We are all aware of that feeling when we are halfway through our vacation and our thoughts automatically turn to shopping. The shop windows suddenly look too alluring to resist, while the enormous malls beckon you to shop to your heart’s content. Singapore happens to be a favorite destination for holidaymakers for they can enjoy an exciting holiday as well as experience a fantastic shopping spree. Of late, e-commerce has led to a bit of slowing down in retail shopping, but things are already looking up with more and more tourists flocking to this beautiful country.
Remember, when you book Chennai to Singapore flight tickets, you could book your accommodation as well and if you have shopping on the agenda, then the city center is the best place to stay. According to the locals, any place near the Orchard Road would be the top choice. If you would like to know more about the shopping destinations in Singapore, do read on.
Orchard Road
This 2 km stretch has around 22 malls and six shopping centres, with a proper mix of authentic Chinese Emporiums and state-of-the-art designed modern malls. Take for example the ION Orchard, which is an architectural marvel, which houses almost every designer brand one can think of. You could shop a Louis Vuitton hand bag or swanky Prada shoes and pick up a dozen glitzy designer clothing. Similar to ION is the newly built Orchard Central Mall where you could try out your adventure skills at the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall other than shopping. One of the oldest stores, Tangs, established in 1932, is also a very popular destination. There are a host of such malls on Orchard Road, where you could spend hours gazing at shop windows.
Imm Outlet Mall
If you are on a budget, there’s Imm Outlet Mall on Jurong East Street, which offers up to 80% discount all through the year and hence is a very reasonable place to shop from. Here you could shop from 80 designer outlets at prices that none can compare. Anchorpoint Shopping Centre on Alexandra Road also has a similar number of factory outlets with discounts varying between 30-70%.
Mustafa Centre
The only shopping center in Singapore that is open 24-hours is the Mustafa Centre on Syed Alwi Road, where visitors can come in on any day of the year to buy, electronics, gold and silver jewelry, watches, cosmetics, perfumes, souvenirs and gifts, you name it!
Toyo, VivaCity
Shopping in Singapore wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the largest shopping mall in Singapore. Built by well-known Japanese architect, Toyo, VivaCity is to be found on the Harbourfront Precinct, by the Ayer Rajah Expressway. You could enjoy a whole day here, not only shopping but also watching films at Asia’s largest multiplex, that features 15 screens, and seating arrangement for more than two thousand people. There are also playgrounds for children and other leisure facilities under one roof.
By the riverside
Another unique shopping experience to be enjoyed here is along the Singapore River, which had always been a thriving trading and financial zone. Visitors can board a bumboat taxi and go up and down the river, getting off to shop at places like Clarke Quay, Riverside Point and Liang Court. Clarke Quay’s old warehouses have been transformed into fancy eateries and retail joints. You will find pushcarts here, selling jewelry and pottery and other interesting hand-crafted items. Along the river you will find the Funan DigitalLife Mall, also called Funan IT Mall, which is a haven for those looking for computers, phones, televisions, cameras and other electrical equipment and gadgets at reasonable prices.
Shopping for novelty items and souvenirs can also be done from Chinatown, Holland Village, Katong, Little India, Tampines and Arab Street. Remember to haggle well and start from about 25%-30% below the price quoted by shopkeepers. Shops generally remain open for long hours, especially during festivals. Keep a lookout for the Great Singapore Sale, when prices of all commodities come down drastically. Book flight tickets from Chennai to Singapore now and revel in shopping till you drop.