Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 2:22 pm Post subject: Bugis and Kampong Glam General Information
BUGIS AND KAMPONG GLAM GENERAL INFORMATION
Bugis has a lurid past: originally named after the bloodthirsty race of pirates who prowled in the Straits before the arrival of the British, for a long time the area was Singapore's equivalent of Patpong, a red-light district known for its bars and transvestite prostitutes. However, in 1985 the area was redeveloped with a vengeance, turning it into a sanitized shopping experience for the whole family.
Neighboring Kampong Glam, also known by the name of its main thoroughfare Arab Street, was where Singapore's Arab traders settled in the founding days of the colony. But here too the original inhabitants fled in the 1920s as real-estate prices drove through the roof, and today the heart of Muslim Singapore beats in Geylang Serai on the East Coast.
So what's left then? A slice of modern Singapore at its most hyperactive: hundreds upon hundreds of shops and restaurants, several attractive promenades and a bazaar selling the cheapest T-shirts in town. Head here on a weekend to experience Singaporean consumerism at its finest.
Transportation
The Bugis and Lavender MRT stations on the East-West line are the primary entry points into the district.
If exiting at Bugis, the key roads are Rochor Rd and Victoria St. Walk north on Victoria St until you spot the golden domes of the Sultan Mosque; turn left here for Arab St, or keep walking north for Lavender MRT. Alternatively, head west on Rochor Rd to reach Little India, within easy walking distance; or head south on Victoria St to return to the CBD.
Places to see
Except for the odd mosque or temple there are few attractions per se in Bugis. Do as the Singaporeans do and window-shop your way through, stopping for quick eats every now and then.
Sultan Mosque. North Bridge Rd. The largest mosque in Singapore, easily identified thanks to its golden domes. Open to visitors 0900-1300, 1400-1600 daily; note that shorts, short skirts or sleeveless T-shirts are not permissible attire.
The Sri Krishnan Hindu temple and Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Buddhist temple, next to each other on Waterloo St, are worth a quick visit.
Shopping
Bugis in particular is nothing but shopping these days!
Parco Bugis Junction is Singapore's teenage heaven, run by the folks behind Shibuya's Parco — and there's a distinct Japanese vibe in the area with plenty of Japanese-themed shops and restaurants, including the Seiyu department store, minimalist home decoration shop Muji and much more. At the center of the mall are the restored shophouses of Hylam and Malay Streets, covered with roof for shopping in any weather; also check out the ever-surprising fountain in the middle of Bugis Square. Accessible directly from the Bugis MRT station.
Right across Victoria St, Bugis Street no longer has bars and transvestites, but it does have a bazaar that sells all sorts of vaguely touristy knick-knacks. This is the cheapest place in Singapore to buy T-shirts for the folks back home, although the quality of those S$2 shirts is pretty much what you'd expect. If you haven't sampled tropical fruits yet, take a look at the fruit stalls at the other end.
If you continue walking straight through Bugis Street, you'll reach the Albert Street and Waterloo Street pedestrian mall. Browse through shops offering Buddhist paraphernalia and take a peek at the two temples on Waterloo St. Keep going straight to reach electronics haven Sim Lim Square and beyond it Little India.
Many of the stores on Arab Street specialize in batik and silk. Be prepared to bargain.
Places to eat
Bugis has a wide selection of restaurants catering to every taste, while the area near Arab Street specializes in halal (Muslim) food. Golden Mile Complex, on Beach Rd, is much favored by the local Thai population and consequently serves the cheapest and most authentic Thai food in town.
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