Suburban Shopping

If you’re prepared to venture further afield, you can combine shopping with a little off-the-beaten track sightseeing as well. In fact, you’ll discover some of the best bargains where most Singaporeans live, eat and shop – out in the heartlands of Singapore.

These suburban shopping centres offer a surprisingly comprehensive range of items from branded to electronic goods at prices to delight the value-conscious and determined bargain hunter.

Business hours vary from shop to shop but as a general guide, most shops are open from 11am to 9pm.

Town centres in the larger estates of Tampines and Bishan are easily accessible by MRT. Shopping at these bustling town centres is a fascinating experience, providing insight into the local lifestyle and a chance to mingle with Singaporeans at their most comfortable.

You also reap another benefit – the opportunity to tuck in “local style” at the numerous food centres and informal coffee shops!

CAUSEWAY POINT

1 Woodlands Square

Tel: (65) 6894 2237

Nearest MRT station: Woodlands (NS9)

Causeway Point Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Woodlands Regional Centre, next to the Woodlands MRT station. This large mall has about 250 shops and food outlets, including anchor tenants like Cathay Cineplex, Cold Storage, Horizon Food Mall, Metro and Courts.

CENTURY SQUARE

2 Tampines Central 5

Tel: (65) 6789 6261

Nearest MRT station: Tampines (EW2)

Closer to Changi Airport in Tampines are Century Square and Tampines Mall, firm favourites with residents nearby. With close proximity to the MRT station, Century Square is easily accessible from downtown and it is a great place to observe local activity. Local department store Metro, electrical appliances giant Best Denki, a cineplex and a large food court are located here, amongst other popular fashion stores.

CHANGI VILLAGE

Nearest MRT station: Tanah Merah (EW4) and take SBS bus No. 2.

You’d hardly think such a place existed in bustling Singapore – but it does. For a slightly different type of suburban shopping experience, Changi Village is the place to go for laid-back quiet surroundings. It offers a quaint charm of its own, away from the crowds and traffic for a more relaxed ambience for shopping.

Expect to find plenty of bargains for T-shirts, fishing equipment, electronics, Indian cotton clothing, batik dresses and all types of table linen.

Round off the day like everyone else who visits the village with a trip to Charlie’s for a swig of beer and some food in a rustic outdoor setting.

HOLLAND VILLAGE

Nearest MRT station: Buona Vista (EW21) and take SBS 200.

Alternatively, take SBS buses 7 or 106 from Orchard Road

Although it still has the feel of a village about it, Holland Village is one of the favourite haunts of the expatriate community and Singapore’s young and trendy.

This charming little enclave away from town has developed into a fascinating microcosm of Singaporean life. This is reflected in its curious mix of old coffee shops and ritzy wine bars; its colourful blend of foreign shops and local mixed trade as well as its many ethnic restaurants and fast-food outlets. Here you’ll find an eclectic collection of goods from straw brooms to valuable antiques and movie memorabilia. Not to be missed are its discount shops of clothes for men, women and children.

The only shopping complex, Holland Road Shopping Centre, is alive with shops selling Asian arts and crafts to electronic goods and mid-range fashionable clothes.

Tags: Asia, causeway point, century square, changi village, heartland shopping, holland village, local flavor, off the beaten track, shopping, shopping guide, shopping in Asia, shopping tips, Singapore, singapore shopping, tourist, Travel