The bright lights of Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island

Just offshore from Singapore’s southern coast, Sentosa Island makes a welcome break – though a great deal of discretion is required to separate the gems from the dross, the tacky and the sheer underweheming.

The best things, such as the excellent beaches, are free.

Take in the stunning views from the highrise Rasa Sentosa Resort, or ride to the top of Carlsberg Sky Tower, Asia’s highest observation tower.

The restored Fort Siloso, a cannon battery during World War II, is also well worth a visit.