Guide to Bugis Singapore: What to do, where to go?

August 9, 2025

Bugis area in Singapore is an ideal destination for those who are looking for a diverse shopping experience at a low cost.

Bugis and Kampong Glam Singapore — Bugis and Kampong Glam | The guide for Eating, Having Fun and Checking in Bugis Area in Singapore | what to do in bugis singapore

Although it is a small country, Singapore has a huge number of shopping centers and restaurants, worthy of the title “shopping paradise”. Among them, Bugis is a famous name, a place filled with joyful energy. Because when you come here, you can not only enjoy shopping but also immerse yourself in exciting entertainment activities.

Come with us to Bugis to “witness” where you can buy cheap things, and enjoy delicious street food on your upcoming trip to Singapore.

Introducing Bugis – Singapore’s Famous Shopping & Dining Area

Bugis is Singapore’s most iconic area with a very prominent history. Bugis played an important role in the early days of shaping Singapore into a major trading port.

Bugis was named after a tribe from Indonesia who first arrived in Singapore in the early 19th century; they were followed by Malay nobles and Arab traders who also settled in the area.

From the 1950s to the early 1980s, Bugis became one of Singapore’s most notable destinations for foreign visitors as it was a nightly gathering place for transgender people to attract foreign soldiers and sailors.

In the mid-1980s, urban redevelopment transformed Bugis into a mixed-use area, with modern shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife spots mixed with licensed street vendors. The tunnelling of the Bugis MRT station also ended the nightly activities of transgender people, marking the end of a unique era in Singapore’s history.

Fast forward to today, Bugis is now a vibrant area with dining, entertainment, shopping and new residential areas, but still retains subtle clues to its past. Step into Bugis and you will be overwhelmed by the bustling activity of shops and eateries that take place almost all day long.

Where is Bugis?

Bugis location on the map | what to do in bugis singapore

With a prime location in the Central Business District (CBD), Bugis is home to a series of luxury hotels, modern offices and trendy shopping malls. Surrounding Bugis are busy roads such as Middle Road, Jalan Besar, Beach Road and Lavender, creating a convenient transportation network for moving and exploring the area.

Haji Lane | what to do in bugis singapore

And the highlight of Bugis is the Bugis flea market, located at 3 New Bugis Street, where you can shop, eat and experience the bustling atmosphere. The biggest plus point of Bugis is its super close location to the MRT station, just a short walk away. Bugis Market is also open from 10am to almost 11pm, allowing you to “wander around” all day without worrying about running out of places to play!

Guide to Getting to Bugis in Singapore

Shopping on Bugis’ Haji Lane | what to do in bugis singapore

Singtel 5G/4G Singapore SIM Card (SG Airport & City Pick Up)

Are you ready to explore the “shopping paradise” Bugis? Don’t worry about transportation, because we will tell you how to “travel” to Bugis that is both convenient and economical!

MRT: A great choice for those who love speed and convenience. Just take the East-West Line (EW12) or Downtown Line (DT14) and arrive at Bugis MRT Station and you’ll be in “paradise”!

Bus: If you want to see the streets of Singapore and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the city, the bus is a good choice. There are many bus routes that go through Bugis, you can refer to routes 2, 12, 12e, 23, 33, 48, 61, 63, 80, 130, 133, 145, 175, 197, 851, 960 and 980.

A little tip: To save time and effort, you should immediately buy an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card. With this magical card, you can pay for both the MRT and the bus easily, without having to worry about buying individual tickets each time.

Singapore NETS FlashPay Travel Card

A more comfortable and less time-consuming way is to take a taxi, but taxi prices in Singapore are quite high so you need to consider. In addition, with a private car rental service with a driver from Klook, you can go to any point in Singapore with your own schedule.

Big Bus Singapore Night City Tour

Top Attractions in Bugis – Singapore

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho (commonly known as Si Ma Lu Guanyin Tang) is a magnificent Chinese temple dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, and the patron saints and deities of Chinese physicians. The temple was built in 1884 and underwent major renovations in 1984.

It is a popular place of worship for Singapore’s Chinese community; thousands of people flock here to burn incense on New Year’s Eve during Chinese New Year. After visiting the temple, you can stop by the nearby Albert Centre Market & Food Centre for a meal.

Hajjah Fatimah Mosque

Gardens by the Bay Ticket in Singapore

Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, also known as Masjid Hajjah Fatimah, is one of the oldest mosques in Singapore and has become an architectural heritage of the country. The temple was built by a female merchant in 1846 and named after her.

After her death, her mausoleum was built inside the temple. It is the eclectic style combining Indo-Islamic architecture with European features that makes the temple stand out and unique.

National Museum of Singapore

With a history dating back to 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s oldest museum, and is an embodiment of the country’s cultural and historical progress. Not only does it possess an incredible collection of culture, art, and history, the museum also attracts attention with its splendid, majestic architecture like a European palace.

In front the museum hall. @euniceannabel

living galleries National Museum of Singapore — Photo: best museums in singapore blog.

