Where to get the best things

It might seem odd to tell travelers to hang out in an airport, but Jewel Changi is no ordinary airport it's a fixture at the top of our Readers' Choice Awards best airport list. The transportation hub is also a nature-themed shopping, dining, and entertainment extravaganza designed by architect Moshe Safdie.

The project's highlights include the Rain Vortex, a seven-story-tall indoor waterfall; an indoor forest with suspended walkways; and nearly stores.

This is a game-changer for travelers on layovers. It's so popular and so worth it that 20 airlines will let you check in a full 24 hours in advance just to maximize your time inside. Owner Alvin Yapp has spent plus years collecting 1, objects from Peranakan culture, most notably kasut manek ornate beaded slippers worn by Straits Chinese women and enamel tiffin carriers hand-painted in delicate floral patterns. Yapp's post-war home is a labor of love, and it shows in the meticulous way that he has arranged every square inch of it.

Visits are strictly by appointment only. This island was once known for its granite quarries. But when they closed down in the s and jobs dwindled, residents began leaving. Today, the island is home to fewer than 50 people, who have chosen to stay for the old way of life.

Which is exactly what people like visiting it for, too. Stepping onto Pulau Ubin is like time-traveling to the way Singapore was decades ago. Even getting to it is old-fashioned: You take a minute ride on a chugging bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. This is a rich experience even for those who are cash-poor, and the perfect day trip for those looking to see a different time in Singapore's history or experience its wild side. This promenade overlooking Marina Bay is home to Singapore's iconic foot Merlion statue, a half-fish, half-lion stone carving that shoots water into the bay.

The fish symbolizes Singapore's beginnings as a fishing village while the lion head is a nod to Singapura, which means "Lion City" in Malay. Erected in , it remains one of the nation's most popular tourist attractions, so plan accordingly.

This one's for ballers: If you have cash to splash, you can do everything from have a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant to check out the view from the SkyPark. The massive Moshe Safdie-designed mall, casino, convention center, and hotel is perhaps Singapore's most iconic building. Forget manicured or wild, this eight-acre outdoor art park is bizarre but a feast for the eyes.

It was set up in the s—before the advent of TV and the Internet—by Tiger Balm founder and philanthropist Aw Boon Haw, who commissioned more than 1, detailed sculptures and dioramas that would teach traditional Chinese values.

Back then, it was popular and crowded, but has become less so over the years. And though it's lost a bit of its luster, that only lends to its charm and 'raw' feel—what you get here is an unfiltered, in-your-face lesson on Chinese morals and culture that doesn't sit behind velvet ropes or glass panels, and isn't crawling with tourists.

Also of note: This "Asian cultural park" claims to be the last of its kind in the world, though it's hard to imagine there were many like this to begin with. You can't miss this giant, wedding-cake-like monument in the middle of Singapore's Civic District—it's one of the oldest buildings in the area and perhaps the most imposing, with its Neo Gothic design topped with a minimalist spire.

Park grounds surround the structure so it stands out as a sanctuary in the midst of a busy urban area. This is Singapore's largest cathedral and also its oldest Anglican house of worship. It's a gem for history, culture, and architecture buffs.

Thian Hock Keng Temple, a. The elaborate architecture, done up in the traditional southern Chinese style, was built without using a single nail. Now fully restored, it's a feast for the eyes with its dragon and phoenix sculptures and Fujian-style broken porcelain roof ridges. Photos aren't allowed in most parts of the temple, and you'll likely get caught if you try to snap one.

So you'll have to just keep those memories with you. If you can't keep your camera in your purse, don't go. This is not a selfie op. Admission is free, but it still never gets too crowded. Sentosa is a 1,acre island resort off the southern coast of Singapore that's home to major tourist attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the S.

Singaporeans and international travelers also flock here to hang out on the beaches, zip line at Mega Adventure Park, shop at the massive Luxury Fashion Galleria, and more. Golf is a big deal here, too—the Sentosa Golf Club has two award-winning courses.

Mobile Navigation. Sign In Your Account. This title will be in stock December 28 in the Americas region. Out of stock? Featuring money-saving tips for cities and regions across 85 countries Each continent has its own chapter that features a toolkit with an introduction to its top budget destinations as well as transport and accommodation information.

Book Details. In Her Footsteps General Reference. The Art of Language General Reference. Overlooking the jungle on one of Bali's highly Instagrammed swings. New Orleans: "The lively city known for its street music, festive vibe and a melting pot of French, African and American cultures is well worth the trip. The unique small towns such as Dingle add to its charm.

Marrakesh, Morocco: "This ancient walled city is home to mosques, palaces and lush gardens. Sydney: "Sydney is known around the world as one of the greatest and most iconic cities on the planet. The Maldives: "This tropical nation in the Indian Ocean is made up of more than 1, coral islands. Cape Town, South Africa: "Cape Town is a dream location to visit: endless natural beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighborhoods and turquoise waters. Dubai, U. How do overwater bungalows and underwater adventures sound to you?

With charming upstate scenery, world-class cuisine and culture and more things to do than you could fit in one lifetime. Paro Valley, Bhutan: Paro Valley is known for its monasteries, fortresses or dzongs and dramatic landscapes.

Tucked between China and India, Bhutan is a mysterious country that prides itself on sustainable tourism. A Middle-earth adventure on the film set of Lord of the Rings. Hobbiton Movie Set still has the original Hobbit holes from the making of the films. Brightly painted buildings and vintage cars make Havana a photogenic dream.

Nowhere else can compare with the extreme remoteness of this snowy place. Vancouver, Canada: "Vancouver is surrounded by water yet close to the mountains and has world-class art, restaurants and heaps of other attractions to keep you entertained. Los Angeles: "In a city with year-round sunshine, glam bars, beaches and hikes, there are endless incredible experiences to enjoy in Los Angeles. The park has safari experiences of all kinds, allowing you the opportunity to escape busy city living and get back to nature.

Beaches with volcanic black or red sand and clear blue waters make this an ideal holiday spot. Colorful domes and bell chimes ring out from over churches in the city, and the sense of history is immense.

Culture lovers will be impressed with the museums and ballet. Singapore : "Singapore is a small island city-state off southern Malaysia which punches way above its weight on a global level.

London, England: "Pretty pink restaurants, futuristic space-age toilets and jungle skyline views are just some of our favorite things about London. And of course, all the classics: Big Ben, red phone boxes and world-class museums and galleries. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: "Rio de Janeiro has always been one of the most iconic cities in the world with instantly recognizable landscapes and landmarks.

Petra, Jordan: "The ancient Nabatean city of Petra in southern Jordan is surrounded by beautiful red rocks and steep gorges.