Perched on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore’s small size belies the huge number and variety and malls which make it a shopper’s paradise. Located at one of the major intersections of the world, Singapore’s strategic position has allowed it to grow into a major centre for trade, communication and tourism - and has earned it the nickname "gateway to Asia”.
Singapore’s success as a shopping haven can be partly long history as a major port. During the 14th century, Singapore was part of the Sumatran Empire, and as a natural meeting point of major sea routes, the port saw many traders from China, Europe. After a brief period of control by the Portuguese and subsequently the Dutch, the British saw the potential of Singapore as a strategic base for their expanding empire. They claimed it as a British Crown colony and established a centre of free trade, which attracted even more merchants from all over the to a huge growth in population and economy.
With its long history in trading, it’s no surprise that Singapore has grown into the exotic shopping mecca it is today. The city can be divided shopping areas, each offering a different experience. In Chinatown, merchants display wares such as fine silk, snakeskin medicines and pungent spices. For some Arabian flare, try the bazaar style shopping area that houses Singapore’s Muslim community; here you’ll find traders renowned for textiles, baskets and woven leaf goods. Little India, as suggests, is full of flavour from the sub continent, offering an array of silverware, saris and And if you’re hungry for more excitement, head to Orchard Road - a premier shopping belt the largest and most popular shopping centres such as Centrepoint. This is truly a shopper's paradise, offering everything from casual clothing and electronics to Oriental rugs, fine arts, Asian antiques and books.