It's no secret that we love Bugis! From the Instagram spots in Haji Lane to its amazing variety of halal eateries and the array of unique shopping places, Bugis is a convenient place to hang out at, whether you're a traveller or a local.
P.S. We've rounded up the top 18 things you need to see, do and eat in the Bugis neighbourhood!
Credit: Giphy
No visit to Bugis will be complete without snapping some photos for the 'gram. Lucky for you, there are plenty of Insta-worthy spots around the area from the colourful murals of Haji Lane to container-themed backdrops and modern architecture. Here are 11 Instagram spots around Bugis (with halal eateries nearby) you can't miss!
Kampong Glam area
1. Masjid Sultan
Any traveller to Kampong Glam would know that Masjid Sultan is synonymous to the area. You can spot its gorgeous golden domes from afar and it's a must to snap a photo with this iconic mosque. There are a few spots we'd recommend for you to get that perfect shot!
Along Bussorah Street
One of the most popular spots to photograph Masjid Sultan is the pedestrian walkway at Bussorah Street. Not only will you get a majestic view of the mosque, but the palm trees lining the street will complement your shot perfectly ?
With the mosque arch
Another spot that's gaining popularity is this grand arch that's located along Kandahar Street (just opposite Malay Heritage Centre). The arch creates a natural frame for your photos, with Masjid Sultan perfectly positioned in the centre, creating an almost symmetrical picture.
P.S. While you're in Bugis, check out the best buys at these 5 shopping spots!
2. Haji Lane
Haji Lane needs no introduction! Known for its colourful shophouses and storefronts, you'll enjoy a stroll along this hipster street and soaking in the atmosphere even if you're not buying anything. While it's hard to get a bad picture here, here are 3 spots to get the best shots:
The famous alley shot
We'd like to think of the famous Haji Lane alley shot as the "been there, done that" shot ? But then again, you can't resist snapping a picture with these colourful shophouses, can you? There are many stunning backdrops and street art along the way and we recommend that you experiment with different backdrops to get the shot you want!
Outside Piedra Negra
One of our favourites is this street art located at Piedra Negra at the Beach Road side of Haji Lane ? Don't miss out on the other murals around it too.
Mural near Bali Lane
#HHWT Tip: Do come early if you want to get an unobstructed alley shot as Haji Lane is always crowded.
3. Gelam Gallery
Gelam Gallery at Muscat Street (one of the back alleys opposite Sultan Mosque) is one of the newest art projects in the district. It's also Singapore's first permanent outdoor gallery!
What's interesting here is that you can spot artworks by 30 local and international artists displayed against the backdrop of the colourful murals. Try to spot these works as you walk along the alley ?
Address: Muscat St (the alley opposite Sultan Mosque and beside Rumah Makan Minang)
4. Sultan Arts Village
If graffiti art is more your thing, then head over to Sultan Arts Village, located near the Malay Heritage Centre. Most people would tend to overlook this unassuming spot but they have some pretty interesting murals like this batik-inspired artwork by Slacsatu. Plus, this spot has art studios and a shop selling spray paint too, so be sure to check them out!
Address: 71 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198496
Halal eateries in Kampong Glam:
Singapore Zam Zam (North Bridge Rd)
Cuisine: Indian
Halal Status: Muslim-Owned
Average price of main dishes: $6
Opening Hours: Open daily; 7AM-11PM
Address: 697-699 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198675
Contact: 6298 6320
Mother Dough (North Bridge Rd)
Cuisine: Pastries
Halal Status: Muslim-Owned
Average price of main dishes: $5
Opening Hours: Tue-Sat; 11AM-6PM, Sun; 11AM-5PM
Address: 749 North Bridge Rd, Singapore #01-01, Singapore 198717
Contact: 69096604
Kampong Glam Cafe
Cuisine: Malay/Indian
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Average price of main dishes: $5
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 8AM-2AM (closed on Mon)
Address: 17 Bussorah St, Singapore 199438
Contact: 6294 1697
Find more halal eateries around Kampong Glam in our Bugis halal food guide!
Bugis MRT area
5. Colourful spiral staircase (near Bugis Street)
When walking to Bugis Street Market, you'll probably pass this back alley with a row of colourful spiral staircases from the shophouses along Rochor Road. What was once pre-war shophouses have now been given a splash of colour so why not stop by and strike a pose?
