Shopping in Singapore

by: Debbie Salcedo

If there are three things for which Singapore is very well known, it would be: the cleanest surroundings in Asia; a fascinating fusion of different cultures as shown in the architecture and cuisine…and last but certainly not the least of all, great shopping!

From the high-end malls to the quirky sidewalk bargain centers, shoppers, whether they be tourists or local will certainly find themselves ecstatic with joy at this mecca of bargains and buys.

1. Orchard in a City (Orchard road)

The most famous of Singapore’s shopping places, Orchard Road, which stretches up to Scotts Road, is home to the popular malls like Wisma Atria, Heeren and the Centrepoint. These malls are popular not only with the tourists but also with the locals for their convenience and yearlong discounts with the occasional big sales.

For those who have been planning and scrimping for the very purpose of a shopping spree, Takashimaya and Ngee Ann City are also great places to spend that salted away cash or gain points on your credit card. These two malls are loaded with designer labels like the very posh luggage brand Coach, the fashions of Kenneth Cole and Topshop, just to name a few.

2. Bugis Bargain Village

Never accept first quote. This is the maxim that is taught to all visitors setting out to raid the shops of Bugis. Here, there are approximately 600 street stalls with a lot of them featuring racks upon racks of casual to dressy fashions and accessories.

Some popular buys are the kitschy hobo art, peasant style clothes, sarongs with exotic Indian designs, shoes, and what other accessories fashion lovers will need to complete their ensemble.

There are also shops which offer manicures and pedicures, along with food shops offering tasty oyster pancakes, Singaporean street fare, and a few restaurants.


3. Far East Plaza

Hip, stylish, eclectic and funky. Four words that best describe the Far East Plaza where the fashions tend to lean more towards the fashionably adventurous younger market with their bold, fun and quirky designs. Make-overs from the shy “girl-or-guy-next-door” types to the punk rockers are definitely possible.


4. Sim Lim Square

If its electronics you want then Sim Lim is the place to be. Since the late 80’s, Sim Lim has been a hotbed for electronic bargains. Techno freaks will simply drool over the newest mobile phones, amped-up speakers, plasma screen television sets with wide screen cinema displays, to DVD players and satellites for their home and entertainment centers.

5. Mustafa Mall

         

So what’s the best thing about Mustafa Mall? Is it the bargains? Well, they’re good, but no, it is not that. The wide range of designer clothes to bargain type buys? Also good but not quite the best thing yet.

The best thing is that it is always open. That’s right. This mall is open 24/7 so shopaholics who get the urge to shop at 3 o’clock in the morning can get satisfaction for their cravings at the Mustafa. From dental floss to an entire wardrobe, it doesn’t matter when you want to buy them be it at four in the afternoon or just before dawn.

6. Arab Street

This isn’t just shopping. It’s a whole experience for the senses. Colorful and richly embroidered sarongs and cloths sway in the gentle breeze which carries with it a bouquet of food smells, essential oils, spices and curry powders. Trinkets, accessories, footwear and home decorations carrying a unique oriental vibe may be purchased from the many shops that may be found in the Arab Quarter. The best part is, you can pretty much bargain all that you want and go as low as you can.

7. Little India

It’s sensual, it’s mystic, it’s Little India. Huge statues, pictures and posters of Hindu gods and goddesses are just a few of the merchandise tourists may expect to see in the street shops of Little India. Women wearing colorful saris with twinkling kohl-lined eyes keep shop with wares ranging from hand-woven baskets, pointy sandals reminiscent of the movie Aladdin, and to the more expensive and intricate Hindu icons they revere. The sight of dignified, elderly Indian men in their turbans conversing as they munch happily on corn bread and curry is also another quaint yet daily part of the Little India scene.

8. Chinatown

Dainty streets infused with an eclectic mix of the Eastern and Western cultures together with very good bargains are just a few charms that is curiously Chinatown’s. Charming shop houses and street stalls sell everything from fresh produce, Chinese herbs, fashionable clothes and costly antiques in addition to a whole lot more make up the offerings of Chinatown market.

The wet markets along Pagoda to Sago streets up to the Chinatown Night Market also features small eateries where excellent food may be had cheaply. Jewelry, silk gowns, and other trinkets are sold here for prices that may still go down depending on the bargaining skills of the shoppers.







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