National Gallery Singapore — | what to do in bugis singapore

CHIJMES Building

CHIJMES – Convent of the Holy Jesus Infant Middle Education School, is a luxurious building with classic Gothic architecture, standing tall among the modern buildings in Bugis. CHIJMES was originally named Caldwell House, the private residence of a senior magistrate’s clerk, built in 1852. Later, a priest bought it and turned it into a girls’ school, named St Nicholas Girls’ School.

The main hall is rented out as a venue for a wedding | what to do in bugis singapore

Later, CHIJMES became what we see today: a large square with restaurants, bars and cafes. Today, CHIJMES still maintains a peaceful and harmonious space, like a peaceful oasis in the hustle and bustle of city life.

Malay Heritage Centre

Malay Heritage Center in Bugis, Singapore

Established in 2005, the Malay Heritage Centre operates as both a museum and a cultural centre, offering visitors of all ages a great opportunity to interact and learn about the culture. Here, you can explore the long-standing traditions of the Malays and the Bugis people – from whom the Bugis area is named. The building was built right in the Kampong Glam area, the original settlement of the Malays when they came to Singapore.

Bustling Haji Lane

Before Tiong Bahru, Haji Lane was Singapore’s original indie street. Haji Lane is the narrowest street in Singapore, famous for its harmonious combination of clothing stores, souvenir shops, cafes and vibrant street art. Each shop is creatively decorated in its own style, so just strolling along this street is enough to satisfy your eyes and don’t forget to “live virtual”.

Inspirational wedding photography locations. @paopaosanchezphoto

Singapore Zoo Ticket | Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore

Explore Arab Street

Don’t just limit your Bugis trip to Haji Lane, take time to explore the vibrant Arab Street. Located in the Kampong Glam area, this street offers a distinct Middle Eastern atmosphere with its colorful fabric shops, carpets and eateries.

arab street shopping singapore — Arab street

Museum of Ice Cream Singapore

Worship at Sri Krishnan Temple

This is one of Singapore’s oldest temples and the only South Indian temple in Singapore dedicated to Sri Krishna and his concubine Rukmini. The temple’s architecture is very striking with many colorful statues surrounding the main tower and many antiques kept inside.

Where to eat? Restaurants & Eateries in Bugis Singapore

Bugis Street Market & Albert Centre Market

These are two street food paradises that you cannot miss. Stroll around the small stalls to enjoy a variety of grilled skewers, fresh fruit juices and signature snacks at super “affordable” prices, from only $2-$3.5/portion (equivalent to about 37,000 – 65,000 VND).

The Landmark

If you are looking for a hearty buffet experience, The Landmark is the perfect choice. This place is famous for its Halal-style buffet counters, serving a variety of dishes from North Indian, Mediterranean to Western and Asian cuisine, suitable for both families and large groups of friends.

LiHO TEA

Teams who love milk tea and love sweetness cannot ignore this famous milk tea brand. With branches conveniently located right at the subway station or inside the Bugis+ shopping mall, this is the ideal stop for you to recharge your energy with a cool glass of milk tea.

Botanico @ The Summerhouse Singapore

Located in a lush green greenhouse, Botanico offers a sophisticated and romantic dining experience. This is a great place for dates or special meals, where you can enjoy modern European dishes amidst the fresh nature.

What to do in bugis Singapore: Shopping Places in Bugis Singapore

Bugis Junction & Bugis+

Bugis Junction is located right in the center of Bugis with many large and small shops, serving all the tastes and needs of shopaholics. In particular, Bugis Junction shopping mall is only a few steps away from Bugis MRT station, making it very convenient to travel.

The Malayan Council – Bugis

Besides, Bugis+ is also a good choice. This 10-storey building was built later and is connected to Bugis Junction, creating convenient shopping conditions for everyone. If you are looking for high-end brands or famous labels, you should visit here.

Cheap Shopping Paradise Bugis Street

More than 800 stalls at Bugis Street will definitely bring you endless joy and happy smiles when you “buy” lovely items at extremely affordable prices. If you want to buy gifts for friends or relatives, you should buy them here.

BUGIS Street MARKET Junction – One of the best shopping places in Singapore

Tong Ah Seafood Restaurant (Keong Saik)

According to the experience of many visitors, if you buy electronics at Bugis Street flea market, remember to keep the purchase receipt. That will help you get a 10% tax refund at Changi Airport before going through exit procedures.

Good Hotels & Hostels Near Bugis Singapore

Arena eSports Hotel at Bugis Village (klook, agoda)
Hi Hotel Bugis (klook, agoda)
Capsule@Hive Bugis (klook, agoda)
lyf Bugis Singapore (klook, agoda)
A Hotel Bugis (klook, agoda)
ibis budget Singapore Bugis (klook, agoda)

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Singapore you can refer to

Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Singapore travel blog — The fullest Singapore travel guide blog for a budget trip to Singapore for the first-timers.