Village Hotel Bugis: Wander the Wonders of Singapore
Once home to the royal palace grounds of the Sultan, whose treaty with the British resulted in the founding of modern Singapore in 1819, Bugis is today a place filled with raw and quirky vigour, nestled among Singaporean cultural heritage sites. Youths and those from the older generations walk these same roads, but what they see and seek are worlds apart. Reconcile modernity and days past, beginning from Village Hotel Bugis.
Cultural Crossroad
Sitting at the intersection of Bugis, Kampong Glam and Little India, this hotel is a mere five- to ten-minute stroll to the heart of Singapore’s youth, Arab and Indian cultures.
To venture further afield, you’ll only have to walk to Bugis MRT station located a stone’s throw away, where you can easily connect to other parts of the island.
Space Matters
Rooms at Village Hotel Bugis measure a comfortable 32 square metres on average – quite the rarity in space-constrained Singapore. Admire the eclectic mix of charming shophouses, winding lanes and cultural landmarks that lie in wait below as you take in the view from your room windows.
For a more comfortable stay, check yourself into one of the hotel’s Club Rooms to benefit from perks at the Executive Lounge. Enjoy the VIP treatment with all-day coffee and tea on the house, and complimentary cocktails in the evening. You’ll also get to savour your breakfast from the privacy of this lounge, giving you and your travel buddies ample peace and quiet to plan your activities for the days ahead.
Rest and Relax
Begin each morning with a swim at the outdoor swimming pool on the fifth floor, which promises more great views of the different cultural enclaves in the hotel’s immediate vicinity. Fitness fanatics will feel at home at the gymnasium, properly equipped with treadmills, weights and cycles for a full body workout.
The hotel’s multicultural influences are most evident in its dining options. From the alfresco dining area of The Landmark, relax and sip on a coffee as you pore over its halal-certified menu of Western, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a global feast!
Alternatively, head over to Mooi Chin Place for its award-winning Hainanese dishes such as pork chop and chicken rice – both must-trys when you’re in Singapore.
A Trail of Adventure Awaits
When your appetite has been whet, spend the day exploring the historic Kampong Glam district. Once the residence of Singapore’s Malay and Arab communities, Kampong Glam also plays home to Masjid Sultan (one of the oldest mosques in Singapore) and the Malay Heritage Centre. Be sure to check out the delightful array of shops offering everything from rattan handicrafts to handmade perfumes.
After that, make for neighbouring Haji Lane, a picturesque row of shophouses replete with hole-in-the-wall cafes and fixed-gear bicycles. Wander through the narrow lanes and indulge your inner hipster at one of the many edgy boutiques or bespoke cocktail bars.
Venture a little further and you’ll find yourself at Bugis Street. Shopaholics are sure to be thrilled with the huge selection of shops and bargains found here.
For a more cultured affair, head to the Singapore Art Museum, which features exhibitions focusing on local and regional contemporary art. Its permanent collection currently includes up-and-coming local photographer Nguan’s nostalgic street photography. History buffs will no doubt enjoy a trip to the National Museum of Singapore, which houses artefacts like the Singapore Stone – a 13th century slab found at the mouth of the Singapore River.
Explore the history of Singapore in Kampong Glam while museum-hopping in the Bugis district, shop at Singapore’s largest street shopping destination or let out your inner hipster at Haji Lane. It’s a mash-up featuring the best of vibrant youth culture and rich local heritage. And the best part? You don’t have to make just one choice – they’re all mere steps away from the Village Hotel Bugis.
