Joanna James
Singapore is known for its flashy malls and luxurious living standards. However, the country’s night markets present opportunities to not just shop but also immerse in its unique and welcoming ambience.
A cultural cauldron that will draw you in within a matter of minutes of setting foot in Chinatown, the well-placed Chinatown Street Market will reward your efforts at every corner. Known for authentic and priceless finds that in turn, will require that you bring your best haggling skills, Chinatown Street Market is where you can get your hands on all forms of trinkets, electronic gadgets, clothes and matching accessories for not too steep a price. While the shops close around 8 or 9 pm, the food market remains open and this is where things can get interesting the longer you remain. Move from one stall to the other, sampling portions of dimsum, roast chicken, crispy duck and so much more for one awesome night out on the streets of Singapore.
As an additional reason to be in Chinatown, the quaint yet lively China Square Central Flea Market ought to rank high on your list of priorities, should you be on the lookout for affordable and eye-catching vintage souvenirs. Spread out across 2 floors, this flea market is only open on a Sunday but sure does pack one almighty punch when it comes to variety and quality. Pick and choose from a wide list of vintage Chinese products, clothes, retro comic books, toys, old clocks and antique ware that would make for excellent gift ideas for family and friends at home.
Having established itself as one of the Lion City’s largest shopping precincts, the bustling Bugis Street Market is where you can literally, shop till you drop without having to burn holes in your pockets. Known to be one of the better activities to do in Singapore, particularly when based at Novotel Singapore on Kitchener, the passionate shopaholic in you will find plenty of reasons to be here. For example, souvenirs such as postcards and keychains will not cost you more than a few SGDs while the starting price for a pair of shades will be a mere SGD 5 and for a colourful t-shirt, expect to pay around SGD 10. What’s more? Gourmet connoisseurs will be handed a fantastic chance to sample a slew of treats in the likes of satays, noodles and fresh juices.
Little India’s famed setting of Tekka Centre is your one-stop shop for a wide range of best buys. On the ground floor, your tastebuds will surely be tempted, given the amount of food options to choose from. These range from Malay, Chinese, Indian and even the spice-infused servings of Sri Lanka. Move up a floor and you will soon be confronted with the wet market at Tekka Centre. Once inside, you may purchase your favourite seafood, fruits and vegetables while chatting up a few locals along the way. Up on the 2nd floor is where you can get your hands on traditional Indian items that arrive in varying shapes and sizes. On top of the apparel and accessories, newly purchased clothes can also be altered here.
Enjoy a deeper dive into the wonders of Indian culture when at Little India Arcade. While this market is open throughout the day, the best time to visit the place will be during the night, as the attraction will be lit up from one end to the other. In terms of what you can do, getting a henna tattoo, purchasing pungent herbs & spices from India and savouring deliciously prepared Indian fare are possibilities that will ensure your time goes off as planned.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
