Bugis Street, Singapore

When I told my friend that Singapore is too expensive for my liking, he replied that it’s because I don’t know where to go. He said that if I don’t want to be fleeced, I shouldn’t go to touristy places like Bugis Street and VivoCity shopping mall.

shoppers at Bugis Street

Well, unfortunately, these places were exactly where I went when I was in Singapore for three days in mid-June. I even went to Bugis Street night bazaar twice. What to do; the place is just so convenient, it’s just a short walk from the Bugis MRT station. I didn’t buy anything though, except bread for breakfast the following morning.

popular Bugis Street bread

It was my first visit to Bugis Street even though this wasn’t my first visit to Singapore. I was surprised that it looked like Petaling Street. Well, it’s not as if I have been to Petaling Street that many times but that was the impression I had, except for the existence of the lone adult shop. Teehee.

Bugis Street adult shop

Even though my friend told me that Bugis Street is a touristy place, I didn’t feel it. Petaling Street is way more touristy with every other shopper a Caucasian. When I was at Bugis Street, I was surrounded by Singaporeans, mostly, so it was like any other night bazaar or pasar malam locally.

Bugis Street knick knacks

I understand that Bugis previously had a bad reputation, similar to Chow Kit in Kuala Lumpur but that bad light is totally wiped out from the Bugis of today. Perhaps I just had not been there long enough to discover the sleaze, since I just managed to walk from one end of the Street to another.

clothes for sale at Bugis Street

Bugis Street is said to be the largest shopping location in Singapore with almost 600 shops. It certainly didn’t seem like there were almost 600 shops! Nevertheless, I felt that if I were to buy a Singapore souvenir, this would be the place.

colourful tropical fruits

Apart from “Singapore is a FINE city” t-shirts, I didn’t see anything that’s worth buying as souvenirs. All are overpriced. The cheap stuff, which are also overpriced, are from China. They don’t reflect Singapore, and besides, I could get them in Ipoh and they would be cheaper too since I would be paying with the weaker Ringgit!

Bugis Street fruit head

What’s a night bazaar without a wide array of tropical fruits and tropical fruit juices? The difference between Bugis Street night bazaar and the regular one that I go to at home in Ipoh is the absence of fresh vegetables. This one leans more towards street fashion and accessories like clothes, bags and shoes.

night shoppers at Bugis Street

After visiting it twice and taking loads of photos, I don’t think I’ll be missing Bugis Street anytime soon. It hasn’t anything exceptional to offer, if I may say so.

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