Bugis, Singapore Travel Guide

Discover Bugis, Singapore: A vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, offering a unique mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences in the heart of the city.

Bugis is a lively district in Singapore known for its rich history and blend of cultures. Once a hub for the Bugis seafarers from Indonesia, the area has transformed into a bustling neighborhood that offers a delightful mix of old and new. From traditional markets and street food to modern shopping malls and trendy cafes, Bugis has something for everyone. Walking through the streets of Bugis, you will find a vibrant atmosphere filled with colorful shophouses and iconic landmarks. The famous Bugis Street Market is a must-visit, where you can hunt for unique souvenirs, fashionable clothes, and delicious local snacks. Nearby, the Bugis Junction and Bugis+ malls provide a more contemporary shopping experience with a variety of international brands. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the close proximity to heritage sites such as the Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre in the Kampong Glam area. These sites offer a glimpse into Singapore's diverse cultural tapestry and are perfect spots for history buffs. Don't forget to explore the quaint Haji Lane, known for its eclectic boutiques and vibrant street art. Bugis also boasts a thriving nightlife with numerous bars and clubs that cater to different tastes. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to unwind or a lively venue to dance the night away, Bugis has plenty of options to choose from. The district's central location makes it easy to explore other parts of Singapore, with excellent public transport links connecting you to the rest of the city.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bugis.

Visit Bugis Street Market early in the morning for the best shopping experience and to avoid crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the nearby Kampong Glam area.
Try the local street food at Albert Centre Market & Food Centre for an authentic taste of Singapore.
Check out the street art in Haji Lane; it's a great spot for photography.
Use public transport; Bugis MRT station connects you to many other key attractions in Singapore.

Explore Bugis: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Bugis

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Resorts World Sentosa

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Jewel Changi Airport

Discover the enchanting Jewel Changi Airport, where shopping, nature, and entertainment converge in a dazzling experience for every traveler in Singapore.

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Merlion Park

Experience the heart of Singapore at Merlion Park, where iconic heritage meets stunning city views in a tranquil urban oasis.

4.6

Singapore Changi Airport

Discover world-class amenities and breathtaking attractions at Singapore Changi Airport, a travel experience like no other.

4.7

Best landmarks in Bugis

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Gardens by the Bay

Explore the stunning beauty of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, where nature meets innovation amidst iconic Supertrees and spectacular floral displays.

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Bugis Street

Discover the vibrant Bugis Street, Singapore's bustling shopping mall offering trendy fashion, beauty services, and local culture in an energetic atmosphere.

4.4

Bugis Junction

Explore Bugis Junction, a vibrant shopping mall in Singapore's Bras Basah area, offering diverse retail, dining, and entertainment experiences.

4.4

Bugis+

Discover Bugis+: Singapore's vibrant shopping mall with diverse retail, dining, and entertainment options in the heart of the city.

4.3

Best restaurants in Bugis

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Josh's Grill - Bugis Junction

Discover Josh's Grill at Bugis Junction - A culinary haven serving exquisite Western dishes in a vibrant setting.

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Poulet - Bugis+

Savor authentic French cuisine at Poulet - Bugis+, where every dish tells a story of culinary excellence in Singapore's vibrant dining scene.

4.7

Bulgogi Syo @ Bugis Junction

Indulge in authentic Korean BBQ at Bulgogi Syo in Bugis Junction - where every grill brings flavorful delights to your table.

4.6

Miam Miam French Japanese Cafe Kitchen (Bugis Junction)

Experience a unique blend of French elegance and Japanese flavors at Miam Miam in Bugis Junction, Singapore's premier fusion restaurant.

4.5

Best bars in Bugis

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ATLAS

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Tess Bar & Kitchen, Singapore

Explore the vibrant mixology and culinary delights at Tess Bar & Kitchen, Singapore's premier cocktail bar with a unique menu and lively atmosphere.

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Bar Stories

Discover Bar Stories: Singapore's premier cocktail bar offering bespoke drinks and a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Kampong Glam.

4.6

Maison Ikkoku

Discover a unique blend of Japanese and modern French cuisine at Maison Ikkoku, a vibrant restaurant and art gallery in Singapore's Kampong Glam.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Bugis

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XclusiV

Discover XclusiV, Singapore's vibrant nightlife destination, where unforgettable parties and electrifying atmosphere await every night.

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ALPHA NIGHTLIFE

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Alpha Nightlife, Singapore's premier disco club offering unforgettable music and dance experiences.

4.7

Club RICH 富二代

Experience electrifying nightlife at Club RICH 富二代 in Singapore’s vibrant Bras Basah district, where music and dance come alive.

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Asiatic Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Asiatic Club, a top destination for dance and entertainment in Singapore's Bras Basah district.

3.9

Best shops in Bugis

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VivoCity

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City Square Mall

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4.3

Mega Mall Batam Centre

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Bugis Street

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4.4

Explore Bugis on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Bugis, mapped for you.

