For those living in Bugis, every waking moment is an adventure. From the moment you exit your residence, you are greeted by a spectrum of history and culture. Bugis is very well-connected, with a number of very new residences being built over the last few years. It is a major expat hotspot for those seeking modern living.

Bugis offers an authentic sampling of the world and is undoubtedly the place for those with a thirst for new experiences. Living here will definitely make your Singapore expat life a lot more colourful.

Distance from the CBD
The Bugis MRT station is connected to both the blue and green lines which makes it easier for you to commute to more places, including the CBD. To get to the CBD takes about 20 minutes by MRT and about 15 minutes by car.

Living in Bugis: Morning, day and night
Depending on where you’re headed, your commute begins at one of the many bus stops, or the Bugis MRT station that is attached to Bugis Junction mall. Some of the food stalls are open and offer coffee and light breakfast items to kickstart your day. 

For some daytime exploration, Haji Lane is a great place to go. Around every corner, you’ll find colourful graffiti art along every corner. You’ll also hear the serenading of musical performers from one of the many live music bars. After an exhilarating journey along Haji Lane, head over the National Library for some air conditioning and reading. The establishment features over 7 floors of books, resources and more.

Some of the best bars in Singapore can be found in Bugis. If you’re looking to impress your company, there is no shortage of upscale bars. For casual evenings, you could also enjoy cheaper beers at the coffeeshops.

Shop 
The malls at Bugis are unlike most of the malls you’ll find in sunny Singapore. Bugis Junction for example is a mall that is inspired by colonial times. Tall ceilings and wide stretches of windows introduce the feeling of space and light to the shopping experience. 

Across from Bugis Junction is Bugis Village, a bazaar that takes you back to the street markets of olden day Singapore. What’s on sale, however, is anything but out of date. Clothing, phone accessories, souvenirs and street food are commonly found; a nice contrast from the internationally known brands you’ll find at the surrounding malls.

Eat 
From a small Hainanese community that birthed some of Singapore’s most favourite dishes, Bugis has come a long way. Today, It is a melting pot that welcomes culinary delights from all sorts of communities. You can go from authentic middle eastern dining to scorching Sichuan hot pot just by crossing the street. If you're after some amazing views of Singapore and well-made cocktail, Mr Stork is our personal favourite

See 
A 15-minute taxi ride around the neighbourhood is more than enough to pique the curiosity of any visitor. The shophouses, hotels, religious establishments and more, may just entice you to halt your ride midway. A better idea is to utilise Singapore’s ultra-efficient bus system which promises something new at every stop.

The downside
Bugis can sometimes be very busy and because of its central location, it's a more expensive area. Expect crowded MRT rides as the neighbourhood draws in professionals, tourists and visitors by the masses. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this may not be the neighbourhood for you.

Making the most of your move to Singapore 
If you are in the process of planning your move, make sure you read our comprehensive and refreshed 2021 Moving to Singapore Guide to learn more about the real cost of living in Singapore, what you need to prepare for and insights on family and work-life as an expat.

You can also use our free relocation dashboard to discover other areas to live, chat with a community of likeminded people and begin setting up for your new life in Singapore... all before you land.