Offering visitors a slice of Singapore that cannot be experienced down trendy Orchard Road, Bugis Village is a quirky corner of the Lion City that is fast gaining popularity among seasoned travellers. Tipped to a be a veritable treasure trove for bargain hunters this bustling quarter of Singapore is also known for its other attractions which range from religious institutions to heritage centres. Often described as the ideal weekend getaway a trip to Bugis Village will combine a day of retail madness with a hint of culture.

Bugis junction should be the first pit stop for budget shoppers, especially for those with a young and trendy fashion sense. Concentrated around converted shop houses in Malay Street and Hylam Street, the rooftop retail venues include a BHG department store outlet  and Muji interior decor store while the basement contains a food court with cheap eats. The Iluma shopping complex which is the biggest mall in Bugis comprises of a host of funky retail venues and a 9-screen Cineplex while Bugis Street which has become the Singaporean bargain shopping hub is across the road. Renowned as the cheapest venue in the city to buy local knickknacks, souvenirs, t-shirts and other quirky curios the Bugis Street bazaars offer visitors everything from clothes and handbags to key chains at a fraction of the cost. Haggling skills are not required here as the prices are inconceivably low on most items. Waterloo Street and Albert Street are also Bugis Village shopping Meccas. Highlights include pedestrian shopping complexes, a host of silk and batik vendors and other stores selling Buddhist paraphernalia and the Sin Chew Chinese Cultural Products Supermart. The Sungei Road Thieves Market near the Bugis MRT station is another flea market with a host of goods at discounted rates.

The cultural points of interest at Bugis Village include the Malay Heritage Centre and the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Chinese temple devoted to the Goddess of Mercy known as Kuan Yin. The Sri Krishnan Temple is also worth a visit in addition to the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque and the Sultan Mosque which is incidentally the largest mosque in all of Singapore.

Tipped to be one of the finest five star hotels in Singapore city centre the elegant Hotel Fort Canning Singapore is a true icon in the city’s hospitality industry.  Ideally located in the heart of the Lion City this stylish rest is one of the most conveniently located Singapore boutique hotels in the area.