Bugis Street, in the 1950s was renowned internationally for its notorious night activities where flamboyantly dressed transvestites would parade themselves attracting Caucasians mainly sailors and military personnel on their Rest & Relax (R & R).

 

The entire street comes alive in the evening as push carts gather offering a wide selection of cheap goods and hawker food, hence earning its “Pasar Malam” namesake, or otherwise known as Night Market.

 

In the mid 1980s, Bugis Street had to be demolished to make way for the Mass Rapid Transport. The street hawker stalls and vendors had to be relocated to other areas in Singapore. This signified a sad loss to one of Singapore’s most popular tourist attractions and very much missed by tourists. In 1988, as part of Singapore Tourism Board’s efforts to preserve or re-develop iconic sites and tourist attractions, Bugis Street was re-created.

 

Having undergone a new facelift and housing almost 600 shops, Bugis Street can proudly be called the largest street shopping location in Singapore. With the current upgrading, shoppers can expect 800 shops by mid 2010. Amidst the bustling street, shoppers will be able to find an eclectic mix of trendy streetwear, bags, shoes, belts, watches, earrings, silver accessories, souvenirs and unique locally-designed products. Retaining its identity of street shopping, shoppers can put their bargaining skills to test as prices are negotiable, hence Bugis Street’s uniqueness.

 

In the second quarter of 2010, Mobile City, a one-stop branded concept store offering the latest and widest range of mobile phones, related services & accessories, computer games and multimedia & IT products. With major Telcos like Singtel, Starhub & M1 and popular brands like Nokia, LG and Samsung under one roof, Mobile City is the place to visit for all tech-savvy shoppers out there.

 

Another addition is The Little Red Dot, a platform and place for budding entrepreneurs and local designers to showcase as well as sell their own designs. Shoppers can expect a wide range of exclusively designed local products and services.

 

Within the vicinity, you can find the National Library Board, Singapore Management University, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, the famous Kwan Im Temple, Malay Heritage Centre and major hotels like Intercontinental Singapore, Carlton Hotel, Peninsula Excelsior Hotel and Hotel Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen. Hence, there is always a high traffic flow of shoppers, especially during the weekends.

 

Bugis Street is also within easy walking distance from Parco Bugis Junction, Iluma at Bugis, Malay Heritage Centre and Bras Basah Complex, with easy access to the MRT, buses and taxis. For added convenience, over 1000 parking lots are available in the immediate vicinity.                                 

Apart from being strategically positioned, Bugis Street plays host to a wide variety of international and local products and services. Evolving a unique blend of retail concepts ranging from chic, hip and fashionable apparels and accessories to beauty services like manicures and hair extensions, shoppers will be constantly surprised with the ever changing product mix and its buzzing activities within Bugis Street.

 

There is always something for everyone!