Singapore

Declared a sovereign nation only as recently as 1965, Singapore has quickly grown to be a global force to be reckoned with, all the while preserving its long-standing repute as a multi-ethnic society of diverse cultures and one of the world's safest cities. The Singapore skyline is one of the world's most recognizable, a dazzling collection of skyscrapers like monumental spires of glass, anchored by icons like the Marina Bay Sands' nautical themed silhouette, and the soaring Singapore Flyer. In recent years, efforts to redefine Singapore as the 'City in a Garden' have been undertaken with full gusto. With its towering Super Trees and themed enclaves, the Gardens by the Bay best encapsulate this vision; a wholesome, liveable city with a sustainable environment. A haven for shoppers too, the city boasts gigantic malls as well as eclectic boutiques, local markets, independent art galleries and local shops selling everything from Chinese medicine to silk tapestries. Meanwhile, the city's love affair with food is evident by the sheer variety on offer with street food markets facing off against Michelin-starred restaurants, the harborside a flurry of hidden gems and quirky bars. Scattered in between are heritage homes, religious sites and a whole host of museums that attest to the city's vibrant history.