The Lion City (well, island city-state) Singapore, located just 85 miles north of the equator on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, is busting with relaxing beaches, fascinating culture, and crazy-good food, and whether you already have it on your list or not, it's a great time to go!

First of all, it's currently (through July 26) the annual Great Singapore Sale, which means discounts on like, everything: dining, designer handbags, jewelry, and more. Also in July, legendary diamond jeweler Harry Winston will be opening his first Singapore salon in the prestigious ION Orchard. The 1,500 square foot retail salon will feature and elegant, modern lacquer and bronze armoire-style vitrine for viewing the beautiful bling, as well as private rooms for the ultimate exclusive and discreet ice selection.

More July goodness, the Singapore Food Festival is July 17-26. There will be culinary workshops, food competitions, parties, and a lot of local cuisine for all to celebrate and enjoy.

Looking a little further ahead, here's some more festival action:

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri, mid-August to late September also known as Hari Raya Puasa, is a Muslim celebration to ring in the end of the fasting month, Ramadan. The festival features shopping, lights, performances, and a total food bonanaza.
• The Mid Autumn Festival, September 19 to October 17 in Singapore's Chinatown, is a Chinese-Singapore extravaganza with nightly Chinese opera, street stalls with all kinds of edible and non-edible treats, and the wolrdwide celebration is "an auspicious occasion for gathering and reunion for family and friends." There will be mooncakes.
• Deepavali, September 18 to October 25 in Singapore's Little India, is the Festival of Lights -- a Hindu celebration of the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. As you can imagine, this is one of the most visually astounding festivals anywhere in the world, with lights, streamers, colors, dancing, food, flames, and more.

It's a good idea to check out this website for special deals and great ideas: Visitsingapore-usa.com. They can help you plan Christmas in the Tropics or even arrange for you to be there during Asia's largest 24-hour dance party, ZoukOut on December 12th.

Have a look at the pictures below for last year's versions of some of the annual events, and put Singapore on your list already.

Gallery: Singapore Summer and More

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Malaysia, Singapore