A visitor asked me where to shop in Singapore.
When I asked where she has been to?
She mentioned the shops in Orchard and Marina are out of her budget.
Frankly, we tend to shop online these days. Most malls tend to replicate each other. For budget tourist shoppers, who tend to prefer a variety of options, all age group, various interests, there are two we normally bring our guests to.
1) Mustafa
Suitable for families, as there’s something for everyone. It never closes. It sells electronics, bedsheets, medicines, toiletries, basmati rice…just name it. Check out the perfume and fragrance section for last minute gifts.
It also has a wide range of tourist souvenirs. Good if your return flight is early morning and you realised you need more of those Merlions or “Singa Muntah”.
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park
Where to stay: Nearest will be PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road; which is also across the street from the Farrer Park MRT Station Exit. Other options available are Park Hotel Farrer Park, which is probably USD5 more expensive or my favorite Penta Hotel which is less than half than the Parkroyal and Park Hotel.
Bonus: While you are at Mustafa, check out:
City Square Mall, where there is Decathlon SG a sports retailer from Paris. They have everything for cyclists, runners and even archers and equestrians. Everything sports.
2) IMM
Arguably, the biggest outlet mall in Singapore. Selling mostly past season goods. Some of the tenants are brands like Club21 which carry Paul Smith and the likes. There is also Coach, Adidas, Nike, Puma, Rockport, Clarks, Urban Armour and many more. Check the store list here.
Don’t forget to use your passport to get the IMM Tourist Privilege Booklet for special discounts.
Nearest MRT: Jurong East MRT Station
Where to stay: Genting Hotel Jurong is probably the only hotel within a 5km distance from IMM. It is located beside the Singapore Science Centre. Good if you have a young scientist in your team. Genting Hotel Jurong provides 24/7 shuttle service to Sentosa. Just show them your foreign passport. If you need to attend business meetings at International Business Park, they provide shuttle service on weekday mornings.
Bonus: If you are on a tight budget, and want to get gifts, plenty of gifts without tearing a big hOle in the wallet, check out Daiso. The Daiso IMM was the first outlet to open in Singapore. Eveything is $2. Caps, t-shirts, brooms, japanese cups and saucers…the list goes on.
