Manoj Gursahani asked:


Tempting discounts, rock-bottom prices and an amazing travel destination…I’m back home from an incredible Asian shopping fiesta- the Great Singapore Sale!!

If you are looking out for that ‘must-have’ bag, latest laptop or the hottest mobile phone and are planning to take a break in the near future, then take my word- the trip to Singapore during the Great Singapore Sale is the place to be! For this year’s mega sale, from 26th May to 23rd July, you can expect slashed prices from 20-30% upto 70% that include all the big shops across the island.

I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the shopping madness that spills out from the central shopping belt of downtown Orchard Road and Marina Bay to the city fringes and neighbourhood centres like Marine Parade and Toa Payoh, till the point you leave the country, at the Changi Airport.

As I found out myself, the discounts at the ongoing Great Singapore Sale are even more tempting this year with the Singapore Tourism Board launching massive promotions for the Indian tourists, with special airfares and attractive tourist packages during the Sale; including the added lure of a privilege card for the Indian shoppers entitles us to further discounts at the mammoth Suntec City mall.

If you want to be at the heart of the shopping excitement, I suggest you stay at the Oriental hotel or the Marina Mandarin- an arm’s throw from the Marina Square and the Suntec city mall. You can try the Fortuna or Claremont Hotel in Little India, for those slightly budget-conscious.

Delight in a bargain off the street-side shop, pick up a curio or two as you walk through colourful ethnic quarters, or cocoon yourself in one of the 12 air-conditioned shopping malls across the island that will take turns to extend shopping hours as far back as 12 midnight each weekend.

Bossini, Esprit, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger… or trendiest in electronics, jewellery, watches and cosmetics; to IT gear and techno-gizmos, in this sale you’ll find it all.

Simply flash your Visa or American Express credit cards and you’ll find some amazing bargains, not just from select shops but also from a variety of food outlets. Be sure to do your homework to take the maximum advantage of these on-going credit card promotions.

If you want to stay connected, but dread the colossal roaming bill when you come back, just buy a local simcard from any of the 7/11 shops. With simcards starting from 10 Singapore$ denominations and refills available easily, I think its the cheapest way to get connected.

What bugged me at times though, were the huge queues was getting a taxi, especially when you are lugging your armful of shopping bags. The only way to avoid this is to dial for a taxi (65221111), which would charge you about 10% more than the actual tariff, but it’s a real convenience for those willing to pay a little extra.

And if you are weary from the hours of shopping, don’t worry, you can even enjoy a free body and foot massage at the tourism board’s visitor lounge in downtown Orchard Road along with some free entertainment and lucky draws!

For me, the best way to take a break from shopping was to enjoy a delicious Indian meal served on banana leaf at Sammy’s Curry at the Marina Square Food court around the Suntec area (priced at max 8 SD, it’s a must-have treat) or a sit back and relax with a classy Indian dinner at the Ras Restaurant on the Clarke’s Quay. When you are finally through with shopping, don’t forget to walk through plexiglass underwater tunnel aquarium or take the night-safari at the Singapore Zoo. With a backdrop of colourful ethnic Asian community, tall gleaming skyscrapers of downtown Singapore, excitement of the Sentosa Island and the wilderness of the Jurong Bird Park, Singapore offers you a spectacular value for money.

And for the hardcore shopping enthusiasts there’s always some last minute duty-free shopping at the Changi Airport with the refund of the 5 percent sales tax on receipts of purchase of more than 100 Singapore$ during the Sale.

So arm yourself with sturdy shoes, recharged mobile phones and Credit cards, and get ready to fill your shopping bags with unbeatable bargains at the sale of the year. Indulge in 60 days of shopping carnival, shop-till-you-drop at the Great Singapore Sale!

