Himal Ruparel explores Singapore’s flea markets and bazaars.
PULL-OUT
Price?
$5
Cannot, too much. Best price?
$4.50
$3, can?
Okay lah!
In the Lion City, the journey from "cannot” to “can” is a fascinating dance of give and take between vendor and buyer. The thrust and parry of a great bargain is the hallmark of thriving market places throughout the world. Over the years, Singapore’s flea markets have evolved into organised, effective platforms, offering budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to test their wares and business acumen, at little or no risk.
Today’s flea market is more than just a shopping haven to satisfy the buyer’s lure for the unusual. It’s now a form of entertainment, a shopping event and a social experience. “It’s the best way to get cash for trash. As my sign reads, ‘My junk, your treasure’”, laughs stallholder Joseph Chan. A quirky shopping alternative to the modern mall, flea markets also give you the chance to uncover offbeat buys – from limited edition items to genuine antiques. Browse amongst books, paintings, coins, crockery and other collectibles. It’s up to you to become a bargain hound and hunt down a good buy.
Unfortunately the Clarke Quay, Timberlux and Turf City flea markets have all closed down. But there’s still a great selection of markets that attract a good buzz. Just remember, a good haggle is part of the culture and adds to the thrill of a great buy!
Thieves Market, Sungei Road
Beside Sim Lim Tower, MRT: Little India.
When: Daily 1pm to 7pm
What: Singapore’s oldest flea market still retains an authentic ambience. Buy secondhand slippers, pots and pans, radios and suitcase locks – there are a lot of trinkets to be found!
Tanglin Mall
Periphery of Tanglin Mall, MRT: Orchard.
When: First and third Saturdays of the month, from early afternoon until 11pm. Shelter ensures market proceeds rain or shine.
What: Only genuine articles are sold. You’ll find secondhand books and CDs/LPs, curios and antiques, bank notes, plus fashion wear and accessories at rock bottom prices.
*scape Lime Flea Market
Behind Cathy Cine Leisure, MRT: Somerset.
When: Second and fourth Saturday of every month, 11am to 7 pm.
What: Popular with the young crowd, this flea market runs on themes and is organised by MediaCorp. Discover new and secondhand clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, knick-knacks, music and more.
MAAD, Red Dot Design Museum
28 Maxwell Road, MRT: Tanjong Pagar.
When: First weekend of every month, 11am to 8pm.
What: Young designers and artists sell their vibrant work.
Zouk Flea and Easy
Jiak Kim Street.
When: Varied dates, 2pm to 7pm. Sign up at www.zoukclub.com.sg to be kept in the loop.
What: Well known for its hip club and hipper crowds, this is one of Singapore’s more chic markets – offering the promise of shopping while you party. The bold and beautiful of Singapore all throng here to purchase interesting and offbeat creations by budding designers and artists.
Far East Square
Telok Ayer Street, skirting Planet Fitness. MRT: Raffles Place.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
What: Expect a relaxed holiday mood and a mish-mash of old LPs, toys, coins and more.
China Square
Behind Far East Square, MRT: Raffles Place.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
What: Spread over three floors, this up-market market has toys and handicrafts, clothes, secondhand books and artists selling acrylic and watercolour paintings, plus charcoal sketchings.
Holland Village
Opposite Cold Storage, MRT: Buona Vista.
When: First and third Sunday of the month, all day. Closed on rainy days.
What: Residents sell pre-loved items at cheap prices.
Cross Roads Giant Garage Sale
Cairnhill Community Club, 1 Anthony Road.
When: March 2 to 4, 9am to 6pm
What: This annual event features 210 different stalls – 70 each day – manned by both expatriates and Singaporeans, selling quality secondhand and new household and fashion goods. Web: www.crossroads.com.sg.
Night Markets or Pasar Malams are street markets which operate late into the night. A more leisurely pace allows you to take your time while strolling amongst stalls – including those offering delicious food. Seasonal pasar malams move from one suburb to another and thrive during festive seasons. But both Chinatown and Bugis Village also have permanent night markets. Discover a catacomb of small stalls selling fashions, shoes, accessories, electronics, watches, food, fruit, belts, bags, nail accessories and much more. Many products sold in these markets are imported from Thailand, Malaysia, China and Indonesia.
Bugis Village
Victoria and Queen Streets and Rochor Road. MRT: Bugis.
When: Daily, 11am to 12am.
What: The night market at Bugis Village has its own charm and is certainly a stark contrast to modern Bugis Junction close by. Bustling with youngsters with aspirations of dressing fashionably on a short budget, the warm, cloistered ambience encourages you to explore.
Chinatown
Pagoda, Trengganu and Sago Streets. MRT: Chinatown.
When: Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 5pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday, 5pm to 1am.
What: Step onto Pagoda Street and be prepared to be transported to old-world China. Browse amongst bags and clothing made of silk, fine cotton and silk tablemats and runners, chopsticks, knick knacks, keepsakes made of jade and good luck charms. Roadside ware may be repetitive and overwhelming, but there are some classy buys including lacquered bowls, wicker handbags, handmade wooden combs and wire artifacts.
Do you have a Singapore Secret? Send your story (around 800 words) to mjones-white@acpmagazines.com.sg for possible publication in an upcoming issue of The Finder!
Posted on Mar 07
