Immerse yourself in the colours and smells of Little India, a dynamic stretch of shops and restaurants just off Orchard Road.

The Original Singapore Walks is a company that specialises in exploring the best of Singapore's enclaves on foot. Whether you check out wet markets, haunted houses, temples or archaeological sites, you can bank on smart guides with insider knowledge.

If all that walking is too much, take a leisurely cruise on an authentic imperial Chinese junk that loops you around Singapore's vibrant shoreline.

Singapore's outlying islands provide some green respite from urban chic. Sentosa is the most accessible, and is seen as Singapore's resort island. Just a 15-minute drive away from downtown, the island boasts golf courses, beachfront restaurants, ocean sport facilities, as well as major tourist attractions such as a tropical oceanarium, dolphin lagoon, and Fort Siloso.

From here, you can take a ferry to Kusu Island, a remote and rustic isle famous for its turtle sanctuary and Muslim and Taoist temples of worship.

Step inside the gem that is the Asian Civilisations Museum, with its interactive galleries and exhibitions that go beyond the usual history lessons. The cultures of China and the Islamic world are dynamically displayed, and the museum shop offers charming souvenirs.

Next door is The Arts House, Singapore's historic ex-Parliament building that's been converted into an eclectic arts centre.

Within walking distance too is the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, a breathtaking sight that's visible from The Oriental. The Esplanade is Singapore's premier venue for international performances as well as home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

Orchard Road lives up to its reputation as the most extensive shopping experience in this region. Modern Paragon Mall houses exclusive fashion labels, spas and restaurants, while the younger set heads to The Heeren and Far East Plaza's street clothes enclaves.

Tangs is a homegrown mall with sophisticated local design and must-have brands. Meanwhile, conveniently linked to The Oriental is Suntec City, a massive mall built on feng shui principles. You'll find fine leather goods, exquisite jewellery, home furnishings and gourmet treats.

Slip into an island state of mind thanks to divine poolside dining. The Oriental's signature Dolce Vita (+65) 6885 3551) restaurant accompanies exemplary cuisine with discerning wines. Black cod, Maine lobster and scallop ceviche, and roast stuffed quail are best enjoyed with a view of the twinkling Singapore skyline.

Robust local Peranakan (Straits Chinese) food is a delicacy best enjoyed at the Blue Ginger (+65) 6222 3928) in Tanjong Pagar.

This quaint area borders Chinatown, where the remarkable Soup Restaurant (+65) 6222 9923) at Smith Street serves up not just healthy cuisine, but also some of the best home-cooked speciality Chinese dishes in town.

Be a hip diner at Pierside Kitchen, (+65) 6553 2258) which creates modern seafood with pan-Asian touches.

Let temperatures rise with the most stylish martinis, or rather Mortinis, at Morton's The Steakhouse. Located in The Oriental, this Frank Sinatra-soundtracked American restaurant and bar sets the right note for a great evening.

Later on, the Velvet Underground beckons club-goers with a taste for stylish house and lounge beats.

To see and be seen by the city's hip clubbers, park yourself by the waterfront – IndoChine Waterfront, Empress Place or Attica at Clarke Quay are good bets.