Singapore is rightly known as shopper’s paradise. This small country has a record number of malls if compared with the total square mile from the whole world. They are filled with best of brands and latest products and offer the much needed retail pleasure for avid shoppers, of course, all premium priced.
But in Singapore, there is a place which is a popular shopping destination and is renowned for its reasonable pricing, awesome collection, and lip smacking delicacies. This is known as Bugis Street. A fun and friendly place where you can have a great time shopping to your heart’s content. Not only for shopping, but Bugis street is also popular for a number of other activities too. Let’s first have a look at the interesting history of this place which is half a decade old.
History Of Bugis Street
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This place was world renowned in the 1950s till the 80s for its nightlife which involved transvestites and transsexuals. This led to its popularity among western travelers who came here for various reasons. In those days Bugis street in Singapore was one of the most visited tourist areas of the country which raked in the biggest revenues. But after the 80s, the place slowly started losing its charm with a protest against indecency by the residents and also a fear of HIV spreading in the area. The original street was demolished and the whole place was subjected to a massive urban makeover with a right mix of malls, restaurants, cafes, street food and nightclubs. The new Bugis street was developed to put an end to those extraordinary and colorful days from the country’s past. Now, the place has been totally revamped and renovated with the most modern looks and the only thing which remains as a memory from the past is its name- Bugis street.
Bugis Street market opening hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Must Read: 10 Alluring Night Markets In Singapore That’ll Be Easy On Your Pockets!
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Things To Do In Bugis Street, Singapore
Apart from being a popular shopping destination, there are many other things here which you should not miss during your trip to Singapore. We have listed these things and the Bugis street timings too:
1. Shopping
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Bugis Street shopping markets are one of the largest and cheapest markets in the city of Singapore. Bugis street market in Singapore is the place where everyone comes and takes back loads of shopping bags along with a happy and content smile on their faces. You will get a number of things here right from clothes, shoes, accessories, souvenirs, electronics, knick-knacks and so on. There are as many as 800 stalls here which offer the latest in fashion and all fairly priced too. Among the many popular items, Bugis street clothes deserve a special mention as you can get a pair of jeans for a mere INR 520! The starting range for T-shirts is INR 250 and the accessories are available for as low as INR 110. The street markets have recently undergone a makeover and now covered with a sprawling roof so that you can shop non stop whether it rains or shines.
Along with the street shopping stalls, the place now also has two urban malls:
- Bugis+: It’s a swanky new mall with 10 floors and all the leading fashion, accessories and food brands. The place is easily accessible and is directly connected to Bugis junction with a link bridge.
- Bugis Junction: Located right above the Bugis MRT station, this mall houses leading global chain of stores and as well as small pushcart stalls selling interesting souvenirs and knick-knacks. It offers the city’s first sky lit shopping experience.
Suggested Read: 10 Top Tampines Cafes That You Mustn’t Ignore During a Singapore Tour
2. Food Tour
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Bugis street market in Singapore is a haven for food lovers and offers an array of different cuisines which are tasty, and at the same time, value for money. The options are endless with Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian and other Asian delights. The crepes, pancakes, chicken chops, noodle soup, Hakka yam cake, Kaya balls are some of these mouth-watering delicacies. A must try after a long and tiring day of shopping is Thai Ice Milk tea and Thai Ice Lemon Grass which will give you the much-required refreshment. Bugis street food stalls are sure to give you a great gastronomical experience which will be one of the highlights of your trip to this happening place. Bugis Street restaurants have a different vibe altogether, so come here to experience this.
3. Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple
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This is a Buddhist temple near Bugis street in Singapore which dates back to 1884 and is built in the typical Chinese style of architecture. One of the most visited temples in the city, it is believed that the wishes of the worshippers are fulfilled after praying at this place. The main deity is Cundi Bodhisattva meaning the God of Mercy. Every year on the day of Chinese New Year, the temple is open for the whole night and a long queue of people can be seen who come here to pray and start the year on an auspicious note.
Location: 178 Waterloo St, Singapore 187964
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: 14 Ethereal Festivals In Singapore That Will Force You To Ditch Yours
4. Haji Lane
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Haji lane is a very narrow street which is nestled in a corner of Bugis street and is a hidden gem. The location is such that you can easily miss entering this cool place. A colorful street which is lined on both sides by boutiques, cafes, bars and eateries and the best part is that all of them are decorated with painted murals in various hues. You will find the best of restaurants offering some local and innovative delectables. The shops are all filled with unique gift items, accessories and the latest fashion clothing along with shoes, bags, and purses. This place will just fill your heart with delight with its cool and hip ambiance and is a treat for the sore eyes. A walk down Haji lane is a must on your trip to Bugis street in Singapore.
Location: 21A Haji Lane, Singapore 189214, Singapore
5. Malay Heritage Centre
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This is an art and culture museum where you can learn about the history and heritage of the Malay community in Singapore. The center is spread on over 8000 sq ft of area and has six permanent galleries of exhibits relating to the life and times of the ancient past of the community. On the outer grounds, you can see some information on the Bugis people and their trading styles. There is a copy of a prahu boat used by the Bugis and Gelam trees. The place also keeps organizing various educational programmes for the benefit of students and history enthusiasts. The place is easily accessible by Bugis MRT station and provides an intriguing aspect to your visit to the area.
Location: 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM; Mondays closed
Entry fee: INR 550 for adults; INR 1500 for a family of maximum 5 members; INR 400 for senior citizens.
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6. Hajjah Fatimah Mosque
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A mosque which is a combination of European and Islamic architecture style was built in 1846. Named after a woman who arranged the donation for the construction, Hajjah Fatimah, this place of worship consists of a prayer hall, an ablution area, and a garden. The mix of so many different styles of construction has given this place its own distinctive appeal. One of the minarets has tilted due to the foundation made of sand, and therefore, nowadays locals and tourists have promptly started addressing it as ‘The leaning tower of Singapore’.
Location: 4001 Beach Rd, Singapore 199584
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Further Read: This Is What Makes Changi Beach One Of The Most Beautiful Beaches In Singapore
If you are looking to spend a day shopping, eating, and also learning about some art, history and cultural aspects of the city, then Bugis street is the place to go. So, contact TravelTriangle today to book you a fabulous and fun-filled vacation in Singapore. And don’t forget to tell us all about your awesome holiday experience when you’re back!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bugis Street
Where can I go at night in Singapore?
Some of the best places in Singapore where you must go at night are:
1. Marina Bay Sands
2. Orchard Road
3. Club Street
4. Holland Village
Where did the Bugis come from?
The Bugis had come to Singapore from an Indonesian island, Sulawesi.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
