I can’t wait to get back to Singapore on my way home from Europe next month because the shopping there is just fab. From high-end fashion boutiques to cheap as chips shoes, Ikea and markets for souvenirs – I love it all.
Here are some of the best picks from me and also the guys who work for Singapore Airlines (they go up there and shop til they drop often!)
The funky exterior of VivoCity means you can’t miss it
VivoCity – this harbour front mall is opposite Sentosa Island (you can take a cable car across the harbour just for fun) and is the biggest in Singapore. It’s rather sprawled out so you’ll do lots of walking but here you’ll find brands like Armani Exchange, Ben Sherman, Esprit, Forever 21, kiwi maternity brand EGG, Gap, Levi’s, Mango, Marks & Spencers and Zara. There’s movie cinemas, an openair playground for kids, a rooftop amphitheatre where events happen at any time and a foodhall in the basement as well as waterfront dining options outside.
Ikea – since we are deprived in New Zealand from this Swedish mega homeware store, there are 2 in Singapore that you can choose from depending on where you are. They also have a cafe and while the chocolate butterscotch pie is good, I’m told they have a fine reputation for their Swedish meatballs!
Shoes – there are 10 Charles and Keith stores in Singapore and this is a must visit for anyone with an Imelda Marcos penchant for footwear. They also sell bags and accessories and their prices are really good. And the great thing is they have a shop at Changi Airport so if you find you suddenly have some Singapore dollars you forgot to spend, voila.
Glasses – if you need new prescription glasses or contact lenses, you can get them made here at very good prices. Bring your prescription with you and find a Yes Eyewear store, or they can test your eyes there. Their frames are all genuine and much better priced than at home. Great for stocking up on contacts too.
Eclectic Bugis Junction has the best of both worlds
Bugis Junction – if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop, this is it. It is part traditional shopping mall and part open air shopping precinct. It has a great foodhall for all your cravings, high street shops like Top Shop and local boutiques. You’ll find market style shopping to high end here. This is where the hipsters hang!
Marks and Spencer – for those missing the Motherland, you’ll find 9 M&S’s in Singapore. The largest one is in The Centre Point on two floors. They have the Autograph and Indigo collections as well as their normal offerings and everyone’s favourite underwear, plus mens and kids wear and their famous foods. Take the MRT to Somerset.
** Hold onto your Singapore Airlines boarding pass, because it is your voucher to loads of treats. All you need to do is present the boarding pass within 7 days from the date of travel at participating outlets to get special privileges and discounts on hotel accommodation, shopping, dining, tourist attractions and transport.