When he visited the city in 1885, the zoologist William Hornaday likened Singapore to “a big desk, full of drawers and pigeon holes, where everything has its place and can always be found.” Amazingly, in spite of the turbulent history Southeast Asia has witnessed over the past century or so, the remark remains as pertinent today as it was when it was made.

The city on the diamond-shaped peninsula is indeed supremely well-organised and spotlessly clean. Critics argue this orderliness has come at the cost of Singapore’s soul (most of downtown’s antique buildings have been bulldozed to make way for malls and offices) but the pay-offs are plain for all to see.

Chief among them is an all-pervasive prosperity that’s decidedly untypical for Asia. An ultra-modern skyline bristling with glass-sided towers bears witness to the record-breaking economic growth of the past four decades – though huddled beneath them, if you look hard enough, are characterful remnants of the colony’s 19th beginnings, including some sumptuous Chinese temples and clan halls. The shopping’s every bit as terrific as they say, too, whether you’re after a designer item of quirky souvenir from a local street stall.

Efficient and modern, but with a fascinating multi-ethnic makeup and plenty of sights to keep you busy, Singapore is the obvious choice for extended layovers on longer tours, or for a quick side-trip if you’re exploring other countries in the region.

No trip to Singapore is complete without a Singapore Sling in Raffles. Bartender, Ngiam Tong Boon, is credited with inventing the world-famous cocktail, smooth, slow and sweet with a complex flavour which aficionados will best enjoy in Raffles’ old-world Billards Room bar.

Opened in 1887, the hotel came to epitomize the hey day of the British empire. Kipling, Conrad, Noel Coward and Günter Grass all stayed here, but the guest with whom its faded gentility became most closely associated was the writer Somerset Maugham, who famously remarked that Raffles “stood for all the fables of the exotic east”.

Re-live the “golden era of travel” on the Eastern & Oriental Express as it rattles through the rainforests and paddy fields of Malaysia. You travel in opulently upholstered Pullmans that ooze retro-colonial chic, with Chinese and Thai flourishes enlivening all the wooden marquetry and panelling. Think Marlene Dietrich on the Shanghai Express, rattan chairs, and linen suits, only with Bulgari Thé Vert toiletries in the bathrooms. Highlights include cocktail hour in the Observation car and guided tours of Georgetown.

Probably Malaysia’s most famous beach destination, Langkawi is a rainforest dominated archipelago made up of 99 beautiful islands off the northwest corner of mainland Malaysia. With just 2 of those inhabited, Langkawi is a truly tropical destination.

Surrounded by the crystal clear, emerald waters of the Andaman Sea ensconced in lush green vegetation and carved in incredible limestone karsts, the island is a hotbed for nature activities with the Langkawi cable car and Sky Bridge standing out as must-see attractions. Sungai Kilim Nature Park and nearby Pulau Payar Marine Park are excellent places to explore the wondrous natural beauty of the archipelago.

The first is a discovery of the culinary art of Peranakan cooking, where you will visit a spice shop and traditional grocery stores to purchase herbs and vegetables before trying your hand at making some enticing local dishes.

The second suits those with a passion for culture and art, taking you to Georgetown Old Quarter to see a stunning Temple, a contemporary studio and an opera and puppet house.

Lastly, you can choose to explore independently. Armed with a map, a trishaw and a driver, navigate Georgetown's picturesque streets at your own pace. Your driver will take you anywhere you want to go, from grand attractions to hidden corners.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel or head out to explore more of Singapore.

Sentosa is the most accessible and visitor-friendly of the small islands scattered immediately south of Singapore. Cable cars from Mount Faber on the mainland shuttle visitors across and back to the harbour-front through the day.

Attractions on the island itself include: the fabulous Underwater World aquarium, where you can get nose-to-nose with live sharks and stingrays; the state-of-the-art Images of Singapore diorama; and Fort Siloso, showcasing the various military surrenders of World War II.