Located in the Central Business District (CBD), Singapore's Bugis neighbourhood (including Arab Street and Haji Lane) has quickly become the 'go-to' shopping scene for both locals and tourists alike. Once known to be a hotspot for visiting sailors and military personnel, Bugis (and the neighbouring Arab enclave of Kampong Glam) had since undergone a transformation to become a shopping heaven for those seeking a unique retail experience. ?
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In addition, the Bugis neighbourhood is also home to Singapore's largest market as well as a vast array of different malls, shops and stores. This bustling area can be a little overwhelming for first-time visitors; that’s why we’ve come up with a little Shopping Guide to Singapore's Bugis Neighbourhood that will hopefully help make the experience a little less overwhelming.
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1. Bugis Junction
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Formerly known as Parco Bugis Junction, Bugis Junction is a mixed development that is comprised of a retail mall, an office tower and the InterContinental Singapore hotel. Directly accessible from Bugis MRT Station, this shopping area is composed of 3 blocks of preserved pre-war, colonial-style shophouses that sells gorgeous, locally designed outfits, souvenir t-shirts and a wide range of accessories. ?
#HHWT Tip: In addition, you can also find an abundance of halal food stores in and around Bugis Junction - check out our article on The Only Bugis Halal Food Guide You’ll Ever Need if you’re worried about getting hungry whilst shopping!
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Being the first glass-covered shopping mall in Singapore (which in all honesty is Bugis Junction’s main centrepiece), this budget-friendly mall is a shopaholics dream come true! Featuring some major fashion tenants which include Topshop, Zara, Swatch, Desigual and Converse, among many other international retailers, Bugis Junction also offers a truly impressive mix of high street brands, lower-priced regional Asian boutiques such as BYSI and BSYM and a variety of other speciality stores- (such as Akihabara which sells Japanese souvenirs and trinkets, and NBC Stationery & Gifts) for books, accessories, electronics and cosmetics. ?
Price Point: Low - High
Opening Hours: Open daily; 10AM - 10PM (Check the store directory for individual store opening hours)
Address: 200 Victoria St, Singapore 188021
Contact: +65 6557 6557
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2. Bugis Street Market
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Most commonly referred to as the ‘Bugis Village’ the sprawling Bugis Street Market is probably the cheapest (and hottest!) shopping spots in the whole of Singapore. The entrance to this eclectic bazaar is located just across the Bugis MRT Station - it’s striking and iconic red exterior and signs making it hard to miss. ? Make sure to check out the upper floors of this 3-storey shopping complex - look out for escalators to bring you up to even more shopping choices!
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Home to over 600 shops and independent retail stalls, it’s enough to make any thrifty shopper’s heart beat faster in glee! In fact, if you play your cards right, you can even get nice set of casual wear for a little over S$10. In addition, you can also buy accessories such as watches, tourist t-shirts, sunglasses and other souvenirs at the prices of not more than S$5! ?️ That’s not even touching on the fact that the Bugis Street Market seems to have practically everything that you could ever need or want for. From souvenirs to jewellery, knick-knacks and other fashion items, this bustling and exiting street market will surely provide you with an exciting shopping experience! ?
P.S. Do note that none of the food stalls are halal-certified. We recommend you dine at your own discretion.
Price Point: Low - Mid
Opening Hours: Open daily; 11AM - 10PM (Individual shops' hours may vary)
Address: 3 New Bugis Street, Singapore 188867
Contact: +65 6338 9513
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3. Bugis+
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A great alternative to the busy Bugis Junction and the hot Bugis Street Market, Bugis+ (pronounced Bugis Plus) is located right next to the Bugis Street Market and 5 minutes away from the Bugis MRT Station. This 10-storey shopping mall (formerly known as Iluma) sports a high-tech 'crystal mesh' facade which (from afar) look like balls of cotton wool glued on to the outside. Many have dubbed it as Singapore’s version of New York’s Times Square ?.
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Providing equal levels of fun and shopping, this mall features the largest Uniqlo outlet in Singapore! It also carries a good range of high street labels like Berskha and PULL&BEAR as well as an extensive list of interesting, independent stores and boutiques that you simply just can’t find in Malaysia.
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The Editor’s Market is a good example! This Singaporean boutique describes itself to be ‘a modern-day market for everyday fashion & lifestyle’. With tastefully curated fashion apparels and accessories, you can mix and match pieces to form your perfect outfit and best of all, the more items you pick, the cheaper it gets! ?
Price Point: Mid - High
Opening Hours: Open daily; 10AM - 10PM (Check the store directory for individual store opening hours)
Address: 3 New Bugis Street, Singapore 188067
Contact: +65 8624 8600
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4. Arab Street & Haji Lane
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Eye-catching and colourful, the narrow but Instagram worthy streets of Arab Street and Haji Lane is a great spot if you’re the type of person who adores visiting quaint, hole-in-the-wall boutiques. Located in what was historically the Arab or Muslim Quarter of Singapore, this hipster neighbourhood is now famous for its art scene, hipster cafes and restored shop-houses. ?
