of times online article says visiting the merlion and the fountain of wealth is pointless

Our man in... Singapore: Ben Kiggell has an article posted on Times Online about the things you should do and not do in Singapore.

Eat here

A meal at one of the many open-air hawker centres is a great way to try local food. For a top-end experience, we love Flutes at the Fort (www.flutesatthefort.com.sg).

Must do

The Botanical Gardens are amazing. Less obvious, but a real gem, are the walking tours detailed on www.singaporewalks.com. There's a different one every day of the week.

Avoid

A lot of what pass for tourist attractions in Singapore - the Merlion at Marina Bay and the world's largest fountain at Suntec City - are pointless. Don't waste your time.

Top shop

Lim's Art & Living in Holland Village (00 65 6251 5151) doesn't look like much as you walk in, but is absolutely bursting with decorative, functional buys.

A to B

Taxis are inexpensive and usually plentiful, but call and book at peak times and when it's raining.

Insider tip

At night the little side street next to Lau Pa Sat hawker market is closed to traffic, filled with tables and chairs, and turns into “Satay Street”, where a dozen stalls grill satay in the open air.