourhood shop, pick up a quaint item or two as you stroll through colourful ethnic quarters, discover favourite buys of the droves who flock to our modern malls or be enthralled by the splendour of whole shopping "cities" selling everything under the sun.

And designer brands from the fashion runways of the world can be affordable - if you know where to look. Find them at the growing number of discount shops around the city.

Central Shopping Belt

Singapore's Central Shopping Belt extending from Tanglin Road all the way down Orchard Road and Bras Basah Road to Marina Bay has been tagged Fifth Avenue, Regent Street, Champs-Elysees, Via Veneto and Ginza for good reason.

This is where world-class shopping abounds. A day spent browsing and buying turns into an unforgettable experience as theme designer boutiques, local and international department stores, speciality shops and bargain counters compete with outdoor cafes and gourmet restaurants for your attention.

City & Fringe Shopping

Great shopping in Singapore isn't confined to just Orchard Road and its surroundings. Quality goods at prices that won't burn a hole in your pocket can be found in lots of places around the city centre. The Riverside area by River Valley Road is home to both some of the newest as well as the oldest shops in Singapore. Look in the heart of the financial district around Raffles Place and Shenton Way where the office crowd throngs the shops for a surprising variety of goodies.

Suburban Shopping

If you're prepared to venture further afield, you can combine shopping with a little off-the-beaten track sightseeing as well. In fact, you'll discover some of the best bargains where most Singaporeans live, eat and shop - out in the heartlands of Singapore.

These suburban shopping centres offer a surprisingly comprehensive range of items from branded to electronic goods at prices to delight the value-conscious and determined bargain hunter. Business hours vary from shop to shop but as a general guide, most shops are open from 11am to 9pm.

Town centres in the larger estates of Tampines and Bishan are easily accessible by MRT. Shopping at these bustling town centres is a fascinating experience, providing insight into the local lifestyle and a chance to mingle with Singaporeans at their most comfortable. You also reap another benefit - the opportunity to tuck in "local style" at the numerous food centres and informal coffee shops.