Singapore has come a long way from its independence from British colonial rule way back in 1965. From a humble trading port, Singapore has transformed into one of the most successful nations in the world. People flock into Singapore in record numbers each and every year, either for vacations, new homes, or job opportunities. In addition, many large corporations set up bases there to tap into the ever growing south east Asian market. One of the key draws in Singapore is its reputation as a shopping haven. All kinds of fashion can be found there from traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian clothes, to Western and trendy apparels. Let’s get into some of the best locations to get all your fashionable clothes in Singapore.
Orchard Road and its Surroundings
You cannot enjoy the ultimate shopping experience without visiting the shopping mecca of Singapore, namely Orchard Road. However, before Orchard Road became the shopping haven it is today, it was merely a fruit plantation way back in the early nineteenth century. In the 1830s, Orchard Road was originally filled with gambier and pepper plantations, before deriving its namesake from the large fruit orchards that prevailed thereafter. In the 1860s, a large number of private estates and bungalows began springing within its vicinity, before Orchard Road established itself as the centre of fine English mansions in the early twentieth century. It wasn’t until the 1950s that Orchard Road saw its first noteworthy shopping location when Tangs opened its mall there.
Today, Orchard Road is home to scores of shopping malls and centres starting from Forum, Shaw Centre, Far East Plaza, Ion, Takashimaya, CK Tangs, Lucky Plaza, Centrepoint, Cineleisure, The Heeren, right down to The Cathay and Plaza Singapura. You can find virtually anything from budget fashion shops to high end boutiques, along the entire stretch of Orchard Road.
Another interesting thing about Orchard Road is its famous landmarks. At the western side of Orchard Road, you can find the Singapore Botanical Gardens, a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses tons of different flowers and plantations, including Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. Along Oxley Road is the home of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, the late Lee Kuan Yew. And notwithstanding, the Istana, which is the private residence of the President of Singapore, is located beside Plaza Singapura.
Paya Lebar Area
Paya Lebar is a bustling area filled with numerous commercial, residential and shopping buildings. However, it was originally filled with wide areas of swamp, and hence got its name from the Malay words paya (swamp) and lebar (wide). In 1955, the Singapore International Airport (also known as the Paya Lebar Airport) was built, and is the most recognised landmark there today. Over the last two decades, the Singapore government began rapidly building commercial, residential and shopping real estate around the area. Today, Paya Lebar is home to numerous shopping malls such as Paya Lebar Square, Paya Lebar Quarter, SingPost Centre and Oxley Bizhub. Oxley Bizhub is actually a noteworthy place, with its unique blend of office spaces and shopping stores such as Neonmello. In fact, you can find some of the best clothes, cheongsams, culottes, and much more in Neonmello alone.