What to Do in Bugis: Shop, Eat, and Relax

Singapore is the place to be if you’re an avid shopper. It is full of the latest products and premium-priced brands. Plus, it gives retail pleasure to shoppers. But if you are looking for reasonably priced products and are a fan of great steals, you must visit Bugis Street. To know what to do in Bugis, here are the best things and places to explore. Have an idea before you see it by reading this guide.

Bugis Street

Singapore’s cultural charms are reflected in Bugis Street, half a decade old. It is a paradise for shoppers. Here are reasonably-priced unique collections and mouth-watering delicacies. It is known to be the largest street-shopping destination in Singapore.

Bugis street is a broad road between the Bugis Junction shopping complex building. This warm and inviting place offers a wide variety of activities. You won’t run out of what to do in Bugis. Its colourful murals and small vivid stalls bring life out of this street. Explore local bazaars and treats to discover its hidden beauty. 

Also, there are historical and religious sites to learn more about its culture. So make sure to take good pictures of the eye-catching streets and appreciate the art painted on the walls.

Before the second world war, Bugis became a hotspot for Japanese prostitutes. Then, from the 1950s until the late 1980s, it became the most visited tourist spot in Singapore. Its spotlight is the nightlife where transvestites and transsexuals gather around. 

However, it lost its charm from the fear of HIV spreading in the area and a protest against rude and indecent residents. As a solution, demolition and redevelopment of the whole place occurred. Its purpose is to regain its reputation by forgetting the past. Also, build a more colourful and extraordinary experience for visitors. 

Today, tourists and locals still remember its historical events. So stop by and appreciate its culture.  Enjoy its top shopping destinations, too. The modern looks of malls, street markets, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs make up the extravagant retail complex. That’s why Western travellers love and enjoy exploring the what to do in Bugis checklist. 

Credit: https://www.alamy.com/tourists-and-locals-in-bugis-street-marketbiggest-market-in-singaporebugissingaporechinese-marketsingapore-shoppingpradeep-subramanian-image366055615.html

What to Do in Bugis: Pamper at Bugis Junction

As you get off Bugis MRT station, you must start your much-awaited shopping spree here at Bugis Junction. This place is the top choice of both Singaporean and foreign shoppers. The wide variety of stores and restaurants cater to different needs and tastes. 

The mall designs are significant for outdoor and modern-day indoor mall architecture aesthetics. Thus, it provides a sky-lit shopping experience. So, take your time and enjoy every moment of exploring what to do in Bugis. You’ll find something that suits your style and taste from the different cafes and boutiques. 

For foreign visitors, enjoy buying the best souvenirs for your loved ones back at home. Choose from over 800 shops. Bargain-lovers can picky any trendy fashion pieces, stylish accessories, and vintage home decor. Foodies can discover delicious treats, too. Don’t forget that the malls have multiple floors. So head upstairs to explore fabulous and hidden finds.

Credit: https://www.capitaland.com/sg/en/lease/mall-listing/bugis-junction.html

Shop at Daiso Bugis

If you are in a hurry and on the budget, find everything you need in an instant at Daiso Bugis. Since 1977, Daiso has offered a wide variety of fair priced products. It ranges from cosmetics, fragrances, personal care products, homeware, kitchenware, appliances, sweets, tidbits and stationery. They are a popularly known megastore that sells $2 products. 

One of the great finds here is Japanese bento accessories. Spice up your meals by creating bento boxes for you and your friends. You’ll realise how fun it is to add dividers and decorative shapes from vegetables and nori sheets! 

On the other hand, if you enjoy scrapbooking and journaling, you might need to get a basket to carry your items. Discover a lot of stationery goodies to make your scrapbook and journal entries. Washi tapes, stickers, stencils, textiles and decoupage paper are as cute as possible! Catch Daiso Bugis open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Credit: https://www.daisosingapore.com.sg/store

Eat at Tan Yu Bugis

After all the shopping, it’s time to hunt for food! Some food stalls serve tasty old-school snacks and Taiwan sausages. Others have curry puffs and oyster cakes. But believe me, you wouldn’t want to miss the signature grilled fish with green peppers at Tan Yu. Its newly opened outlet is at Bugis Junction. So, it makes satisfying your cravings for grilled fish easy and accessible. 