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It’s an excellent place to shop if you’re in the market to buy high-quality textile and fabrics, modest fashion, gorgeous accessories and even rare crystals and gems. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a small list of stores that you might be interested in paying a visit.
1. The dUCk Store
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You can find the lifestyle brand launched by the famous blogger cum entrepreneur Vivy Yusof at 71 Haji Lane. Carrying a wide range of classy yet playfully designed products such as stationery, cosmetics, bags, home and living products and of course, a huge collection of exciting graphic print scarves, dUCk is a great store to visit if you’re looking for something more urban, chic and cool ?.
Price Point: Mid - High
Opening Hours: Open daily; 10AM - 9PM
Address: 71 Haji Lane, Singapore 189264
Contact: +65 6906 7100
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2. Toko Aljunied
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Located just a 5-minute walk away from Bugis Junction, Toko Aljunied is a colourful store that sells all things batik; including stunning Peranakan and Nyonya style kebayas that had been created using a specialised dye that was crafted in Germany. ? Unlike some batik materials which can lose its vibrant colour after one too many washes, the special dye used to create the batik products sold at Toko Aljunied actually helps to keep the material as soft and as vibrant as ever - even after numerous washes. ?
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The batik prints sold here are made of cotton, lace and lined fabrics - most featuring either floral or geometrical patterns. In addition, the sizes of the kebayas here run from XS to 8XL so everyone should be able to find something that fits, regardless of their size.
Price Point: Mid - High
Opening hours: 11AM - 7PM (Mon -Sat), 11AM - 8PM (Sun)
Address: 91 Arab Street, Singapore 199791
Contact: +65 6294 6897
3. Wardah Books
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Here’s a special shout out to all those bibliophiles out there! Located along Bussorah Street, Wardah Books is a cosy little book store that believes in the fact that as long as human beings continue to commit themselves to finding meaning in things, then there will always be something to read - or in short, reading is not history as many would like to believe.
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A lot of the books that they carry is targeted to Muslim readers including books on Islamic jurisprudence, Sufism, and even books for children to learn more about the faith! But you’ll also be able to find books on a wide range of topics that centres around secular culture, history, and philosophy. ? They even have Singapore fiction on their shelves!
P.S. You can check out our full feature on Wardah Books here!
Price Point: Low - High
Opening hours: 10AM - 9PM (Mon - Sat), 10AM - 6PM (Sun), hours may change on Public Holidays
Address: 58 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199474
Contact: +65 6297 1232
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4. Craft Assembly
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You’ll definitely have a hard time trying to not let your eyes roam over every trinket that lines the shelves at the Craft Assembly. This effortlessly cool, hip and interesting vintage store is oftentimes filled to the brim with all sorts of bits and bobs.
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From Washi tape to pins, tote bags to vintage dresses and even vintage toys and jewellery, this concept store works by commissioning designers to create and display their unique, handmade works in-store. If you’re in the market to grab unique, one of a kind gifts, then this is definitely the place for you ?.
Price Point: Mid
Opening Hours: 12PM - 8PM (Mon-Fri), 11.30AM - 8.30PM (Sat-Sun)
Address: 61 Haji Lane, Singapore 189254
[Besides shopping for souvenirs, on Arab Street and Haji Lane, there are also plenty of other attractions that might interest you in Singapore’s famous Bugis neighbourhood. You can find out more in A Muslim Traveller's Guide To Bugis: What To See, Do And Eat!]
5. Bras Basah Complex
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With deep roots centred around the arts and books, Bras Basah Complex (which is comprised of a five-storey atrium) has since been dubbed as 'Book City' due to the myriad of book shops that are located in and around the complex. Located between Bugis, City Hall, and Bras Basah MRT stations, Bras Basah Complex, however, remains surprisingly under the radar - even to most Singaporeans. ?
1. Basheer Graphic Bookstore
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There are several interesting shops located in the Bras Basah Complex, but for arts and book lovers, you’re definitely going to want to visit Basheer Graphic Bookstore. To put it mildly, there are bookstores, and then there’s Basheer Books.
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With a treasure trove of first-hand books on all things graphics-related, including but not limited to architecture, photography, graphic design, movie and comic art, this store is heaven for art students, enthusiasts and those seeking creative resources. ?️
Price Point: Mid - High
Opening hours: 10AM - 9PM (Mon-Sat), 10AM - 6PM (Sun)
Address: #04-19 Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, Singapore 180231
Contact: +65 6336 0810
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Despite all the above-mentioned shopping hot spots, we've still barely managed to scratch the surface of what the enticing Bugis neighbourhood has to offer. From bustling shopping malls, to cosy boutiques and quirky speciality stores, this shopping guide to Singapore's Bugis neighbourhood can at least give you a good starting point for your next shopping adventure! ?