Filled with an amalgam of trendy cafes and under-the-radar clothing boutiques, Bugis is a favourite of locals and tourists alike for a day of pure fun and food in the sun.
However, Bugis is more than just a food and shopping heaven. There are plenty of historical and religious sites to explore and a multitude of interesting cultural activities that you can get up to. Why fill up your day with mindless shopping when you could immerse and educate yourself about Singapore’s rich heritage instead?
Here are 13 Interesting Things You Must See & Do In Bugis, one of the most exciting hipster areas in Singapore. It is time to make plans with your partner or friends to visit Bugis this weekend and make sure that you bring along your camera too!
ARTS & CULTURE IN BUGIS
#1 ARAB STREET
Previously the site of an Arab kampung, Arab Street now stands as one of the most cherished neighbourhoods of Singapore that is filled with so much heritage and charm.
Today, you will still be able to find stores selling spices, textiles, basketry items and songkoks and it remains as a key Muslim centre in Singapore.
#2 FORTUNE TELLING
Along your way to Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, there are many fortune telling booths lining both sides of Waterloo Street. However, fortune telling is not as simple as it seems and you would find many different types of fortune telling experts, such as feng shui masters to Tarot readers to ‘astro-palmists’ here.
Whether you are curious about what your future has to offer or if you want to gain a little insight into the future of your relationship, why not approach one of the experienced fortune tellers along Waterloo Street for a reading?
#3 KWAN IM THONG HOOD CHO TEMPLE
A traditional Chinese temple with a rich historical background, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple is one religious site in Singapore that you need to visit at least once. The impressive architecture of the temple dates back to 1884 and serves as an exemplary example of Chinese temple architecture and traditional craftsmanship.
If you are dropping by the temple, you can pay your respects to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion, as it is believed that doing so would bring you good luck and blessings.
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
178 Waterloo Street,
Singapore 187964
Tel: +65 6337 3965
Daily: 6am - 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
Located at the Sultan Gate in Kampong Glam, the Malay Heritage Centre is a must-visit for a comprehensive and immersive experience in the culture, heritage and history of Malay Singaporeans, relayed through historic artefacts, multimedia and diorama displays and more.
Visitors can also take part in the Malay cultural programmes and workshops organised by the Malay Heritage Centre. Do also spend some time roaming the grounds and take the time to appreciate what was once the first Istana Kampong Glam in Singapore.
Afterwards, drop by the magnificent Sultan Mosque which is just around the corner of the Malay Heritage Centre. Also known as the Masjid Sultan, this impressive mosque with golden domes houses a massive and gorgeous prayer hall that will take your breath away.
Informative guided tours of the mosque are also available in English, Malay, Chinese and even Japanese.
READ: HOW TO EXPLORE SINGAPORE’S HERITAGE IN A DAY FOR FREE.
Malay Heritage Centre
85 Sultan Gate,
Singapore 198501
Tel: +65 6391 0450
Tue to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
Sultan Mosque
3 Muscat Street,
Singapore 198833
Tel: +65 6293 4405
Sat to Thu: 9.30am – 12pm, 2pm – 4pm
Fri: 2.30pm – 4pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
FOOD IN BUGIS
A scoop (or two) of rich and creamy ice cream is always on the top of our minds whenever we are outdoors and suffering from Singapore’s sweltering heat. At S$1.20 a scoop, how could we say no?
For the uninitiated, the S$1.20 ice cream is one of the most iconic street eats of Singapore’s food scene and it is a must-have if you are traversing the streets of Bugis. With a plethora of different flavours such as chocolate, ripple, blueberry and durian, up for choice, choose to enjoy your sweet dessert in a piece of rainbow bread, within a wafer biscuit or in a cup.
#6 ALBERT STREET FOOD CENTRE
Although currently under renovations, Albert Street Food Centre should be your next place to run to, once reopened, for a day of glorious, glorious food. The ground floor is where all the food stalls are. Indulge in favourites such as Tong Fatt, Yi Jia Hokkien Mee and Bai Nian Yong Tau Foo.
Thereafter, head on up to the third storey to shop for some preserved and dried goods. You know our mantra: food all day, every day.
