Kampong Glam is a busy area where locals can find good shopping for their daily needs. Among the many developments, Jalan Besar Plaza and the Plaza Beach Road are two of the best options in the neighbourhood.
Singapore has long been known as one of the best shopping destinations in Asia. While it is true that for the past few years, there have been plenty of huge and extravagant shopping malls popping up around areas such as Orchard Road and Bugis, some commercial properties have been around for much longer and are still thriving.
The area surrounding Kampong Glam is one of those. The neighbourhood, surrounded by Little India and Beach Road, has kept an old charm that big bustling streets like Orchard Road have lost a long time ago.
But which are the best shopping malls to shop at around that area? Below, we have noted down some places where you can do all your shopping at.
Jalan Besar Plaza
Jalan Besar is just a few steps away from Kampong Glam and, even in the Singapore heat, is a walkable distance. There, the Jalan Besar Plaza is a commercial landmark. On Kitchener Road, it is conveniently located near several bus stops and MRT stations (Jalan Besar and Bendemeer on the Downtown line, and Lavender Street on the East-West line).
Shoppers will find a number of different shops inside the shopping mall, including maid services, contractors and home improvement businesses. There are a few local food places as well. As such, Jalan Besar Plaza is much better fitted to locals actually living in Singapore than tourists who are here for a few days only.
Jalan Besar Plaza is a mixed development and as such also includes some residential property on the upper floors. It has made headlines several times in the past few years as it has been put up for sale.
The Plaza
On the other side of Kampong Glam and just like Jalan Besar, Beach Road is also one of Singapore’s main roads. Lots of locals come around here to hang out and shop, and many residential properties are also located in the area.
The Plaza has been opened since 1979 and still provides commercial and residential facilities today. The Park Royal Hotel is also located in the building and this development is just a short walk away from the Nicoll Highway MRT station.
Local and Asian eateries can be found inside The Plaza, not forgetting the many convenience stores and small shops as well.
Why choose an older shopping mall to shop?
Shopping centres like Jalan Besar Plaza and The Plaza have been around for decades, and so have some of the shops located inside the developments. For locals, this means that they will find a more relaxed atmosphere than in bigger and newer shopping malls or plazas which tend to get overcrowded with people in a rush.
In addition, it is easier to build relationships with small shop owners in older shopping plazas which, if you are a loyal and returning client, may lead to a discount on your next purchase.
Finally, prices in shopping centres like Jalan Besar Plaza and The Plaza are usually lower, as tourists do not visit these places very often.