This is your correspondent’s first visit to Singapore, and it’s a revelation. He’s marvelled at the size and scale and amazing architecture of the surrounding cityscape (without quite grasping its enormity); knew a little (actually, shamefully little) about this island nation’s colourful history; read about Singapore’s astonishing economic growth in the last 50 years. But in two short days of touring, it’s a happy feeling to actually get it: get what makes Singapore such a special place, with such connections for Australians, while being swept up in an infectious feelgood sporting experience that rivals anything on the planet.

For almost two centuries, since 1819, when a certain English officer by the name of Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles sailed up the Singapore River and decided that a small village of less than 200 people was the place to open a port that would serve as the new trading hub of South-East Asia, the world has been welcomed to Singapore. Its deep harbour frontage made it an ideal port, and its central location in the region has made it an ideal meeting point for traders, businesses and workers of all races, nationalities and religious persuasion. Fifty years ago (this year!) it became an independent state, determined to take its own place on the world stage, inclusive of all who have called this place home (Chinese, Malays, Indians, smatterings of Europeans), but free of colonial political influence. It’s now a proud country that embraces its past while focusing its ambitions squarely on the future. It’s a welcoming tradition and inspiring vision that remains embedded in this city’s DNA.

So what to do in Singapore? One motto becomes the theme of your correspondent’s tour: so much to eat, so few hours! The melting pot of cultures that make up modern Singapore is literally reflected in the pots of mouth-watering cuisine of astonishing variety found in its hundreds (probably thousands) of restaurants.

No visitor should go home without sampling Singapore’s famous chilli crab, or an authentic laksa, or spicy Indian, or Malay-style satay. The street food at outdoor venues like Boon Tat Street is world-renowned. Bring your appetite with you. Then, when the heat of the day fades into the glow of twilight, Singapore comes alive in untold bars and clubs.

If your appetite for exotic culture has been whetted by your, er, appetite, the biggest challenge on your Sevens Rugby weekend is knowing where to start. Let’s suggest the National Museum of Singapore: it has recently reimagined and renovated its permanent galleries; now it’s a walkthrough immersion in the rich history of this place, taking us all the way back to the 14th century. Australian soldiers and nurses who gave their lives (among other defenders of Singapore) during the harsh years of the Second World War are respectfully remembered here. It’s a solemn place to recall their service and sacrifice. But ultimately uplifting, as we see how far this country has come since.

For those with a need for retail therapy, a hike down Orchard Road just might turn into a boulevard of broken credit limits! The world’s biggest luxury brands seem to have agreed that if you’re not present here, you’re not in the race. Of course, you don’t have to spend a thing, but here, the boutiques and retail spaces attempt to outdazzle each other … Shop till you drop if that’s your thing.

You can grab time out to relax at the resort island of Sentosa. Hotels of stunning luxury dot this retreat, surrounded by marinas that would certainly give Monaco and the French Riviera a run for their money.

An overwhelming sense of modernity is carried from the moment you arrive at the ultra-modern Changi Airport; five-lane highways carry you into town in a breeze, while a rapid transit network underground has to be experienced to be believed for its efficiency. Subway connections routinely appear within a minute or two.

You don’t have to travel far to experience the “old” Singapore, with its historic charm, either. Take a few hours, at least, to visit Joo Chiat, Singapore’s Peranakan neighbourhood, and seek out one of those authentic laksas. Or take a walk around Little India. Or bustling Chinatown. Or the lush surrounds of the Botanic Gardens with its exotic orchids. Or the nearby embassy district with its stunning historic residences.

A walk around Raffles Place and Marina Bay will leave you gobsmacked by the size and scale of the financial district, with the other-worldly Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Convention Centre complex just across the other side of the Marina Reservoir. That’s the building that looks like it’s supporting a suspended cruise ship in the sky, with views to forever … I can report that the Convention Centre, which also doubles as theatre district, and luxury retail hub, and food court, is the biggest building I have ever been inside. It is simply staggering to explore.

At some stage, any visitor is going to run out of superlatives talking about this place and the attractions on offer.

It should be disclosed here that your correspondent travelled to Singapore as the guest of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which you might think has coloured some of these impressions. But I am assured that the type of welcome and hospitality I enjoyed is absolutely typical of the place. Singapore prides itself on being a thriving tourism destination, one that especially welcomes Australians.

I flew Singapore Airlines from Sydney, which is a quite pleasant three-movie trip.