Bugis Essentials

Bugis is centrally located in Singapore and is easily accessible from Changi Airport, which is about 18 kilometers away. You can take a taxi directly from the airport to Bugis in approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system; take the East-West Line from Changi Airport to Tanah Merah, and then transfer to the train heading towards Tuas Link, alighting at Bugis MRT Station.
Bugis is well-connected by public transport. The Bugis MRT Station is a major interchange station for the East-West Line and Downtown Line. Buses are also plentiful, with numerous routes passing through the area. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are readily available. For a more scenic route, consider renting a bicycle to explore the area.
The official currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Bugis, including in shops, restaurants, and hotels. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and GrabPay are also commonly used. ATMs are plentiful in the area, and currency exchange services are available in malls and along major streets.
Bugis is generally a safe area for tourists. However, as with any popular tourist spot, it's important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places like Bugis Junction and Bugis Street Market. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings and use hotel safes for valuables.
In case of emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 995 for an ambulance, and 993 for fire services. Bugis is served by several hospitals and clinics, including Raffles Hospital, which is just a short distance away. Pharmacies are available in most shopping centers. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do wear light and comfortable clothing due to Singapore's tropical climate, but avoid overly revealing outfits. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites; remove your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees when entering temples and mosques. Public Transport: Do stand on the left side of escalators and give up your seat to the elderly and pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on the MRT and buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a simple 'hello' or a nod. Handshakes are common, but be mindful that some older or more traditional individuals may prefer not to shake hands. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local food, especially at hawker centers, but don't leave your tray or dishes on the table. Return them to the designated areas.
To experience Bugis like a local, visit the Bugis Street Market, one of the largest and most affordable shopping destinations in Singapore. Explore the Kampong Glam area, known for its vibrant mix of culture, history, and trendy cafes. Try local delicacies at the Albert Centre Market & Food Centre. Engage with shop owners and locals; they're usually friendly and can provide great tips on what to see and do.

When is the best time to visit Bugis?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Bugis

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Bugis. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloApa khabar
  [ah-pah kha-bar]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-maht ting-gahl]
- YesYa
  [yah]
- NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
- Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [see-lah-kahn]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ree-mah kah-see]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
- How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kha-bar?]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [bah-eek. dahn kah-moo?]
- Do you speak English?Bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [bee-sah buhr-bah-hah-sah eeng-grees?]
- I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBoleh saya lihat menu, silakan
  [boh-leh sah-yah lee-haht meh-noo, see-lah-kahn]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-eeng]
- Cheers!Salam!
  [sah-lahm!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, silakan
  [sah-yah een-geen memb-bah-yahr, see-lah-kahn]
- Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng!]
- Go away!Pergi!
  [pehr-gee!]
- Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-lees!]
- Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tohr!]
- I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sah-yah tuhr-suh-saht]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]
- I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah een-geen mem-beh-lee...]
- I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [sah-yah hahn-yah meh-lee-haht]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [beh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah?]
- That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too tuhr-lah-loo mah-hahl]
- Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harganya?
  [boh-leh koor-ahn-gahn hahr-gahn-yah?]
- What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [poo-kool beh-rah-pah suh-kah-rahng?]
- It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
- Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [suh-tuhng-ah (suh-poo-loo)]
- MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
- AfternoonPetang
  [puh-tahng]
- EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
- YesterdaySemalam
  [suh-mah-lahm]
- TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
- TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
- 1Satu
  [sah-too]
- 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
- 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
- 4Empat
  [em-paht]
- 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
- 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
- 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
- 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
- 9Sembilan
  [suhm-bee-lahn]
- 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-loo]
- Where's a/the...?Di mana...?
  [dee mah-nah...?]
- What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [ah-pah ah-lah-maht-nyah?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [boh-leh toon-jook-ahn sah-yah (dee peh-tah)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahs suh-ter-oos-nyah?]
- A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sah-too tee-keht (keh ....)]

History of Bugis

Bugis Street, named after the seafaring Bugis people from Sulawesi, Indonesia, was originally a bustling area known for its vibrant nightlife during the mid-20th century. The Bugis people were renowned traders, and their influence in Singapore began as early as the 19th century.
In the early 1990s, Bugis underwent significant redevelopment to transform the area into Bugis Junction, a modern retail and entertainment district. This redevelopment aimed to preserve the architectural heritage while providing a contemporary shopping experience.
The original Bugis Street was famous for its night markets and as a hub for transvestites and nightlife. In the 1980s, the government undertook efforts to clean up the area, leading to the modern Bugis Street Market, which continues to be a popular shopping destination.
Adjacent to Bugis is Kampong Glam, historically the Malay and Muslim quarter of Singapore. This area is home to the iconic Sultan Mosque, built in 1824. Kampong Glam's rich cultural heritage and preserved shophouses offer a glimpse into Singapore's past.
Bugis was also home to a significant Hainanese community, who contributed to the area's culinary landscape. The Hainanese settlers in the early 20th century introduced various local delicacies, including the famous Hainanese chicken rice, which remains a staple in Singaporean cuisine.
Bugis boasts several examples of Victorian architecture, a result of British colonial influence. Conservation efforts have ensured that buildings like the Raffles Hotel and other shophouses retain their historical charm while serving modern purposes.
During World War II, Bugis was part of the Japanese occupation of Singapore. The area saw significant hardship, with many residents suffering under the harsh conditions imposed by the occupiers. Post-war, Bugis began to recover and rebuild, leading to its modern-day vibrancy.
Today, Bugis is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western communities. This diversity is reflected in the area's eclectic mix of food, fashion, and cultural activities, making it a vibrant and dynamic destination for both locals and tourists.