SINGAPORE: A mix of everything you could want

May 27 2008 By Ben Rossington

With many venues offering waterfront views, this 24-hour licensing zone is one of the reasons why Singapore is earning a reputation as Asia’s party capital.

Another reason is the mighty Zouk-Out beach party, one of the world’s biggest sand-based dance parties from Singapore’s premier club, Zouk.

Around 20,000 ravers pack the picturesque Siloso Beach to dance from dusk to dawn to the sounds of some of the world’s biggest DJ talent. Last year saw techno god Carl Cox and Dutch master Armin Van Buuren headline with a raft of international and local bands, acts and DJs providing more than ample back-up until the last weary legs made for the exits at 8am ... 12 hours after the party started.

This year, Siloso Beach can’t be used for a variety of reasons but festival organisers haven’t given up hope of finding a replacement just yet. Watch this space.

After all that dancing the perfect way to unwind is with some pampering at House, one of Singapore’s newest spas.

Follow that with a wander around the market districts for yet more shopping plus a relaxing drink and dinner down at the East Coast Seafood Centre. If fish and seafood is your thing, you’ll be in heaven as the tanks from which you pick your soon-to-be meal line wall-to-wall and floor to ceiling.

Singapore is a mix of everything you could want – good weather, great shopping, fine food, top places to party and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Next time you think you’ve got a couple of days to kill on the island, look a little deeper ... and you might find yourself deciding to stay for longer.

Travel Facts

* Ben Rossington travelled with Singapore Airlines. Go to www.singaporeair.com for the latest and best deals.

* A double courtyard room at the Fullerton Hotel starts from £143.80. Contact: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square Singapore. Tel: 049178 +65 6733 8388; email www.fullertonhotel.com

* Food at the hawker markets costs around three or four Singapore dollars (£1.10 to £1.50) for a good-size meal; dinner in the finer restaurants starts at around 50SGD to 60SGD (£18.50 - £22).

* Drinks are about 10 SGD (£3.80) for a bottled beer or standard glass of wine.

* Taxis are charged a set price for the length of the journey. A short trip from the shopping cities to the hotel will cost no more than 5 SGD (£1.85).

* Explore with Wee Tee, an independent tour guide who knows everything about Singapore and what it has to offer, on +65 97616160

Check out Singapore before you travel through the Singapore Tourist Board at www.stb.com.sg

* Find out more about Zouk-Out and Zouk Club by visiting www.zoukclub.com.sg