Albert Street Food Centre
270 Queen Street,
Singapore 180270
Tel: +65 6394 2843
Daily: 6am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
Bugis is a heaven on earth for all foodies as the area is filled with an endless stretch of exciting and stunning cafes awaiting your discovery. Whether you make a trip down without any concrete plans or even if you have done your research in advance, feel free to let yourself get lost in the maze of cafes and eateries in Bugis.
SHOPPING IN BUGIS
#8 BUGIS VILLAGE
With the increasing cost of living (and unfortunately, shopping), the thought of good and cheap shopping will always be on our mind. As we understand and face that struggle ourselves, let us introduce you to a popular shopping spot for some really affordable retail therapy: Bugis Village.
Upon entering Bugis Village, you would find countless flea stalls lining the “streets” of Bugis Village that sell clothes, food, souvenirs, bags and more. If you are visiting for the first time, navigating through Bugis Village may seem daunting but that’s part of the fun, really!
There will also be stalls selling cold fruit juice and refreshing local drinks such as lemon barley; some stalls have food and local snacks too!
Bugis Village
3 New Bugis Street,
Singapore 188867
Tel: +65 6338 9513
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
#9 GADGETS AT SIM LIM SQUARE
A large retail complex filled with plenty of electronic goods and services, cameras, phones and more, Sim Lim Square is a six-storey complex and heaven for all whole love and breathe technology. You would also be able to repair or service your electronics here.
Although the deals may seem sweet, take heed to not fall into the clutches of any scams or tourist traps as there were such unfortunate incidents in the past.
Sim Lim Square
1 Rochor Canal Road,
Singapore 188504
Tel: +65 6338 3859
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
There is so much to love about Haji Lane—from food to fashion, it is a whole arena to explore and enjoy. Little clothing boutiques line the narrow alleys and streets of Haji Lane and you would find anything from organic bamboo fibre clothes to curated hat stores here.
Even if you end up not purchasing anything, the experience at Haji Lane will be just as worthwhile. There are also countless #OOTD spots all over the place as each store has its own unique style and design that screams perfection.
READ: 24 CAFES, BARS & RESTURANTS IN HAJI LANE AND NORTH BRIDGE ROAD.
#11 WATCH SHOPS AT THE BENCOOLEN
Have a keen interest in watches? Make sure that you include The Bencoolen in your next weekend adventure. Located opposite OG Shopping Centre and close to Sim Lim Square, The Bencoolen is filled with a multitude of watch shops that sell low to mid-range watches at affordable prices.
Do come prepared with cash if you intend to shop at The Bencoolen in the event that the shops do not accept credit cards.
The Bencoolen
180 Bencoolen Street,
Singapore 189646
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis / Rochor
#12 WHOLESALE DRIED GOODS
Dried ingredients are an essential element of Chinese cooking and aside from being incorporated in Chinese cuisine for its taste, each herb also has a specific health benefit. However, purchasing these dried ingredients from regular grocery marts don’t usually come cheap.
Instead, opt to purchase your dried goods from wholesale shops located in the basement of Fu Lu Shou Complex. Not only will you be assured dried goods of high quality but you would be able to buy them at affordable prices, too.
Fu Lu Shou Complex
149 Rochor Road,
Singapore 188425
Tel: +65 6336 6308
Daily: 7am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN BUGIS
#13 MASSAGE AT WAN LIN HEALTHCARE CENTRE
After a busy day at Bugis, what could be better than to relax and unwind with a lovely foot massage? Wan Lin Healthcare Centre at Fu Lu Shou Complex is a good and affordable place to visit for a massage.
Prices for foot reflexology start at S$20 for 20 minutes and S$35 for a 30-minute foot and 10-minute shoulder massage.
Wan Lin Healthcare Centre
149 Rochor Road, #01-13 / #02-07/13/14/15 Fu Lu Shou Complex,
Singapore 188425
Tel: +65 6338 1355 / +65 6339 9445
Daily: 10.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
About the writer:
A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets – to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.
I love the insights I got from your page! I’m definitely hanging around Bugis come Christmastime next month! Thanks!