Day Out in Singapore: Bugis Area

Orchard Road is usually the first stopping stop for tourists who visit Singapore. However, Singapore has much more to offer. The Bugis area also offers bargains and great buys for a variety of goods. If you are planning a trip to Singapore and looking for a place to stay, you can also consider staying in cheap hotels near Bugis MRT station.

Firstly, the area has two major shopping malls: Bugis Junction and Bugis+ (formerly known as Iluma). The two malls are linked via an overhead bridge thus ensuring that you can continue to shop in comfort be it rain or shine. Bugis Junction's anchor tenants are BHG department store and Muji while there is a large Uniqlo outlet at Bugis+. Personally, I would also recommend having meals at Bugis+ as there is a large variety of restaurants and dessert shops there.

Just next to Bugis+, you will see a long stretch of shopping area. Although it is outdoors, the area is shaded so you can also continue your shopping even if it pours. There are many small shops here which sell clothes, shoes, souvenirs and food items. Look out for stairs which will bring you up to the upper level. It is possible to bargain here but whether or not you succeed depends entirely on your own skills. Don’t go overboard though. Generally, the prices are already pretty reasonable. While shopping here, you can try the sugarcane juice to cure your thirst as Singapore can be pretty warm and humid.

Another interesting place to stop by at is the Intercontinental Hotel. If you would like to splurge you can book a room here. Or for something less painful on the wallet, have high tea at The Lounge at Intercontinental Hotel. Enjoy your afternoon tea break in the lovely ambience and if you are hungry, add on a four tier tea set.

In order to reach the Kampong Glam or Arab street area, you will need to walk for about 15 to 20 minutes from the Bugis MRT station. Here, you will find Haji Lane where you can explore the quirky little boutiques, stop for a photo stop with the lovely Sultan mosque in the background , and get a drink while enjoying the live music at Blu Jaz Café. There is also a dance floor on the upper level of the Blu Jaz Café. As per the name of the area, Arab Street, this is also the place to head to for a good choice of Middle Eastern food. Shisha smoking is also available here for those who would like to try.