With working from home becoming ever more common, a visit to downtown Singapore is getting less and less necessary, especially since the dining and retail offerings in the city’s heartland neighbourhoods are more than adequate to satisfy our needs.
In fact, some malls in Singapore’s non-central areas feature uniquely enticing reasons for you to visit. From those with zones free for you and your pets to explore together, to one that takes you on a foodie journey around the world, here are some suburban shopping malls that are in a class of their own.
IMM
Sporting discounts of up to 80% all year round, Singapore’s largest outlet mall is the place to head to for bargain hunters looking to stock up on casual wear, everyday work clothes, and home furnishing items. Find outlet shops of familiar brands like Charles & Keith, Gain City, Under Armour and more spread across its 5 sprawling floors of warehouse, F&B and retail space in Jurong East.
Jurong Point
An allure for many to this massive mall beside Boon Lay MRT are its country-themed food streets. There’s Mongkok street, which brings a piece of Hong Kong to Singapore with its array of neon lit signboards and cha chan tengs (Hong Kong-style dim sum cafes). Then head to &Joy Dining Hall, where Edo period Japan is alive and bustling with ramen, sushi and yakitori stalls. Prefer Southeast Asian flavours? Malaysia Boleh, packed with hawkers and carts peddling street fare is the place to be.
Nex
Furkid owners, look no further for the most pet-friendly mall in town. This Serangoon complex houses the K9 Park, the first and only dog park in Singapore that’s integrated with a mall. There’s even a dedicated lift lobby dedicated for pets (and their paw-rents) to use. The park itself is filled with a playground and open space for dogs to mingle and have fun. Need supplies? The nearby Pet Safari store got you covered. They even offer pet grooming services and house a doggie bakery on-site.
Queensway Shopping Centre
As heartland malls go, this has got to be one of the most aged, yet somehow one of the liveliest around. Young and old flock here for affordable sportswear peddled by the many outlet shops here. From running shoes to tennis rackets, they’ve got ‘em all. Even if you’re not into sporting goods, its sunken central plaza is an iconic place to hang out while you nibble on traditional steamed rice flour cakes from Queensway Lau Tan Tutu Kueh.
Waterway Point
Named after its picturesque location beside a waterway that links the Punggol and Serangoon reservoirs together, this mixed development on Singapore’s extreme northeast provides one of the best scenic relief for shoppers thanks to its natural outdoor allures. Once done with retail therapy indoors, head on out to the boardwalk for some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle.