Tan Yu Bugis showcases a more ample and brighter space unlike any other. It’s complete with big LCD screens showing how their famous dishes are made. Choose from three types of fish and twelve different fiery flavours. They are pretty renowned for their Chongqing Grilled Fish with Bean Curd. 

Don’t forget to spice up your meal. Try the mix-ins such as cabbage, tofu, luncheon meat and mushrooms or their appetisers and skewers. The Singaporeans’ favourites are a bowl of cold spicy chicken noodles and grilled eggplant loaded with garlic! 

Catch them open daily from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Credit: https://thesmartlocal.com/read/tan-yu-westgate/

Relax at Wan Lin

You deserve an escape from the busy world. Receive healing energy and achieve better health through this Bugis massage. Wan Lin is a massage spa that uses a natural approach to a healthier lifestyle through massages. It was founded by Mr Andrew Lim, a certified Rwo Shur Health Method instructor and Rwo Shur International School alumni. 

After long and stressful work weeks, you’ll surely want to relieve your body aches and stress. This secure and relaxing place offers various services. It includes body massage, foot reflexology, foot and shoulder massage. It helps loosen up those body strains. 

Are you new to massage or a wellness enthusiast? You will love getting your senses enhanced, tensions relieved, and overall well-being improved. You now have an idea of the next best what to do in Bugis. So invite your family and friends to a peaceful and relaxing weekend here at Wan Lin. 

Their location is at 149 Rochor Road, Fu Lu Shou Complex. It opens daily from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Credit: https://cn.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g294265-d12197049-i444950843-Wan_Lin_Healthcare_Centre-Singapore.html

Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple

The sight of this beautiful temple brings goosebumps to your arms as you feel its regal vibes. This breathtaking temple represents the traditional oriental temple architecture. It was built in 1884 as a perfect representation of Bugis architecture. It reflects the history before the second world war as it came out unharmed. 

Buddhists dedicate this temple to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. Their belief includes fulfilling the wishes of worshippers after offering prayers.

Here are a few tips to give you a quick guide on praying at a Bugis Guan Yin Temple. 

1. Buy praying items from vendors outside the temple, like flowers and incense sticks.

2. Burn three incense sticks, then quietly pray to the Goddess of Mercy. 

3. Finally, place the incense sticks on the large censer in the middle of the temple. 

Visit the temple at 178 Waterloo St, Singapore 187964, from 6 am – 6 pm. It is usually jam-packed during the eve of Chinese New Year. So be careful of crowds due to its limited space. 

Credit: https://www.sqfeed.com/2020/07/28/the-kwan-im-thong-hood-cho-temple-reopened-yesterday-four-months-after-it-closed-amid-the-coronavirus-pandemic-devotees-were-seen-observing-safe-distancing-as-they-queued-to-enter-the-temple-to-offe/

A Purrfect Day at The Cat Cafe Bugis

If you’re a cat-loving cafe-hopper, you’ll surely love to relax and unwind in this place. The Cat Cafe Bugis provides a purrfect place for coffee with the company of clingy cats beside you. It’s such a cosy environment. People can break free from the fast-paced society. At the same time, enjoy the fresh aroma of local coffee beans and cuddles from adorable furry friends. 

The bright and spacious space allows the cats to roam around freely. Also, visitors can play with them with provided toys. 

Singapore HDB’s strict regulations don’t allow cat ownership. So The Cat Cafe provides a safe space where you can still interact with felines. Also, it offers a wide variety of freshly baked pastries, brewed coffee, and top-notch tea. 

Find them at 241B Victoria Street Level 3. Their Bugis branch is open on Mondays from 3 pm to 10 pm. While on Tuesdays to Sundays, including public holidays, it opens from 10 am to 10 pm. The Cafe charges an affordable fee of $16 for two hours which entitles you to one free soft drink. For the next ½ hours, they charge $4. Credit: http://thecatcafe.sg/creating-a-cat-cafe/

It is truly satisfying to visit this part of Singapore. But before you head out, make sure to have a list of what to do in Bugis to make your time worthwhile. 

Maximise your adventure with a legal money lender. Cash Mart Singapore approves an instant cash loan to legitimate borrowers. Apply for their online loan now and tick off the what to do in Bugis bucket list. 

Related Article:  Food Lover’s Guide on What to Eat in Bugis