Copyright (C) Manoj Gursahani



Department Stores

Kevin Laura asked:


Despite its tiny size, Singapore has become one of the wealthiest nations in the world to day.  An exotic location towards the south of Malaysia, the island is a tourist’s heaven.  No wonder that millions of people across the globe visit this place every year. More than ten million visitors arrived in Singapore on various purposes here during the year 2007.

Camping at a convenient place

Shopping and casinos are two of the major attractions for tourists and travelers visiting Singapore. Especially those in the Orchard Road shopping area are extremely popular. The city of Singapore itself is highly populated and the roads are always packed with moving people.  You require good hotels to stay in such a populous place that provides multiple avenues of enjoyment and relaxation.

Good news for you is that hotels in Singapore are mostly first rate.  All parts of this most populous city like the Orchard Road, River District, North Downtown, Heritage District, East Singapore, Chinatown, and Financial Districts have several top class hotels that could accommodate you providing all your requirements. However, most of the hotels are 5 star and consequentially a bit expensive.  Some of the major hotels in the area are Le Meridien, Royal Plaza, Hilton, Marriott and Meritus.



When budget is your concern



Not every visitor can afford or like to spend money being accommodated in the 5 star hotels.  Those who wish to have the comforts yet not pay as much may look for the 4 star hotels in River District or 3 star hotels in Heritage District in Singapore. Examples of four star and three star hotels are the Hotel Royal and Hotel Bayview Singapore.

You could even opt for the budget hotels like the South East Asia Hotel.  This hotel has got 51 rooms and is less expensive compared to the luxury hotels in Singapore. There are numerous other budget hotels in and around the city of Singapore where you can reside while visiting the country if you are purely on travel and tourism purposes and when there may be no meaning of lavish spending on accommodation.

If mobility is what you are looking for



There are many visitors who are always on the move.  Therefore they try to find out suitable accommodation near the airport, bus terminal, or railway station.  You can find both luxury and budget hotels in Singapore catering your needs.  For top class visitors hotels like the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel with 520 rooms could be ideal as it takes only ten minutes to proceed to Changi International Airport from this hotel.

Similarly, the Oriental Hotel at the harbor side and Intercontinental hotel located near the Bugis Junction complex is suitable for those who wish to be mobile with less expensive transportation facilities. Those who are looking for shopping spree could choose hotels like Raffels Hotel, or the Regent, or the Conrad Centeennial as they are either located in the heart of the market complexes or close to them.

Have a better trip with convenient accommodation

During your trip to the city you will normally be on the look out for a Hotels Singapore or guest house that will provide you all the modern comforts at a reasonable price.  Close proximity to transportation hubs and shopping centers would be an added benefit.  People who are on business trip would be looking for a hotel where they get good communication and conferencing facilities.  And everyone will like good food, drinks, and fitness and relaxation facilities. 

Fortunately for you, Singapore hotels can provide all of these facilities for you.



Visit Singapore!

Andrew Regan asked:


Perched on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore’s small size belies the huge number and variety of bazaars, markets and malls which make it a shopper’s paradise. Located at one of the major intersections of the world, Singapore’s strategic position has allowed it to grow into a major centre for trade, communication and tourism – and has earned it the nickname “gateway to Asia”.

Singapore’s success as a shopping haven can be partly attributed to its long history as a major port. During the 14th century, Singapore was part of the Sumatran Empire, and as a natural meeting point of major sea routes, the port saw many traders from China, Arabia, India and Europe. After a brief period of control by the Portuguese and subsequently the Dutch, the British saw the potential of Singapore as a strategic base for their expanding empire. They claimed it as a British Crown colony and established a centre of free trade, which attracted even more merchants from all over the world and led to a huge growth in population and economy.

