No one visiting Singapore today would ever guess this bustling country of over sixty islands got its start as a quiet fishing village. With its thriving shipping and technology business, the Southeast Asian country now ranks among the top five richest countries in the world. Millions of visitors flock to Singapore each year and these are among the top ten tourist attractions visited.

1. Singapore Botanic Gardens

This national park in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Singapore is a welcome retreat for visitors and locals alike. A mixture of rainforest, lawns and ponds, the abundance of trees, shrubs and flowers is very peaceful and restful. Also part of the garden is the National Orchid Collection with 1000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids.

2. Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island includes three beaches, resorts, amusement parks, the Universal Studios theme park, the largest marine life park in the world and a casino. In addition, historic forts, nature walks and an amazing variety of foods: Chinese, Italian, French, Japanese and Australian can all be found. The Crane Dance at Resort World Senatosa is a major attraction as is the high-end shopping and excellent entertainment.

3. Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo features a much heralded after dark ride or walk through the zoo to view 1000 nocturnal animals in their natural habitats and a Creature of the Night Show. Daytime attractions include the world's largest collection of captive orangutan and shows that include Elephants at Work or Play, Splash Safari and Rainforest Fights Back.

4. Flight Experience Singapore

Virtually fly a plane to more than 20,000 worldwide airports, with a state of the art Boeing 737-800NG cockpit, fully curved 180-degree high definition visuals and high fidelity sound. A qualified instructor will give you as much or as little guidance you need.

The glass enclosed Singapore flyer rotates on a massive Ferris wheel design to give you a 360-degree view of the country with breathtaking views of skylines and landscapes in the world's tallest observation tower.

5. Asian Civilisations Museum

For a good overall view of Asian culture, this Museum includes artifacts from a wide range of countries from India to Vietnam and charts the cultural impacts of the beliefs and religions in Middle East, India, Indo-China, China, Japan, Korea and Malay. Housed in a beautiful 19th century structure, the museum's exhibits include a ninth-century Buddha and a Chinese snuffbox.

6. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Described by tourists as being a soothing and relaxing place, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is filled with artifacts, a huge incense burning ceramic pot in an impressive building near Chinatown. Lined with deities and prayer stations you can experience a live prayer service or visit the garden on the top floor.

7. Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Bird Park not only houses 600 species of exotic birds, the comical parrot circus and the birds of prey in the King of the Skies show, it also include the Penguin Coast which is home to six varieties of penguins in an exhibit resembling a ship with both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits.

8. Mount Faber

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Singapore skyline from a cable ride over Mount Faber or at a restaurant on the hilltop with a bird's eye view. Discover The Jewel Box and the beauty of nature at this serene getaway from the city.

9. Bath Culture Foot Therapy

Nestled in Chinatown in a cozy corner off Temple Street, Bath Culture Foot Therapy combines herbal remedies and century-old traditions, soothing oriental music and ambience for a tension releasing foot massage in a traditional wooden tub. Footbath, foot, neck and shoulder massage bundles are available.

10. Cookery Magic
An excellent way to experience the culture and cooking methods of Singapore, the Cookery Magic cooking class is housed in an authentic Singapore Home. More than a cooking class, teacher Ruksana explains interesting tidbits about the history and medicinal purposes of the ingredients used in cooking as well as lore about Singapore itself. Small, classes, delicious recipes you will eat afterwards.

With all that Singapore has to offer, it is not easy to limit yourself to just ten places to visit. However, if you have just a short time to visit, this list will give you plenty of memories to take away from your visit to Singapore.

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