RECHARGE & UNWIND
Retail therapy and tips for exploring
Retail therapy and tips for exploring
From shopping tips around the island to info on parks, museums, temples, galleries and other things to see – plus, some ideas for getting away – you’ll find it all in this section.
Singapore is undeniably a melting pot of culture and cuisine, but did you know this little red dot is a hotspot for retail therapy, too? Here we line up the lesserknown streets for a shopping experience that’s beyond the ohso-popular Orchard Road.
One of the most underrated shopping locales in Singapore is Bugis, which has a charming mix of malls and shopping streets, paired with a good dose of heritage. Directly connected to the MRT is Bugis Junction (200 Victoria Street), a vibrant shopping centre with high-street fashion labels like Topshop (#01-112), alongside local names like Charles & Keith (01-06/07/08), a popular footwear and accessories brand. Our favourite spot for fashion deals and bargains, however, is Bugis Street Market. Otherwise known as Bugis Village, this shopping haven boasts hundreds of indie retailers selling tourist souvenirs, clothing, fashion accessories and food. Located right across from Bugis Junction, Bugis Street Market is a must- visit if you’re looking for cheap deals. Pro-tip: Head to level three, where you’ll find many nail salons offering manicures at super competitive prices.
Another essential stop is Kampong Glam, located 10 minutes by foot from Bugis MRT. This heritage-rich enclave houses charming boutiques, cafes and bars set in conserved shophouses. Take a stroll along Haji Lane, where you’ll find eco-friendly local fashionwear brand Zhai Eco (82 Haji Lane), as well as Modparade (68 Haji Lane), which sells stylish women’s apparel at affordable prices. Then, have a pint or two at Blu Jaz Cafe (11 Bali Lane), a popular spot for jazz lovers looking for fantastic live music.
There are tons of buzzy bars and eateries housed in shophouses around the Chinatown area, encompassing Ann Siang Road, Club Street, Amoy Street, Gemmill Lane, Cross Street, Erskine Road and Telok Ayer Street. Shopping-wise, near the MRT station you’ll find Chinatown Point, a mall housing over 200 shops spread out on six levels. If you venture along Pagoda Street, there are plenty more stalls to be discovered, selling everything from silk robes to souvenirs. Need a drink? Head to Asian-inspired watering hole Nutmeg & Clove (10A Ann Siang Hill), then visit P.S Cafe (45 Ann Siang Road) for hearty grub and stunning cakes. Also located on Ann Siang is Aussie activewear label Lorna Jane (4 Ann Siang Hill), known for its trademark LJ Excel fabric.
Cluny Court ( 501 Bukit Timah Road) is conveniently located across from Botanic Gardens MRT station on the Circle Line. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of fashion and lifestyle stores, amidst foodie joints to rest your feet after a shopping sesh. For ultrachic resortwear, check out Simone Irani (#02-17), a colourful boutique stocking local designers and international labels, including dresses, kaftans, swimwear and accessories. Paperbag Princess (#02-27) is another must-visit if you’re looking for stylish clothing and accessories suited to warmer climates. Then, pop by Sugar K Organic Peel Bar (#02-01) for a quick 10-minute sugar-peel facial, or visit one of our favourite salons, The Big Blow (#02-21), to pamper yourself with a relaxing blowout. Hungry folks will enjoy the selection of pastas, salads, pizzas and sandwiches at Da Paolo Gastronomia (#01-01), but if you’re feeling extra healthy, there’s also a wide range of cold-pressed juices at EGA Juice Clinic (#01-04A).
A former British army barracks, Dempsey Hill is now home to a myriad of upscale dining spots and specialty stores. Head to Woody Antique House ( Blk 13, #01-05) for a diverse range of Asian furniture and antiquities sourced from China, Tibet, Mongolia, India, Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia. For designer home furniture, visit Asiatique Collections (Blk 14A), which carries exclusive collections of elegant tableware and more. Then, spoil yourself with a massage or manicure at Trimmings & Spa (Blk 8D), a tranquil salon surrounded by lush greenery. Feeling peckish? We recommend Blu Kouzina (10 Dempsey Road) for delicious Greek fare, or you can dine in Candlenut (17A Dempsey Road), an elegant, Michelinstarred Peranakan restaurant.