Singapore City, Sentosa & Universal Studios, 4 Nights

Changi is one of the easiest airports in the world to arrive at, and the city is about half an hour away. After check-in and a rest, head out once it cools. The Singapore River walk from Clarke Quay to Boat Quay is lined with restaurants in restored warehouses, and it leads towards Marina Bay. For Indian food, Little India is a short MRT ride away and has everything from South Indian tiffin to North Indian thalis, with plenty of vegetarian and Jain options.

A half-day tour past the civic district, the old Supreme Court, Chinatown and Little India, with a stop at Merlion Park facing Marina Bay. Then up to the SkyPark observation deck on top of Marina Bay Sands for the view across the harbour and the city. A walkway leads to Gardens by the Bay, where the Flower Dome holds gardens from dry climates and the Cloud Forest wraps a misty mountain and waterfall in glass. Stay for the Supertree light show after dark.

Sentosa is the island resort off the south coast, reached today by cable car from Mount Faber, with the harbour and cruise terminal below. Spend the afternoon on the beaches at Siloso or Palawan, walk out to the southernmost point of continental Asia across a small suspension bridge, or add one of the island's attractions. The day closes on the beach with Wings of Time, an evening show of water, fire and light projected over the sea.

A full day at Universal Studios Singapore in Resorts World Sentosa, arranged in themed zones from ancient Egypt to a science-fiction city. The rides range from gentle ones for small children to twin roller coasters for teenagers, and live shows run through the day. Arrive at opening to avoid the worst of the queues, and think about an express pass during holiday periods. Vegetarian food is available at several outlets in the park.

Breakfast and checkout. Changi deserves time: Jewel, the domed complex joined to the terminals, has an indoor waterfall falling through its centre, and it is open to everyone before security. We time the transfer to allow for it if your flight is in the afternoon or evening. Bags can usually be left with the hotel until the pick-up. Tax refunds on shopping are claimed at kiosks in the departure hall, so keep receipts together.