With its long history in trading, it’s no surprise that Singapore has grown into the exotic shopping mecca it is today. The city can be divided into several main shopping areas, each offering a different experience. In Chinatown, merchants display wares such as fine silk, gold jewellery, exotic snakeskin medicines and pungent spices. For some Arabian flare, try the bazaar style shopping area that houses Singapore’s Muslim community; here you’ll find traders renowned for textiles, baskets and woven leaf goods. Little India, as the name suggests, is full of flavour from the sub continent, offering an array of silverware, saris and delicious Indian cuisine. And if you’re hungry for more excitement, head to Orchard Road – a premier shopping belt housing some of the largest and most popular shopping centres such as Centrepoint. This is truly a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from casual clothing and electronics to Oriental rugs, fine arts, Asian antiques and books.

But aside from year-round attractions and shopping splendours, Singapore boasts a number of seasonal attractions. The Dragon Boat Festival for example – the commemoration of a Chinese patriot who protested against government corruption – is celebrated each summer with boat races across Marina Bay. Autumn sees events like the Chinese Festival of the Hungry Ghosts and the Hari Raya Puasa, while winter invites the Chinese New Year celebration – so no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be able to experience Singapore’s unique offerings.

As a major tourist hub and popular stop over destination, there are plenty of frequent flights to Singapore direct from London. And you’ll have a massive choice for accommodation, ranging from youth hostels to luxurious hotels – so you’re sure to find something to suit your budget. With so many attractions and shopping opportunities to choose from, it’s impossible to see everything; but Singapore’s safe streets and long opening hours mean that you can cram a lot in. And with some shopping areas opening 24 hours a day, you really can shop until you drop!



Singapore Shopping

Naveen Marasinghe asked:


Once part of the old Port of Singapore, during the 1860s it handled three quarters of all shipping business of the port. The Chinese swarmed to this area because the shape of the south bank of the river resembles the belly of a carp, and according to Chinese belief, it signaled concentration of wealth and prosperity. They built many shop-houses along the Quay.

The primary role of Boat Quay has changed, it no longer is part of aquatic trade and maritime commerce. Instead it is a tourist hub with the Chinese shop-houses having been conserved and transformed into bars, pubs and restaurants. It has enormous aesthetic appeal for the commercial zone lying across the Singapore River, and a gentle front for the financial and banking offices lying behind it.

Boat Quay is also part of the plans of the Urban Redevelopment Authority to conserve the Singapore River and its surrounding areas according to a master plan drafted in 1986.

On 7th July 1989, the government declared the area encompassing South Bridge Road, Circular Road, Lorong Telok and North Canal road, as a gazetted area. Consequently, the two- and three-level shop-houses in these areas, with their typical five-foot stretch beneath projecting upper floors were transformed to house new businesses while preserving their original design. The 1990s saw the restoration of the shop-houses and godowns along the river bank into bustling centers of business as bars, pubs shops and restaurants.

The many Singapore hotels around the Boat Quay will provide you with easy-access accommodation. If luxury is what you prefer, reserve your room at any of the Millenium Hotels Singapore.



Visit Singapore!

Nancy Eben asked:


Hotels in Singapore are among the best known accommodation in the world. Equipped with the best of modern facilities and pleasing lodgers with its commendable services, Singapore Hotels are highly recommended accommodation in the country. Even cheap hotels in Singapore make for a great accommodation.

Falling in all categories, hotels in Singapore can be found in different price brackets. Ranging from luxurious Singapore hotels, mid range hotels to budget hotels… you will find it all in this lovely destination. Hotels Singapore is highly praised all across the world for their pretty ambience and warm reception. The hotel staffs are polite and very warm who meet all your needs with utmost respect and graciousness. Sought after by the backpackers and young people with lesser budget, cheap hotels in Singapore can be found mainly in areas of Little India, Bugis and East Coast. Singapore Budget Hotels are generally featureless and middling in their amenities and services, but they still are very much in demand and purposeful. You will find most of these lodgings in the western region of the Singapore River. Of late there has been an upsurge of “boutique” hotels in revamped shop houses here and in the area Chinatown and these accommodations are available at pretty good value.

