Singapore is well known for its Spectrum Metro and food. There are so many places to shop that you would be spoilt for choices. Most visitors will head towards Orchard Road or Scotts Road as they are the traditional shopping belt in Singapore. However, there are many other options available which you can explore, and possibly get a lot more out of your dollar.
There is many retail or shopping malls which are not within the central of Singapore. They are located in the regional neighborhoods serving mostly locals. That does not mean you will lose out on what is on offer. You can find top brands, both local and international, at such malls as well. Due to its cheaper rental and also the main intention of serving the locals, prices of the same products at these malls can be cheaper than what you can find at the central shopping belt.
Singapore is not a large place and has an excellent public transport system. With the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, you can reach these malls easily as most are just nearby stations. Even if you take a taxi or cab to any of these shopping malls, you should not be spending more than S$20 per way, depending on where you start your journey from and where you are headed to.
One of the most popular regional shopping mall would be Jurong Point Shopping Centre. It is one of the biggest, if not the biggest neighborhood shopping mall and it is at the Boon Lay MRT Station (EW27), the west of Singapore. This shopping mall is well patronized by many locals and foreigners alike and you can find many shops offering clothes, shoes, bags, electronic items and many more. There are also a number of eateries offering a wide selection of both local and international food.
At the north part of the island, there is Northpoint, which is at Yishun MRT Station (NS13). This place is touted by many locals to be a gamers’ paradise. It recently added a new wing to its complex bringing more shopping and food space to the mall. If you are in Singapore looking for game consoles or discs, you should consider heading to Northpoint. This is besides the traditional popular electronics and gadgets shopping centers like Sim Lim Square, which is at Rochor, near Bugis MRT (EW12) station and Funan Centre near City Hall MRT (EW13) station.
One very popular shopping mall for the past decades with Singaporeans would probably be Parkway Parade. While it is not near any MRT stations, this popular shopping centre has been upgrading its facade and facilities continuously for the past years. Large consumer electronics retailers can all be found there, speaking well of the customers who throng the place especially during weekends. You can find shops selling personal accessories and more. Remember to visit the basement where you can find restaurants a food court which serves many local delights.
When you head towards the eastern part of Singapore, you will be spoilt for choices when it comes to shopping. From Eastpoint Mall Shopping Centre at Simei MRT (EW3) station, to White Sands Shopping Centre at Pasir Ris MRT (EW1) station you have two shopping malls which will definitely whet your shopping appetite.
At Tampines MRT (EW2) station, you have got three shopping malls all within less than 5 minutes of walking distance from each other. There is Tampines One, Tampines Mall and the Century Square. Century Square has in the recent years evolved to cater more for the ladies and even had a special day to allow only ladies to enter the shopping centre! Tampines One is the newest addition to the area and gives shoppers many brands which are not available elsewhere.
It is suggested you stay at a hotel which is around Bras Basah area where you can head towards Bugis Junction for your initial round of shopping before venturing to the neighborhood shopping malls. Just remember to plan your time and budget wisely to get the most out of your visit to Singapore.