Singapore notches up half-century of independence

You may think you know Singapore, but if you haven't visited in a few years, there's no better time to rediscover its wealth of diverse and easy-to-explore activities and attractions packed into this serene "city in a garden".

Here are some highlights:

November marks the opening of the National Gallery Singapore. Occupying the beautiful City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings, the expansive space will be the largest visual arts institution in Singapore. www.yoursingapore.com/goldenjubilee

Singapore's 50th birthday celebration comes into bloom at Gardens by the Bay with a brand new orchid floral display and a SG50 edition of the free twice-nightly Garden Rhapsody music and light show. www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

The Straits Times newspaper has collaborated with ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands to unveil a free exhibition that chronicles the nation's development through powerful images and stories. www.marinabaysands.com/museum/singapore-stories.html

Singapore Zoo has welcomed four koalas who will call it home for the next six months. The furry envoys, named Chan, Idalia, Paddle and Pellita, are a gift from Australia to celebrate the anniversary and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. www.zoo.com.sg

The Singapore Sling, widely regarded as the national drink, is enjoying its 100th birthday, and Raffles Hotel is hosting a range of festivities. Travellers can sign up for a Singapore Sling masterclass with bartenders from the Long Bar or indulge in a SlingaPore, a pastel pink zesty and honeyed cake inspired by the drink. www.raffles.com/singaporen

Travellers looking for some calm in a green, tropical setting can head to Dempsey Hill, a refurbished enclave that once served as the English army barracks. Across from the Botanic Gardens and just a few minutes away from Orchard Road, the colonial designed shopfronts have welcomed a new farm-to-table restaurant on Minden Road called Open Farm Community. Email enquiries@ofcsingapore.com.sg

Far East Hospitality, Singapore's largest and fastest growing operator of hotels and serviced residences, invites Australian travellers to "live like a local" through its Far East Heritage Food Trail. The trail offers the opportunity to savour local flavours and delicacies. www.stayfareast.com/en/press-media/heritage-trail-2015.aspx

Museum lovers and history buffs can enjoy a free museum shuttle service daily from 10.30am-4.30pm between Singapore Art Museum, National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris.
www.yoursingapore.com/campaigns/golden-jubilee.html