An island-state in the region of Southeast Asia, Singapore is connected to Malaysia by bridges. Once a British trading colony, it is today one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Singapore is highly influenced by the Indian, Chinese, and Malay culture and it is the a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping and a vibrant nightlife scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region. Singapore’s strategic location has helped it develop into a major hub for trade, communications, finance and tourism. Since Singapore is a popular travel destination, hotels in Singapore makes sure that they impress you to no end.

Some of the best things to do while you are on your trip to Singapore are as follows:

Shopping

It is a heavenly experience to shop around in Singapore. Well designed and colossally built, shopping malls and centers of Singapore are a perfect haven for all the shopaholics. Most of the stores are open 7 days a week from 10 AM in the morning to 10 PM in the night. Many stores located along the shopping arcade of Orchard Road and Scotts Road now remain open late in the night on the last Friday of every month that has more than 250 retailers staying open till midnight.

Food

Singaporean cuisines are simply delectable. Since the country is largely influenced by Chinese, Indian and Malay culture, you will find quality Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Japanese, French, Italian, American and other food in this city-state. Not just the food the restaurants as well are truly praiseworthy. The cheapest and most liked places to eat in Singapore are hawker centres. Apart from being a great place to eat out, the hygiene standards are also very good.

So have a good time in Singapore.

Hotels in Singapore, cheap hotels in Singapore

Hotels in Singapore are among the best known accommodation in the world. Equipped with the best of modern facilities and pleasing lodgers with its commendable services, Singapore Hotels are highly recommended accommodation in the country. Even cheap hotels in Singapore make for a great accommodation.



Department Stores

Ethan Ong asked:


The Best of Singapore Tourism is an article that or a conversation that cannot be said in just a few words. Sit back, relax and have a cup of something sweet and steaming by your side, because it is quite a story to tell. You will be amazed at the tales, the legends and the possibilities that are possible from this small island nation on the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. Are you ready? Ok look up!

The Singapore weather is unlike no other. Sitting close to the equator and in full flavor of the Sun, Singapore is an sunny island with sunshine and doses of Vitamin D freely available to those wanting to bask in it. Originally and island, Singapore has not lost its roots and the weather is testament to its ideal location. Sunscreen, sun tan lotion and swim wear should be the standard uniform of this island nation if his knotty thing called work doesn’t always get in the way.

Must visits are places like the Singapore flyer, the largest Ferris world known to mankind at this moment in time – we’ve heard of other country’s plans, but we will only believe it when we see it. Larger than the London Eye and with a view of the city skyline that would just take your breath away – it is an experience in itself to be slowly lifted to the landscape of those who fly, where the clouds are within easy reach and the birds are your friends – for as long as the trip lasts of course. We also have the vertical bungee’s located within areas of Clarke quay, where you can launch yourself to heavens or swing yourself sideways silly with a Viking ship like contraption. And when you get that high in the air, get the chance to look down and view the beautiful clubbing and pubbing phenomenon that is Clark Quay or look at the postcard perfect view of the Singapore River.

Tourism is also not complete without a journey through Singapore’s food paradise and if your taste buds are not singed, then you haven’t really experienced the culinary delights of our local fares at all. Hainanese cooking, spicy Indian food, delectable and flavorful preparations from the Chinese side of things. Take a walk on the wild side of things and try our more spicy preparations and if you are lucky, then you might have visited Singapore just in time for the food festival – which showcases the old, the new and te exciting dishes from the many local chefs in Singapore.

Singapore also has its fair of the normal dundurees of tourism, with a bird park in two locations, a fascinating zoo,a night safari which pits you close to wildlife who are are most comfortable in nocturnal surroundings. Add to that a potpourri of shopping, kids activities and an arts and cultural scene that is comparable to larger countries surrounding us; there is no limit to the fun you can have and soon you will be telling your own tales of adventures from the lion city.



Visit Singapore!

