Singapore - the Lion City with no lions

Where it all began for me - the city of my birth, so I have a special affection for Singapore. The city-state gets its name from the word ‘Singapura’ (meaning ‘Lion City’ in Sanskrit). Its strict laws make it a safe place to wonder in search of artistic inspiration like the breathtaking botanical gardens, colourful shop houses of Emerald Hill or the spectacular Marina Bay Sands hotel - one of the most unusal buildings you’ll ever see - with its 57th floor infinity pool perched on top of three skyscrapers.