The moment you step off the plane in Singapore, it's not hard to see why it is known as the "garden city", with its lush tropical vegetation and manicured lawns.
Unlike most Asian cities, the entire place is spotless and the locals are a friendly and law-abiding bunch. Spitting is a criminal offence, for example, and talking on your mobile phone while driving can cost you three nights in jail and five lashes of the cane.
Singapore enjoys a consistent summer of about 30 to 32 degrees Celsius almost all year round. As a runner, you will immediately notice the thick, humid air.
The city's parks and streets are full early in the morning, with locals of all ages enjoying their daily tai chi and dance routines.
In recent years, running has taken off in the island state, with races held almost every two or three weekends - many of them even clashing on the same day.