Boon Kiat Chua asked:


Singapore has been known to some as the Garden City. Singapore’s strategic position has helped it grow into a major center for trade, communications and tourism. From Singapore to Malaysia, you can take a bus or train ride or even walk across one of the two causeway bridges. Not only that, it is just a quick ferry trip to the key islands of the Riau archipelago of Indonesia. Thailand and the Philippines are a short plane journey away. Singapore, with an airport served by more than 69 airlines, is very much the gateway to Southeast Asia.

Singapore has a population of about 4 million, which comprises of 77% Chinese, 14% Malays, 8% Indians and 1% Eurasians and people of other descent. It certainly is a dynamic city rich in contrast and color as you’ll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture here.

Moving around Singapore is easy not only because of the good transportation system, but also because English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood in Singapore.

If you are an adventure seeker, this could be the things you can do in Singapore.

First, visit the Underwater World, which is Asia’s first and largest tropical fish oceanarium with over 2,500 marine specimens including the World’s Largest Display of Sand Tiger Sharks! It is located in Sentosa, one of the 63 Islets of Singapore. Sentosa is easily accessible by a cable car ride, the new train system that link the islet directly to the mainland. For more information on Sentosa: http://www.sentosa.com.sg

If you have survived the heart-stopping experience with the sharks, reward yourself with lunch at Holland Village, an enclave of charming shops, cafes and restaurants. Holland Village is popular with expatriates and yuppies. You may also want to do a spot of shopping for Asian arts and crafts at the Holland Village Shopping Centre and the Holland Village Complex.

After lunch, proceed to the Jurong BirdPark, which is a 20.2 hectare open-concept park. It is the largest in the Asia Pacific and the best in the world. Its collection of more than 9,000 birds from 600 species is among the largest in the world. The Park specialises in birds from Southeast Asia. This is where you can be a falconer for a day, learning to handle trained birds of prey. This is your chance to practise falconry – a sport, which traditionally had been associated only with royalty and aristocracy. For more information on the Jurong BirdPark: http://www.birdpark.com.sg

After all that excitement, it’s time to relax with some light shopping at Bugis Street – Singapore’s largest permanent street bazaar. Besides unexpected bargains, you can also find interesting sights like the co-existence of a Buddhist and an Indian temple side-by-side. Also, stop by Bugis Junction, the only shopping mall in Singapore with a glass-covered and air-conditioned shopping walkway, on top of a rich historical background and interesting shophouse architecture.

For a different view of Singapore, proceed on to Clarke Quay and have a go at the Reverse Bungy Jump. Feel your heart drop to your feet as you are flung up at great speeds and then jerked back down to earth. This experience is certainly not for the faint-hearted!

The day’s activities should have worked up your appetite and imagination. Join the Magical Makansutra Food Safari, where you will be able to sample some of Singapore’s finest street food. Each safari lasts about three hours and features five food types. We guarantee that our local food like Bak Kut Teh (Pork Ribs in Tea Soup); one very unique food that you must definitely try. Laksa (noodles in a spicy coconut broth); this is one of the Singaporeans’ favorites. Roti Prata (Indian pancakes) will leave you wanting more.

After dinner, it’s time to walk off those calories… if you dare. Go on the unique walking tour of the historic Kampong Glam area where you will be spooked by little-known supernatural stories of Sultan Mosque, Old Istana, Kris shop, perfume shop and the royal graveyard. Embrace thousands of years of Malay folklore and discover forgotten places – places that still haunt the memories of some in eerie twilight.



Department Stores

Ethan Ong asked:


To shop and to explore Singapore three days is ideal. Anymore and it becomes repetitive and any less will cause certain shopping areas to be missed. Arrive in the evening if possible and get a good night sleep before heading off in exploration.

