Where Should I Go When I Am In Singapore?? The Blog Tells You Where ToGo and How To Go, The Must Read For Every Visitor Coming to Singapore

Note: This is part of a school project. All information are accurate at the time of publish


Thursday, November 12, 2009

Want to know where you can satisfy your Shopaholic cravings?

Shopaholics look here!! We are going to bring you through an experience that you will never forget.

Orchard Road would definitely be the best place in Singapore to do retail therapy. With the entire street covered with swanky malls and restaurants. These malls would include Hereen, Wisma, The Central, Cathay Cineleisure, ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and many others. With these many malls to visit, your shopaholic craving is sure to be satisfied.


I went to explore the various shopping areas in Singapore and picked out a few significant ones shopping Firstly, it would be Ion Orchard which is located at Orchard Road. It is definitely where you will want to go for the shopping spree that you would have dreamed of.

This shopping mall houses all kinds of international mega brands from Giorgio Armani, Prada, Louis Vuitton all the way to Rolex and Omega. You can enjoy shopping in these shops all in one place. For those who prefers “pocket Friendly shops”, you may proceed to the basement of the mall (B1, B2, B3), where many other brands may be found. For products like household novelties, Chocolates, you may proceed to the upper levels of the mall. This is definitely a mall for everyone .

Of course, talking about Shopping, ambience is really important and this has been answered for you too. With spacious and ample walking space, no way will you feel stressed up and have to be “pushed around”.

Well, for myself, after shopping for a few hours, I definitely need to reward myself. I do encourage all to visit basement 4 of the mega mall. As soon as you reach the level, be prepared to be welcome by the aroma of international food; from Taiwanese, to Japanese, to even western burger. However, for those who are seeking to try local delicacy, Food Opera would be the place for you. From Roti Prata to Mince Meat Noodle (Bak Chor Mee) you will be able to get all you want here. Itching for a light snack, try the Kaya Thick Toast or the Peanut Butter Thick Toast with a cup of traditional coffee beside the Food Court.


If you would prefer restaurants, go up to the upper stories of the mall and you will find a huge range of restaurants serving Chinese food, Western, or even Japanese. There are also bakeries like bread society and fast food chains like burger king. Everytime I wanted to stop myself from shopping due to hunger, my energy is replenished immediately and off i go again.

For those who would love to both enjoy the art scene while shopping, this is the place for you. The building itself can be considered as a work of art. The award winning design incorporates nature into the structure and “Communicates a powerful organic presence”. Furthermore, the interior of the mall is a looker as the layout of the escalator forms a beautiful art piece, and after shopping, you may want to take a picture of the large-scale art work presented outside the mall.

How to get there:
MRT – Take the local Mass Rapid Transport to Orchard station (North South Line – Red line). The MRT station is right inside the shopping mall itself. Follow the signboards in the MRT station to reach the right exit.






With my heart pumping and my hands itching to grab more stuff and get to the counter, I am more than ready to run to Ngee Ann City. What is special about this shopping mall is about it being spread across a few blocks of buildings. It not only houses international mega brands, it also many shop selling any different goods, from clothes, to daily necessity in the Supermarket. Its the best place for a shopoholic like me.

This shopping megamall, resides at the heart of orchard road and houses over 130 specialty stores like Hugo Boss, A/X Armani Exchange. There are also more than 30 Food and Beverage outlets including Crystal Jade Group of Restaurants. For those who love books (Like me), Asia’s largest bookstore, Kinokuniya, is in this very Mall.

Another must shop part of the shopping giant would be the Japanese established mega departmental store, Takashimaya. In this departmental store, close to everything can be found here; sports equipments, toys and even maternity wear can be found. There is something for everyone and at this place, Christmas is a great excuse for me to have RETAIL PAMPERING!

I love the food street in the basement of this shopping centre too. You will never go hungry there with all kinds of stalls selling ice-creams, grilled chicken, even cream puffs from Papa beard. I feel so recharged after all the food. And i am ready with my weapon - Credit Card.

Of course, those who have been to Ngee Ann City will always remember that there is a “Main Attraction” in that mall - The Christmas Tree. This Christmas tree is always there for 365 days and is decorated accordingly during various occasions. Do remember to take a photo with the tree. It is said that you have not been to Ngee Ann City unless you have seen that tree. Even locals like our group member Hui Yiu and Yi Yuan were awed my the magnificent tree.
So if you are planning you own trip, beware, you are going to spend a long time here. Make sure you free up at least a whole afternoon there.

How to get there:
Turn Right after leaving ION orchard (Exit nearest to Armani), walk for about 5 minutes and you will see the building.



For those who still feel that 2 shopping malls are not enough for you to fully enjoy and relax. Let me introduce Paragon to you. This shopping centre is situated along the belt of orchard road and houses also international luxury brands like coach. Not only is there many things to shop, the shopping centre also decorates their interior to suit each festival, for example, for Christmas, they have specially decorated the mall to wow the visitors.

How to get there:
Take Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) to Orchard Station and exit through EXIT A.






For those who do not want burn a hole in your pocket but still wants to shop for the most fashionable clothes and accessories, you should never miss Bugis Street. This is where all the clothes that you want at competitive prices. For example, a watch there usually cost $5, and a pair of Bermudas cost you just $8. Not only are there these clothes at competitive prices, you may also enjoy snacks from the food stall situated in Bugis street itself. Highly recommended would be their refreshing coconut drink. Imagine sipping coconut drink while doing your favorite activity – Shopping.


My personal advice, compare prices between shops as there are some shops that sells the same product, but at different prices. Also, it is also possible to bargain there. So if you find that the price is a tat too steep, it is recommended that you “request” for a lower price.

Bugis street opens from 11am to 11pm every day. Click here (http://www.bugis-street.com/) for the latest information of promotions and discounts.

How to get there:
Take the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) to Bugis Station (East West Line – Green Line)



Tips for Shopping in Singapore
1.Big departmental stores would have their fixed price, therefore, bargaining is not recommended.

2. Almost all the stores accepts international credit card without any surcharge. Should you come across any insisting in collect the charges from you, please contact the local office of your card company to take corrective action.

3. Shops usually opens from 10am to 10pm

4. There is a 7% Goods and Service Tax levied in Singapore for goods purchase. However, there are 2 schemes where you can claim back the amount paid for the GST.

A) You may claim back the GST paid on a minimum purchase of S$100 at a single retailer. All you need to do is to present your passport to the local retailer affiliated to the Global Refund scheme to obtain a Global Refund Cheque. Present this cheque at the Singapore Custom Counter at the Singapore Airport and cash it in at the Global Refund Counters. *Not applicable for land and cruise departures.

B)You should also watch out for shops with the premier Tax free logo. For any purchase of SGD$100 in a single store, ask the retailer for a Premier tax free export declaration form and get it validated at the airport customs in order to get your refund at the Premier tax fee counter. Goods and receipt must be presented for verification.

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