Singapore: Side Trips

For an intriguing case study of contrasting city styles, take a brisk 40-minute flight north to Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur. Where Singapore is prim and efficient, KL is brash, chaotic and packed with sensational street food (though Singaporeans will claim theirs is better). Since time is limited, head straight for Bangsar, a hip neighborhood of modern art galleries, quaint coffeeshops, summery boutiques and excellent restaurants. Have a lunch of laksa (curry noodles) and chicken rice at Alexis Bistro before making a quick dash through Chinatown's heaving Petaling Street for last minute souvenirs.

• 1. Alexis Bistro
  29 Jalan Telawi 3, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 59100; 60-(0)3-2284-2880 alexis.com.my