With their excellent customers’ service, it’s of no wonder that Singapore is attracting both locals shoppers and foreigners alike. Apart from branded items from the high-end boutiques, such as Miss Sixty, G-Star, GAS, A/X Armani Exchange, United Colours of Benetton to suit your every occasion, Shopping centres like The Paragon offers a great array of restaurants with top-notch services such as My Mum’s Cuisine, Thai Express, Spageddies Italian Kitchen and the critically acclaimed Lawry’s Prime Ribs can be found on the 2nd level of the mall.

If it is books that you are after, Ngee Ann City is also home to Kinokuniya, the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia and more than half the size of Borders at Wheelock Place, Singapore . Here you can come across an widespread anthology of over half a million superior titles from all over the world, Book stores like Popular and World of Books are also available in other shopping centres, and Borders is also another example of a huge shopping location for books and publications from all over the world.

If music is more than thing, then you should pop by the HMV music stores, the major channel here in Southeast Asia; The Heeren is a popular hang out for music lovers and the youth. The front entrance of the mall is festooned with the hippest and latest MTV music videos, showcasing various British and American hits. With a very Japanese concept and smooth, liquid shopping experience on the top floors, there is everything for the young and the chic shopper here. Majority focus is on the beauty and grooming industry, an obvious indication with the myriad number of shops selling fashion apparels and accessories. In addition to these offerings, various brands of makeup/skincare products, hair services, toys, comics and handcrafted gifts are all made available here.

But sometimes we have to come back to earth and spend within a means that is more traditional and less flamboyant. Labels like U2, Giordano, Fox and ESPRIT carry fashion that is down to earth, grungy, chic and modern – just right for the young and the young at heart. These labels are affordable and they are stylish, just the tools you need to survive in this style art world. There are many other labels abound, sportswear, urban wear and many others. Huge department stores like ISETAN at Scotts and Robinsons carry a whole host of local and international brands that are affordable and easy on the eyes.

Singapore is definitely a shopping paradise because there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for high fashion or the cheapest bargain basement deals in town, you will most definitely discover it during your romp around the shopping paradise that is Singapore. There is more than likely a deal for everyone, including you.



Department Stores

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Singapore is one of the most enchanting tourist destinations in the world. Occupying an area of about 633 square kilometers, Singapore is situated in the southern tip of Malaysia Peninsula, in South-East Asia, in between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Al though a small destination in terms of area, Singapore boasts of such a great number of attractions that it requires long period to explore them all. Acknowledged as the ‘Garden City,’ Singapore presents a diverse range of attractions that are a contrast of old and new as well as a blend of east and west. Included in the highlights of Singapore are incredible temples, interesting museums, historical monuments, well-manicured parks, beautiful gardens, excellent shopping facilities, sumptuous cuisines, and mesmerizing cruises.

Must-visit attractions, among many others, in Singapore are:

Sri Mariamman Temple: The oldest Hindu shrine in Singapore, this is devoted to Sri Mariamman, which is regarded as the goddess of health and prosperity. Also within the temple complex are temples dedicated to other gods and goddesses that are worshipped in South India.

Sentosa Island: It is a great place for those seeking peace and tranquility. Alternatively known as the ‘Isle of Peace and Tranquility,’ Sentosa is a great spot for honeymooners, those vacationing with families, and weekend tours. Among the highlights of the island are cable car, providing magnificent views of the sea port; Observatory Tower, which is the largest of its kind in Asia; the underwater world, one of the world’s largest oceanariums; Dolphin Lagoon; and Sunset Bay.

Chinatown: This area has a long history dating back to 1821 when a group of Chinese immigrants arrived here from Fujian province. Chinatown is made up of four districts such as Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Pasoh, and Tanjong Pagar, each with its own significance. Few among the highlights of the region are Nagore Durgha Shrine, Hokkien Temple and Thian Hock Keng. The much famed Sri Mariamman Temple is also located here. A good number of Chinese establishments including shops, medical centers, and teahouses can also be seen in the area.

