The Complete Guide to Shopping in Singapore

Singapore has a diverse retail landscape that promises an unforgettable shopping experience, whether you're hunting for high fashion, unique souvenirs, or the latest gadgets. Get ready to explore a vibrant mix of grand malls, charming street markets, and artistic enclaves.

People's Park Complex: Chinatown's Vibrant Hub

What you can buy here:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Herbs: Numerous shops selling a vast array of dried herbs, ginseng, bird's nest, medicinal teas, and various traditional remedies. You'll find experienced practitioners here who can offer consultations. You'll see many medical halls e.g., Bao Zhi Ling Medical Hall, Beijing Tong Ren Tang, Fong Moon Kee)

• Textiles & Fabrics: People's Park Complex (particularly the upper floors) is a treasure trove for fabrics, from silks and cottons to lace and more specialized materials. Many shops cater to dressmakers and tailors. Examples: Shops like Thye Guan Textiles, Fabricity, Yong Zhi Trading, Chan Cheong Textiles, Lee Ann Textiles, Maggie Textile, Malin Textile, and Teoh Huat Textiles are frequently mentioned for their selection.

• Gold and Jade Jewellery: A significant number of jewellery shops, often specializing in gold (especially 999 pure gold) and jade. Prices tend to be more competitive than in high-end malls. Look for established names like Poh Heng Jewellery, On Cheong Jewellery (a Singapore Heritage Brand), and various other gold and jade shops on the lower levels.

• Travel Agencies: People's Park Complex is a hub for budget travel agencies, particularly those specializing in tours and flights to destinations in China, Malaysia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

People's Park Complex is a vibrant and bustling hub in the heart of Chinatown, offering a mix of traditional Chinese goods, affordable fashion, and a taste of authentic Chinatown life.

Why it's special: This distinctive green building is a landmark in Chinatown. Inside, you'll find a lively mix of shops selling everything from Chinese herbs and medicine to textiles, jewellery, and affordable clothing. The food court is also a major draw.

Points of Interest:

Food Court (People's Park Food Centre): While technically separate but connected, the food centre on the ground floor is a huge draw. A bustling hawker centre renowned for its authentic and incredibly affordable Chinese cuisine, particularly Sichuan dishes:

• Ri Ri Hong Ma La Xiang Guo (日日红麻辣香锅): Famous for its incredibly popular and affordable "mala xiang guo" (Sichuan dry hotpot). Expect long queues.

• Yong Xiang Xing Dou Fu (永祥兴豆腐): Highly regarded for its traditional Yong Tau Foo.

• Hong Peng La Mian Xiao Long Bao (洪鹏拉面小笼包): Popular for freshly made lamian (hand-pulled noodles) and xiao long bao (soup dumplings).

• Many other stalls offering roast meats, dumplings, claypot rice, and more.

How to get here:

Chinatown MRT Station (North-East Line & Downtown Line): People's Park Complex is located right next to Chinatown MRT station, making it very easy to access.

Opening Hours:

Most shops within People's Park Complex generally operate from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. However, some shops may have slightly different hours. The food court typically stays open later.

Kampong Glam: Haji Lane and Arab Street

What you can buy here:

• Textiles & Fabrics: Arab Street in Kampong Glam is famous for its vast array of fabrics, from rich silks and velvets to intricate lace, batik, and traditional Malay songket (woven with gold or silver threads). Many shops here have been run by families for generations. Recommended shops:

  • Dilip Textiles: A long-established shop on Arab Street with a wide collection of raw silk, jacquard, embroidered fabrics, and quality cotton and linen.

  • Toko Aljunied: One of the oldest fabric stores (since 1927), renowned for authentic traditional Islamic textiles, batik, and songket.

  • Royal Fabrics: Known for bridal lace, French tulle, and silk crepe, often catering to bespoke tailoring needs.

  • Warna Fabric: Specializes in colorful batik prints and modern textile designs.

• Perfumes & Attar (Arab Street & Bussorah Street): Discover traditional non-alcoholic Arabian attar (perfume oils) in beautifully ornate bottles, as well as essential oils and bespoke fragrance blending services. Look for this shops:

  • Jamal Kazura Aromatics: A very popular and well-known perfumery (often featured in guidebooks) famous for its wide selection of attar and custom-blended scents.

  • Sifr Aromatics: A third-generation perfumery on Arab Street offering bespoke fragrances and high-quality essential oils in an elegant setting.

• Carpets & Rugs (Arab Street & Bussorah Street): Explore shops brimming with exquisite Persian, Turkish, and Afghan carpets and rugs, ranging from intricate hand-knotted pieces to more affordable machine-made options. Look for shops like Grand Bazaar Turkish Handicrafts and others along Bussorah Street and Arab Street, which often have stunning displays of their wares.

• Independent Boutiques & Lifestyle Stores (Haji Lane): This narrow, vibrant lane is the undisputed hub for indie fashion, quirky gifts, and unique lifestyle products.

• Wardah Books: Located on Bussorah Street, this independent bookstore specializes in literature on Islamic philosophy, spirituality, and Sufism, offering a curated and thoughtful collection.

Kampong Glam is Singapore's oldest urban quarter, a vibrant cultural district that was once the seat of Malay royalty. It's chosen for its rich heritage, beautifully preserved shophouses, and a unique blend of traditional trades (like textiles and perfumes) with trendy, independent boutiques and street art. It offers a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells, making it a compelling contrast to modern Singapore.

This historic precinct is characterized by its narrow lanes, colorful murals, and the majestic Sultan Mosque as its centerpiece. It was designated by Sir Stamford Raffles for the Malay, Arab, and Bugis communities.

How to get here:

• Bugis MRT Station (East-West Line and Downtown Line): The most convenient access point. Kampong Glam (including Arab Street and Haji Lane) is just a 5 to 10-minute walk from Exit B.

• Lavender MRT Station (East-West Line): About a 10-minute walk, bringing you closer to the Jalan Sultan end of the district.

Opening Hours:

• Traditional Shops (Textiles, Perfumes, Carpets): Generally open from 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM daily. Some may close earlier on Sundays.

• Indie Boutiques (Haji Lane): More varied, typically opening from 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM daily, with some potentially closed on specific weekdays.

• Cafes & Restaurants: Vary widely, with some opening early for breakfast and many bars/eateries staying open until late evening or past midnight, especially on weekends.

Holland Village

What you can buy here:

• Independent Boutiques: Unique fashion, accessories, and jewellery from local designers.

• Art & Handicrafts: Small art galleries, unique home decor, and handcrafted items.

• Specialty Food & Groceries: Gourmet food stores, international delis, and organic produce.

• Dining & Nightlife: An extensive selection of cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Holland Village is a beloved precinct known for its bohemian charm, relaxed atmosphere, and an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, art galleries, artisanal food stores, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

Often referred to as "Holland V," this area has long been a popular haunt for expatriates and locals alike. It's characterized by its low-rise shophouses, alfresco dining spots, and a creative energy.

Points of Interest:

• Holland Village Market & Food Centre: A popular hawker centre offering affordable local delights.

• Chip Bee Gardens: A charming residential enclave adjacent to Holland Village, known for its quaint cafes and eateries.

• Alfresco Dining: The area is famous for its abundance of outdoor dining options.

How to get here:

Holland Village MRT Station (Circle Line): The most convenient way to reach Holland Village is directly via the MRT.

Opening Hours:

Boutiques & Shops: Typically open from 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM daily. Cafes & Restaurants: Generally open earlier and close much later.

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