Welcome to Singapore, have you eaten?

The city of Singapore sparkles by night and by day.

Shopping ... mmmm! Faced with the prospect of a weekend shopping in Singapore, I was morphing into a female version of Homer Simpson.

But upon arrival in the celebrated city state, I was greeted with what was to become a catchphrase for the weekend: "Welcome to Singapore, have you eaten?"

Turns out shopping comes second to eating but both are national pastimes for Singaporeans. So, in order to fully experience Singapore, I gave myself up to feast after feast of culinary delights, and some essential worshipping at the temple of shoes.

I arrived in Singapore on Air New Zealand's new Boeing 777 direct flight. The service's new Premium Economy class offers a deliciously spacious semi-private area. Had I been blessed with lengthy limbs, I would have been very happy with the extra-large seat pitch which is standard in this class. The on-demand entertainment system kept me amused for hours - a good thing with a 10-hour flight between Auckland and Changi Airport.

I had been warned about Singapore's steamy temperature, and while we arrived in the evening, the humidity was still high. Just make sure you carry a bottle of water and you'll do fine.

The trip from airport to city is a 10-minute drive, and this road doubles as Singapore's emergency runway. The potted plants along the median will be thrown to the side of the road should a Boeing ever need to land somewhere other than the airport. However, with four hours and 2000 men needed to prepare the road, they better get plenty of warning.

Raffles The Plaza Hotel was everything a girl could want at the end of a long flight. My 12th-floor room offered a fantastic view of the city skyline. The rooms are spacious and bright, and the beds - where do I begin? The next morning I was telling anyone who would listen that it felt like I was sleeping on feathers - and it turned out I was. The beds are legendary Westin "Heavenly Beds" big enough to swim in, with a 33cm feather-filled layer that welcomes you with a big, downy hug. I could have stayed in bed for the entire weekend, but Gary, our guide, had other plans. We were about to begin a whistlestop tour that left my feet, and bank manager, screaming for mercy.

First I donned my sunnies, and headed to the beach. Sentosa Island is a resort joined to the main island by a causeway. The most fun way to arrive is by cable car from the top of Mt Faber. It takes about 12 minutes one way and gives a bird's-eye view of Singapore.

Sentosa's attractions include the Sentosa Luge, Carlsberg Skytower and the Dolphin Lagoon, which is part of Underwater World where you can see Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins which are, rather unusually, pink.

Take the time to visit Images of Singapore, "a journey to the very soul of Singapore". This is an amazing walk back in time to the very beginnings of Singapore, once an insignificant fishing island at the foot of Malaysia.

Sentosa Beach, which is man-made and glistens with pristine golden sands, hosts a plethora of activities by day. By night, there is jazz in summer and massive raves for up to 25,000 over Christmas and New Year. Vehicle numbers are government controlled in Singapore - no car is to be more than 10 years old, and breakdowns or traffic jams are unheard of. You've got to admire that in a country that would fit quite nicely into Lake Taupo and has an equivalent population to New Zealand.

The city tour whizzed by in a couple of hours, although I did jump out to wander around the vibrant Arab Street (despite the torrential afternoon rain). The selection and prices of silks and fabrics is dazzling. Little India was next, where the aroma of spices and recent rain made for a heady mix. Gorgeous little hand-carved tokens can be bargained for. Be warned however: New Zealand Customs is not big on wooden souvenirs, no matter how pretty. There are saris from $7, gold jewellery, and more silks. A few gems found their way into my bag before I had to dash for a dinner date with the animals.

The Night Safari Park was a highlight of Singapore for me. Unique in the world, it recreates a private space for the animals that makes you feel like you are the intruder. A delightful tram fully bedecked in leopard print winds slowly along a path so you can view the animals at large while enjoying (yet another) gourmet feast. Subtly separated from us humans by hidden moats, the animals clearly have a sense of freedom. Special lighting gives the impression of moonlight while you view hyena, giraffes, lions, deer, bearded pigs, hippos and rhino.

My last stop was the decadent award-winning Shangri La Hotel. A three-winged hotel, it has something to suit everyone. The Valley Wing - the most luxurious sanctuary - completely won me over. Yet even with chandeliers in every room and Moet flowing throughout the day in the Champagne Bar, it is still affordable luxury.

Specialty suites come with a private entrance and elevator, bath menu, a butler and a pillow catalogue so you can select your perfect pillow.

I thought I had ingested as much as I could with an eight-course lunch the previous day at Raffles, but was further tested at The Line, the Shangri La's refurbished buffet restaurant. A very stylish food heaven.

And so, finally, to the shopping mecca of Orchard Road. With more than 40 malls along this strip, this is no place to take a man, unless it is to carry the bags. Singapore has every label you could dream of and then some. And, as if to lure me back, I was informed that for serious shoppers, the Great Singapore Sales that run from May 26 to July 23 will blow your mind.

NEED TO KNOW

Getting there: Air New Zealand's new 777 service flies to Singapore daily with airfares from $1399 (excluding tax). Three-night holiday packages are available from $1628 per person (including taxes). Go to www.airnewzealand.co.nz for more details, including connections to destinations in India, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Where to stay: The Plaza Hotel has rooms from US$135 (NZ$209) or The Valley Suites at the Shangri La Hotel from S$715 (NZ$684) per night, including breakfast, unlimited champagne, refreshments and canapes in the Champagne Bar.

Things to do: Sentosa Island Cable Car (S$12.60 return); Carlsberg Skytower (S$10); Night Safari Park (S$190 for Gourmet Express Dinner including all drinks, or general admission S$20 adult and S$10 child). Getting around: Taxi from the airport is about NZ$14. Public transport is great so use a bus or the Underground. Fares range from 70c to $2.20.