Financial District: This is one of the most modern spots in Singapore, with an array of soaring buildings such as OUB Building, Republic Plaza, and UOB Building. It is also home to such destinations as the Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, which in turn is a great place to savor the best in Asian cuisines and that too at cheap prices. Likewise, the Orchard Road is also situated here, which is dotted with a plethora of shopping malls.

Arab Street: This area stands as a repository of culture of Muslim community in the region. The prime draw of the street is the Sultan Mosque, which is noted for its unique Islamic architecture. Attractions here also cover Istana Kampung Glam and Malay cemetery, which is the oldest of its kind in the region. Apart from these, the street is dotted with a myriad of restaurants specializing in Islamic cuisines and shops selling items such as carpets, jewelry, perfumes, and textiles that have been brought from destinations such as Indonesia and Middle East.

Little India: It is a great place to experience the spirit of India in Singapore. This area becomes colorful, especially on Sundays and during festivals such as Deepavali and Thaipusam. The much famed as well as revered Veeramukaliamman Temple is situated here.

Aforesaid are just few among umpteen attractions in Singapore. Highlights also include spots like Telok Blangah Hill, Singapore River, the Esplanade, Downtown East, and the Malay Village. Aside these, Singapore also feature some beautiful beaches that are situated along the East Coast Park, Changi, Sentosa, and St Johns Island. Above all, people touring the destination can engage in a number of activities from shopping and superb dining to sightseeing and golf and water sport activities.

No wonder why Singapore is frequented by people from across the globe year-round. Hence, Singapore has accommodation choices to suit every taste and pocket. For luxury lovers and well-heeled, some excellent options are available in the form of four-star and five-star facilities. Likewise, facilities made available range from swimming pools and hair beauty salon to shopping options and body treatment facilities. Further, mostly these hotels are within easy reach of many of the attractions in the region as well as the Changi Airport.



Department Stores

Ethan Ong asked:


Singapore is a shopping paradise and it is essentially an island built like an emporium to fill almost every retail need possible. Singapore department stores are aplenty and there is a whole plethora of clothes, accessories, paraphernalia abound within the many shopping districts all over Singapore. There is no best department store, it simply does not exist, because of the inherent subjectivity and wild and dynamic tastes of shoppers these days. It all is down to what you want out of your shopping experience and what your budget is. From the young, hip to the chic and the expensive, your retail taste buds will not be disappointed.

Places like Orchard Road have a host of edifices filled with promises of a grand shopping experience. Don’t be distracted by their marble walls and bright lights, the devil is really in the details of these department stores. With brands and labels from all over the world, the international fashion scene is literally at your doorstep. From bargain basement deals to high priced fares, this once plantation location of the merlion city has responded to the increasing spending power of the average Singaporean and the all mighty tourist. With more than 1 million shoppers visiting such locations on a monthly basis, more and more department stores have risen up, with brands all the way from Japan, Korea, New Zealand the even the fashion factories of Russia and other European power houses.

For those with the shoe string budget then there are options like Far East Plaza or even Peninsula Plaza which have urban wear and budget brands for the teenagers or those not willing to spend for clothes. I mean sure, there are people who view wear as nothing more than utilitarian, who cares if colours don’t match at all. But the again, grunge and hip hop fashions from the alleys of New York, Las Angeles and even Cuba has made their appearance in these department stores in larger than life fashions, bright colours and funk wear that addresses the needs of the niche, the young and the hip at heart. With a mixture of sportswear and no name shoe brands, there is something for everyone with a mean budget in these places, department stores that are cramped full of choices because they need to save space. You would be surprised at wat you can find in these places – after all fashion is an original statement, not a carbon copy.

Don’t ask what is the best department store but ask yourself what department store is the best for you and your needs. Orchard Road, Scotts Road are just some of the places you can go to, but don’t forget the hidden gems and cul de sacs of some shopping centres and malls in Singapore. With such a great interconnected transport system, sometimes, a bargain you have always been waiting for is just one station away. The best department store can even be in some dungeon like basement in some westerly corner of Singapore – you never really know.



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