Singapore Region Guide - Golden Mile

Introduction

Golden Mile is a region surrounding the famous Golden Mile Complex – an area combining a residential complex and shopping mall into one facility. A commercially well-developed region, and also a prime residential area, Golden Mile has estates and residential properties that are luxurious and lavish when compared to the residential properties in other regions of Singapore. Condominiums and apartments are available here, along with HDB estates, thus making Golden Mile an ideal residential area for both affluent and modest consumer classes.

With a number of shopping complexes, various political offices including embassies and administrative offices of the government, the importance of the Golden Mile region has increased significantly among the residents and business community.

Golden Mile Complex is home for hundreds of Thai people, most of whom either live within the complex or conduct business there. However, the region surrounding this complex has more than the Thai culture, and reflects a perfect coexistence of many cultures together. The region is also famous as a base for providing opportunities for art, handicrafts, and performance arts to prosper, and has several institutes and culture centres dedicated to this profession.

Places of Interest

There are several places to visit in Golden Mile, some with alluring architecture and historical significance. Some of the most frequented places of interest in the Golden Mile region are:

• Hajjah Fatimah Mosque – Completed in 1846, this unique mosque in Kampong Glam district is a perfect blend of European and local Islamic architecture. The mosque was honoured as a national monument on 6th of July, 1973.

• Bugis Village – A bazaar area famous for diverse products, Bugis Village is a must-see for visitors coming to the Golden Mile region. Ranging from mid-priced t-shirts and traditional souvenirs to food and even sex toys, all kinds of products are available here. This has made Bugis Village a hit among the locals as well as the tourists.

• Stamford Arts Centre – Maintained as a Japanese school till the end of the Second World War, this is one of the main centres for performing arts and traditional culture today.

• Malay Heritage Centre – A historical place showcasing the glory and artefacts of Malay Singaporeans’ traditional heritage, this centre was reopened in 2004 following a renovation. Apart from a museum, it also serves as a centre for exhibitions of works of art, music, and performance arts.

The main shopping complex in the region, Golden Mile Complex, around which this region has developed, is a huge attraction for both locals and tourists. There are other shopping complexes as well. The region possesses some quality dining arenas that include food centres, restaurants, and bars. Some of the most popular shopping malls and eating joints in the region are:

• Golden Mile Complex – The Golden Mile Complex (earlier known as the Who Hup Complex) is a commercial and residential building which has primarily Thai tenants. Known as ‘Little Thailand’, it has Thai department stores, Thai magazine and music stands, authentic Thai eateries and even Thai moneychangers.

• The Concourse – It has stores and business offices apart from serving as a base for service apartments.

• Sultan Plaza – One of the popular shopping complexes of the area, it is frequented by shoppers from all age groups. The mall houses jewellery stores, food outlets, hair salons, and miscellaneous products.

• Keypoint – Chiefly an industrial office-oriented complex, it also doubles as a shopping mall housing general stores, F&B outlets, and more.

• Beach Road Market – Located right across the Golden Mile Complex amidst an HDB estate, it houses stores that sell army gear and other equipment, while the lower level has a hawker centre and wet market. The hawker centreis famous for its excellent outlets offering authentic Singaporean cuisine.

Facilities such as entertainment and commercial shopping venues are state-of-the-art in Golden Mile. With multiple shopping complexes in and around the region, and facilities for entertainment including cineplexes and theatre halls, the recreational demands of the local residents are met effectively. There are several centres such as the Singapore Martial Arts Instructor Association that support practioners of self-defense arts. The presence of foreign consulates, government offices, and multi-faceted complexes within the vicinity of the region has also been a boon to the region. Moreover, clubs such as the Singapore Recreation Club allow members to pursue social activities and also provide recreational services such as swimming, gymnasiums, etc.

Road transportation and railways are the preferred mode of public transport in the area, with several MRT stations located in the region.

The Lavender MRT station primarily serves the area, while several others such as Bugis, Kallang and Farrer Park stations are located nearby. All of these are located underground, with the exception of Kallang station, which is situated by the Kallang River.

Bus services are the main mode of road transportation, while taxis are an alternative option for commuters who want to travel in comfort.

There are several esteemed educational institutions within the vicinity. These include some of the city’s best cultural institutes. Schools, including private schools, are also present in the region. Some of the most important institutes are:

• Orita Sinclair (School of Art and New Media)
• The Chinese Opera Institute
• La Salle College
• Hong Wen School
• Stamford Primary School
• Alsagoff Arab School (Private)