Litle wonder then that Singapore has become one of the most popular foreign weekend getaways. Prospective visitors, especially from corporate companies, students, film production houses and families have been lapping up attractive packages from various agencies to the destination.

"It is not only convenient but also very enjoyable. The whole of Singapore is an island nation, which can be covered in two days and two nights package," says Sonali Jagat, a marketing professional, who recently visited Singapore over a weekend. She had gone to visit her friends, who are studying business management there.

The island-country has added new attractions such as the Singapore flyer, giant observation wheel, Formula-1 race and two integrated resorts recently. Metros like Mumbai, Delhi and even the second-rung metros like Pune are becoming the largest market for the Singapore tourism industry. "It's not just about visiting another country, there is so much of fun in Singapore. One can go for exotic, out of the world spa treatments, play golf and be completely pampered in the hotel you've booked for yourself," Jagat adds. Weekend trips work out to be convenient for people, who cannot spend a lot of time out of their office, as they can book themselves a weekend trip, which takes care of all their needs, she adds.

"A lot of corporate employees ask for the weekend packages to Singapore. A lot of young couples and families like to visit Singapore, as it is easy to board a flight from Mumbai and there are so many attractive places to visit there. It is definitely a shopper's paradise. Asia's largest bird park is also in Singapore and night safaris remain an all time attraction for families," says Purva Sardesai, international travel counsellor, Girikand Travels. Shopping arcades in Singapore are open throughout the night and concerts are also held over the weekends, thus providing a variety of options to weekend visitors.

"It was a weekend honeymoon for us. As my husband and me both work in a corporate, it is very difficult for us to plan bigger holidays as it interrupts our work. We wanted a weekend getaway, but at the same time an exotic one since it was our honeymoon. So we decided to take a trip to Singapore. It worked out to be great for both of us, as Singapore is an ideal place to visit for two days. The whole country is about 700 square kilometres and the cost of living is also reasonable. The trip cost us around Rs 36,000 per person," says Prita Nair, quality leader, Xansa India ltd, who visited Singapore over a weekend with her husband.