Address: Back alley behind Rochor Road shophouses and along Victoria Street (beside Long John Silver's)
6. DUO Tower
One of the newer buildings to join Singapore's cityscape, DUO Tower's unique facade is an architectural marvel. Comprising of residences, offices and a hotel, the building's honeycomb-patterned exterior makes for an awesome backdrop for your shots. There's a garden on the first floor of the building where you can pose for photos or just unwind.
Address: Bugis MRT Downtown Line Exit F
7. Parkview Square
Located just opposite DUO Tower is this Gotham City-like building called Parkview Square. With an art deco architecture reminiscent of the Great Gatsby, you can't help but to be in awe of this majestic building. To capture the building in all its glory, be sure to take your shot from a low angle!
Address: Bugis MRT Downtown Line Exit F
Halal eateries near Bugis MRT Station:
WOK HEY
Cuisine: Chinese
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Average price of main dishes: $7
Opening Hours: Open daily: 11AM-9.45PM
Address: Bugis Junction, 230 Victoria Street, #B1-K3, Singapore 188024
Eighteen Chefs
Cuisine: Western
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Average price of main dishes: $10
Opening Hours: Sat-Thur; 11AM-10.30PM, Fri; 11AM-9.45PM
Address: Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria St, #04-06, Singapore 188021
Contact: 6734 9741
Jinjja Chicken
Cuisine: Korean
Halal Status: Halal-certified
Average price of main dishes: $10
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu; 11AM-9.30PM, Fri-Sun; 11AM-10PM
Address: 249 Victoria St, Singapore 188034
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Find more halal eateries around Bugis MRT Station in our Bugis halal food guide!
Bras Basah/Bencoolen area
8. DECK
Did you know there's a place in Bugis where you can take those hipster container backdrop shots? Located along Prinsep Street, DECK is an independent art space which holds photography exhibitions by budding photo artists. 19 containers have been re-purposed into art galleries, cafes and artists' studios. Time to unleash your creativity with a variety of poses at this hipster spot!
9. 222 Queen Street
222 Queen Street is where you can get those Melbourne street art vibes! The graffiti art here is very detailed and is a collaboration between Singapore artists and other street artists from around Asia. The street art here is expected to change occasionally so you might just discover something new when you're here ?
Address: Small road between 222 Queen Street and Oxford Hotel
10. LASALLE College of the Arts
Located right in front of Rochor MRT Station, this art school dazzles with its award-winning architecture. The building's glass walls and windows are tilted at different angles while the different buildings are arranged such that when you're standing in the middle of the school compound, it feels as if you're in a deep canyon. There's definitely plenty of room for you to explore and experiment with different photos!
Address: 1 McNally St, Singapore 187940 (Rochor MRT exit A)
11. Bras Basah Complex
This last spot on our list is where you can get a glimpse of 80s-style Singapore public housing in the heart of the city. Known to most Singaporeans as a place which sells art supplies, stationery and books, the Bras Basah Complex we know today has that old-school feel. The open-air hallway of this complex deserves special mention for its beautiful symmetry and the best way to capture it is from the higher floors ? Taking a photo from the first floor and looking up into the sky isn't such a bad idea either!
Address: 231 Bain St, Singapore 180231
Halal eateries near Bencoolen/Bras Basah area:
MacKenzie Rex Restaurant
Cuisine: Chinese
Halal status: Halal-certified
Average price of main dishes: $8
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-10PM
Address: 66 Prinsep St, Singapore 188668
Contact: 6336 1702
Gyunion
Cuisine: Japanese
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Average price of main dishes: $10
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 12PM-8PM, Sat; 12.30PM-5PM (closed on Sun)
Address: 91 Bencoolen St, #01-23 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
P.S. Check out our guide on Gyunion here!
Al-Jilani Restaurant
Cuisine: Indian
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Average price of main dishes: $6
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 127 Bencoolen St, Singapore 189637
Contact: 6339 4942
So, the next time you're around Bugis area, remember that there's more to the area than just eating and shopping. Make sure you add these 11 spots into your list and start snapping some amazing photos!