Visit the President's humble abode

Word to the wise: If you're in town, try and visit on the first Sunday of the month as it's the only time to witness the changing of the guard ceremony.

Set on a sprawling 40 ha of beautifully manicured lawns, this gleaming white colonial edifice is a world away from the modern malls on Orchard Road that surround it. Built by the British colonialists to house their governors, the Istana (or palace, in Malay) is now the official residence of the Singaporean President.

Unfortunately, the grounds and some sections of the building are only open to the public five times a year, but if your trip coincides with a Singaporean public holiday, you're in luck. Pack a picnic lunch and relax on the lawn to take in a variety of traditional performances.