Called as the Lion City and one of the world’s most progressive economies, Singapore has long held the reputation as a staid, no-fun city state. Some even refer to it as “Singabore”—a place of skyscrapers and well-swept streets and where chewing gum is illegal.

But beneath its glittering columns of residential and commercial towers, its emphasis on cleanliness and discipline, and its clockwork efficiency, Singapore has something to offer to travelers of all stripes—from the budget-conscious backpackers to the high-flying jetsetters. For 48 hours, one can get a glimpse of soul of this country which has fully maximized its 682 square kilometers into a place of urban discovery interspersed with pockets of nature.

The first 24 hours

Travelers are introduced to the country by way of Changi Airport—a sleek, ultra-modern structure that captures the progressive attitude of the country. Those traveling with low-fare airlines will get to know the Budget Airport first but will get to see the award-winning airport where a major vein of the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) connects it to the city center.

It is therefore no hassle to jump from one place to another if one takes the MRT; the buses are equally efficient but they take some getting used to since they have specified routes and they are defined only by numbers. Taxis are plenty and the drivers are some of the most courteous in the world. Just be aware of surcharges imposed during rush hour and night trips.

Within two hours, you should be able to secure accommodation. Hostels in Chinatown are strongly recommended since the area is near the city center, the Colonial District and other important sites and landmarks. A meal at a Hawker’s Centre (a place composed of different eateries that offer affordable but tasty food) will prep you up for some serious sight-seeing.

For the first day, it is good to see the city’s major landmarks. Ride the closest MRT station from your hostel and alight on Raffles Place or City Hall station. A short walk from Raffles Place will lead you to the Colonial District where the country’s notable historic buildings are found. For a quick view of the Singapore history and identity, visit the National Museum of Singapore (Stamford Road) and Singapore Art Museum (Bras Basah Road) and take pictures of the popular Raffles Hotel (Beach Road) where the Singapore Sling was first concocted.

National Orchids Garden

In the afternoon, try to swerve to Esplanade—home of the country’s major art performances—which is one of Singapore’s architectural breath-takers. Locals call it as the “Durian” because its building envelope mimics the rind of the fruit. For a bird’s eye view of city state, ride the Singapore Flyer (the tallest Ferris wheel in the world) and see the skyscrapers light up. A fitting way to end the day is to view the laser show and throw a coin in what used to be the tallest fountain located at Suntec City.

Singapore has a pulsating nightlife and if you are in the mood to party, you can swing by Clark Quay and select from its vast array of establishments—bars, cafes, restaurants. The place picks up at around midnight as young Singaporeans come in droves to dance. For a laid-back dinner or a late-night drink, head to Chijmes (Victoria Street, Colonial District), which evokes its original structure as a convent.

The next 24 hours

The second day can be devoted to more quiet activities such as strolling on the Botanical Garden which is open as early as 5 in the morning. Here, locals do their morning exercise and tai-chi before starting their day. Entrance to the Botanical Garden is free but a S$5 entrance fee is charged for a visit to the Orchid Garden.

What is Singapore without shopping? For traditional crafts and souvenir items, nothing compares to Singapore’s three ethnic quarters: Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street. Each quarter has its own charm, influenced by the rich motif of the place it is named after. The people who live here are in touch with their native tradition which is exemplified by the worship places of their religions: Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

Arab Street

Each year, tourists flock to the country for the Great Singapore Sale when merchants sell their goods at rock-bottom prices. Next year, the sale will take place from May 28 to July 25, 2010, so better keep your shopping funds ready.

High-end retail therapy belongs to Orchard Road which presents the best option and is comparable to that of Hong Kong—although the goods may come out more expensive. Luxury brands proliferate with their huge store windows, presenting their merchandise with pomp and pageantry. Book-lovers will be especially drawn to the huge inventory of Borders and Kinokuniya located in Takashimiya, also along Orchard Road.

There’s no better way to finish a two-day stay in Singapore than a night safari at the Singapore Zoo, a sprawling 40-hectare park that is home to over 120 species. Be sure to devote a couple of hours for your trip to and from Seletar where the zoo is located. At the zoo, it is advised to ride the tram which takes you to eight geographical zones, each having its own set of nocturnal animals, among them antelopes, tigers and hyenas.

A 48-hour stay in Singapore is enough to cover the important sites of the country but to really get to know the place, a return is necessary to experience the other things that you will inevitably miss in your hurry.