Singapore-The shoppers paradise

There is always a dilemma how to describe Singapore-a “tourists paradise “or a “shopper’s paradise”. After visiting Singapore twice, I can say it’s both. I have already talked about what Singapore has to offer to its millions of tourists, here is now a glimpse of what it has to offer to the shopping crazy ones.

Orchard Road : This 5km stretch is Singapore's most famous shopping address. The Luis Vuittons and Armanis of this world are well-represented here. All the known brands can be seen here .You can find people from all the nook and corner of the world roaming around here.  It is a posh shopping street which is famous for its beautiful Christmas decorations and illuminations. I was lucky to have visited around Christmas time and could enjoy the festive mood here at the Orchard road.  

Sim Lim Square is where the locals go to satisfy their high-tech cravings. And its easy to see why - 6 levels of computer-related shops offering the best prices in Singapore. Well you need to test your bargaining skills here. I thought it was only at Chandani chowk or Karol Bagh in Delhi. Beware that some shopkeepers may be very rude if you enter into bargain and then don’t buy.

Mustafa Centre is located in the Little India district and is the  best place for shopping. Mustafa was founded by Indian businessman Mustaq Ahmad in 1971 .It may not be as fancy as some of Singapore’s other malls, but it has a great range of items, and good prices to match. There is also a large selection of Indian apparel and accessories available here, which is not surprising, considering its location. Offering even travel, hotel reservation and visa assistance services, Mustafa Centre is a shopping experience unlike any other that shouldn’t be missed.

Suntec city mall is the largest shopping mall of Singapore. It is also the famous for the fountain of wealth-the largest fountain in the world. Suntec city engages over 300 retail outlets, 50 pushcarts and 100 F&B establishments spreading across 4 floors. The mega mall is divided into 4 zones: the Galleria, offering high-end labels, the Tropics, emphasising on lifestyle merchandises and services, the Fountain Terrace, specialising in F&B, and the Entertainment Centre, comprising of a cinema, fitness gym, an arcade and many more.

With its close proximity to the Central Business District and top tourist spots, it’s no wonder this shopping, entertainment and dining centre is the perfect one-stop place to unwind – a must-visit for all tourists

Little India is Singapore’s foremost Indian enclave. Its charm lies in the fact that many of olden-day trades can still be found by its roadsides, alleys and back lanes. Fortune-tellers and their parrots, flower vendors selling garlands of jasmine, roasted nuts sellers on pushcarts and street-side newspaper vendors are just some of the interesting sights to be found.

Serangon road has spice selling shops and its inner lanes like Campbell Lane, Dunlop Street and Hindon Road have stalls selling Ayurvedic massage oils, gold, incense and fabrics in a variety of textures. It was also interesting to find  a pan shop in Little India. For a glimpse of Hindu rituals, do stop by the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali.

There are also well-established restaurants like Komala Villas, Banana Leaf Apolo and Muthu’s Curry, where one can find spicy classic South Indian fare. Tekka Market is another option if one is craving for homely Indian food.

Sungei Road 'Thieves Market’: There was a time when the goods sold here were supposedly stolen from somewhere. Not really so any more. But the Sungei Road 'Thieves Market' is still a Singapore icon today. Stroll among the makeshift stalls and watch the locals bargain/banter with the stall-holders. But if you really want, look carefully among the junk and you may find something quite special

 

China Town is an ethnic neighborhood featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements and a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population. There are plenty of small souvenirs shops selling Chinese art and feng shui products, T shirts and Chinese dresses. There are also plenty of spas and foot massage parlours. Of course there are plenty of Chinese eating joints and also Food Street. Evenings at Chinatown are crowded and colorful with lots of cultural events taking place.

There are also several prominent religious landmarks in the area and you might be surprised to see that there are also Hindu temples and mosques amongst them. Both the Sri Mariamman Temple and Jamae Mosque on South Bridge Road are among the oldest places of worship in Singapore, while a little further on down the road, you can also find the visually stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which reputedly contains a tooth of the Buddha.