36 hours on Sentosa Island

Reuters

COMING ATTRACTIONS: A general view of the construction site of the Resorts World Sentosa development in Singapore. The development, due to open in stages from early 2010, will feature a Universal Studios theme park, a casino, four hotels and an aquarium.

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Mitchell Murphy spends thirty-six hours on Sentosa Island - the vibrant jewel in Singapore's crown.

10am: "Gobsmacking" is the remark I make to my wife in the taxi as we cross over the access bridge and the construction site of Resorts World Sentosa comes into view.

Scheduled to open next year, the $5.2 billion integrated resort will include Universal Studios Singapore and six world-class hotels. But that's the future - for the purpose of this trip we're staying at Rasa Sentosa Resort (a Shangri-La property).

A veteran real estate agent once told me he believed a potential buyer knows within 10 seconds of walking through the front door whether they like the property. I draw a parallel with hotel foyers, with the defining moment the vibe at reception.

I knew we were on a winner at Rasa as the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The resort's location is superb, situated right on Siloso Beach. Although the guest rooms are a little tired, overall the resort is well-appointed, spotlessly clean and boasts a world-class health club and spa facility.

1pm: After a quick study of the island map we head straight for Imbiah Lookout, a cluster of 10 attractions in the one location all within 10 minutes walk.

The better half thoroughly enjoys her visit to the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom featuring more than 50 species of live butterflies in a cool conservatory and a collection of 3000 species of the world's most beautiful and rare insects.

While my darling gets close to nature, I seek out something with a bit more action and head to the Sentosa Luge. It was a blast and the Skyride (Sentosa's fancy name for a good old-fashioned chairlift) back up to the lookout peak provides breathtaking views of the island and South China Sea.

Underwater World is arguably the pin-up attraction on Sentosa Island and comments from resort guests we chatted with were glowing but, I confess, we didn't go.

There simply wasn't a burning desire after having visited Kelly Tarlton's in Auckland and Sea World on the Gold Coast in the past 12 months.

Sentosa's public transport system works seamlessly and because the island is so compact, we combined beach trams and walking to get around with ease. What makes Sentosa so special is the instant feeling of the escape from the hustle and bustle, yet it's only around a $15 cab ride from the famous Orchard Rd shopping precinct.

You'll push camera memory cards to the limit here, particularly when visiting The Merlion - it's 37m high and the biggest replica of Singapore's half- lion, half-fish symbol.

4pm: Stroll along Siloso Beach then relax with a cocktail by the pool.

7pm: We dine alfresco at our resort's premier restaurant, Barnacles. The location is tranquil with a capital "T". The sunset on the South China Sea is breathtaking; the sea breeze refreshing, the signature dish of Yin Yang (wok-fried honey baby squids and mayonnaise prawns) divine . . . it was a romantic dinner and memorable evening.

9am: After a hearty buffet breakfast, the morning is set aside for relaxation and I manage to plough through a large chunk of the novel Shantaram (the best book I've read in a long time) while lazing beside the pool.

Noon: The last thing I want to do is go anywhere near a shopping centre but the hotel concierge encourages us to visit VivoCity - less than 10 minutes away by light rail.

Located in the HarbourFront precinct that spans 24ha along Singapore's prime southern waterfront, VivoCity was designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Toyo Ito and its exterior design is certainly unique.

To be honest, inside felt no different to shopping at a Westfield in New Zealand. However, the food court made the diversion from chilling out worthwhile - the cuisine was fresh and dirt cheap. We arrive back at the resort mid-afternoon (yes, with plenty of shopping bags) and head straight back to the pool.

6.30pm: Enjoy a pizza and cold ale beachside before attending Songs of the Sea a must-do event when staying on Sentosa Island. This mesmerising show, which runs at 7.40pm and 8.40pm daily - rain, hail or shine - features a live cast and dramatic effects. Now an important tip: If you're travelling to Singapore and plan to take in Sentosa Island, do so mid-week as it's a haven for locals at weekends and it's ideal for families.

Where to stay: Rasa Sentosa Resort (by  Shangri-La),  www.shangri-la.com/en/ property/singapore/ rasasentosaresort

Flight Centre has Singapore holidays including return Qantas flights and four nights' accommodation at the  Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort in a superior hill view room with buffet breakfasts from $2199 ex Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, per person,  twin share. Price subject to availability.

Valid for sales until November 30,  travel from February 1 to  March 7 2010. For details and bookings, contact  Flight Centre on 0800 427 555 or visit  www.flightcentre.co.nz

What to do: You can totally relax or play tourist - or do both. Laze by the resort pool; take a stroll along the  beach; play a round of  golf; visit the tourist  attractions; plus nearby VivoCity is worth a look. www.sentosa.com.sg www.vivocity.com.sg

Keep in mind Resorts World Sentosa, incorporating Universal Studios Singapore opens on the island next year. www.rwsentosa.com www.rwsentosa.com/ euniversalstudio.html

* Mitchell Murphy's accommodation was provided by Flight Centre, www.flightcentre.co.nz