Singapore/BugisImage:BugisJunction_Fountain.JPG|thumb|240px|Bugis Junction '''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 Bangkok/Patpong|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 Singapore/East Coast|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. ==Get in== 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 Singapore/Little India|Little India, within easy walking distance; or head south on Victoria St to return to the Singapore/Central Business District|CBD. ==See== Image:Temple_KuanYinThongHodCho.JPG|thumb|240px|Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple 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. ==Buy== Bugis in particular is nothing but shopping these days! * '''[http://www.parcobj.com.sg/ Parco Bugis Junction]''' is Singapore's teenage heaven, run by the folks behind Tokyo/Shibuya|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. ** For many tiny boutiques selling affordable local young fashion, check out the '''Zone''' on the third floor of the Junction. * 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. ** '''ButtOn Trendy Undies''', on the well-hidden second floor of the bazaar, sells Singapore's funkiest collection of underwear. How about Hello Kitty panties or a Funky Year of the Monkey thong? * 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 Singapore/Little India|Little India. * Many of the stores on Arab Street specialize in '''batik''' and '''silk'''. Be prepared to bargain. ==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. ===Budget=== There is a large hawker centre at the intersection of Albert and Waterloo Sts, and plenty of others scattered through the area. * '''Golden Mile Claypot Rice''', Golden Mile Food Center #01-65, Beach Road. A humongous claypot bowl packed with rice, chicken and thick dark sauce will cost you just $5, but prepare to wait while they make it. You may want to opt out of the super-salty dried fish if you're not previously familiar with the stuff though. * '''Sajis Indian Food''', Blk 261 Waterloo St #01-29 Stall 12. Known for its Indian ''rojak'', deep-fried goodies served with an amazing peanut dip. Pick your own for around S$3 a plate. Open daily under 7 PM, closed last Monday of the month. Halal. * '''Zam Zam''', 699 North Bridge Rd, tel. 6298 7011. One of Singapore's best-known restaurants for all sorts of Muslim-Malay food. Try their legendary ''murtabak'', a type of stuffed pancake eaten with curry. ===Mid-range=== * '''Ajisen''', 200 Victoria Street, Parco Bugis Junction 01-01. A Japanese chain offering reasonably authentic Japanese ''ramen'' noodles — definitely worth trying if all you've had before are the instant kind. Around S$10 a bowl, open from 12 to 22 daily. * '''Chanko Masakatsu''', 80 Middle Road, Parco Bugis Junction 01-88. A well-known restaurant specializing in ''chanko-nabe'', the hotpot eaten by sumo wrestlers. * '''Sheesha Cafes around Arab Street.''' Get a feel of Cairo or Beirut in the cafes dotting Bussorah Street and Haji Lane near the Arab Street. For $10 you can get a flavored Sheesha (water pipe or hookah). ==Drink== Modern-day Bugis is somewhat short on dedicated places to drink, although you can of course get a cold beer at any hawker center. * '''Divine Society'''. Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road. Offering a collection of 3000 wine bottles stacked 12 meters high, winged waitresses are hoisted up on a rope to fetch the better stuff. Theoretically members only (at some S$3000 a year), in practice anybody in a suit gets in. ==Sleep== A few hotels are scattered about Bugis and Kampong Glam, although backpackers might wish to head to neighboring Singapore/Little India|Little India instead. ===Budget=== * '''Bugis Backpackers'''. 162B Rochor Road (''within Bugis Village''), [http://www.bugisbackpackers.com/]. Well located and run by a former backpacker. Beds S$20 a night. * '''New 7th Storey Hotel'''. 229 Rochor Road, tel. 6337 0251, [http://www.nsshotel.com]. A backpacker hostel near Bugis. The price starts by USD8.90 in a 4-bed-room and USD26 for a single room. Reservation is possible on their website with credit card. Simple but nice and clean. *'''A Backpacker's Haven'''. 490 North Bridge Rd, tel. 6338 8826, [http://www.cozycornerguest.com]. Dorms S$10-$15, Private S$35-45. A/C. Internet. ===Luxury=== * '''InterContinental Singapore'''. 80 Middle Rd (''MRT Bugis''), tel. +6563387600, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hd/sinhb]. Swank modern hotel done up in an attractive pseudo-colonial shophouse style, well located in Bugis Junction itself. Weekend packages at S$155++/night with breakfast for two are good value. First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

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