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Any student in Singapore has probably visited Bras Basah Complex to buy stationery or do a last-minute printing run for a report. But some may not know that besides books, the mall sells products such as musical instruments and sports goods.
Here’s our list of what to buy at Bras Basah Complex sectioned according to store type.
1. Bookstore
Perhaps more than anything, Bras Basah Complex is synonymous with old bookstores.
These include the Seng Yew Book Store on Level 1. It has been publishing Chinese books and school books since 1960. You can buy these for as low as S$1, although some can cost up to S$10. It also stocks postcards (S$1) and gift cards (S$4 – S$5.90). If you are buying a gift card, don’t forget to purchase some wrapping paper (S$0.90 each).
Stationery-wise, they have PVC box files (S$4.80 – S$12) and legal pads (S$14.50 – S$35). They also sell stickers (S$3 for 60 pieces) and writing pens (S$0.80 each).
+65 6336 2447
Mon to Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat: 11am – 5pm
Sun: 11am – 4pm
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2. Art Store
Knotty Shop is your go-to store for tapestry and needlework. Run by 2 craft lovers, the art store in Singapore sells items such as embroidery thread (S$1.10), knitting and animal-related books (S$5 – S$18.90), and embroidered animal purses (S$25).
The store also sells Dollfus-Mieg et Compagnie (DMC) metallic floss (S$3.60), DMC variegated floss (S$2.90), Anchor variegated floss (S$2.50) and DMC Perle cotton thread (S$3.85 – S$4.85) for those who want to try more advanced knitting techniques.
Of course, you can’t get started without buying a fabric first. They sell textiles such as Bellana Yarn (S$18.55). They also sell completed knitted fabrics (S$10 – S$30).
+65 6837 2217
Mon & Tue, Thu to Sat: 11am – 6.30pm
Closed on Wed & Sun
3. Art Gallery
Art Gallery 3, located on Level 2 of the complex, is an art gallery that has collections for sale. These range from Dzi beads to premium gemstone jewellery and Tibetian selections.
If you are a bookworm, buy a copy of The Art of Poh Bee Choo for S$40. If you prefer art to books, you can get Chinese art paintings for S$22,000 – S$23,000 per piece.
The art gallery also sells Buddha figurines that cost at least a few thousand dollars. They were a bit tight-lipped on their exact prices. You’ll have to check with them yourself.
4. Music
Wondering what else to buy at Bras Basah Complex? If you are a music lover, drop by Music Connoisseur on Level 2. It has instruments such as guitars, pianos and drums.
Purchase a VOKI Guitar (Artisan Series) for S$599, a T Guitar (Headless) for S$599 and a Relish Swiss Guitar for S$1,199. If you would rather strum to music such as rock, jazz, and metal, you can’t go wrong with the Virtuoso S-Style Electric Guitar (S$499).
Their pricier Cole Clark guitar models cost S$2,699 – S$4,399. Their bodies are made using AA-grade Australian Blackwood and their necks are made from Queensland Maple.
Are you an aspiring pianist? Get the KaP1 Portable Digital Piano for S$999/S$1,299. They also sell other accessories such as The PowerCab 112/60 Neo Speaker (S$799).
5. Food
If you stay in the area and are craving supper, the newly renovated 24-hour Shifu Food Court situated at Level 1 of Bras Basah Complex opened its doors to the public last year.
Ah Gong Kym, located right at the entrance, sells Original Pork Noodles (S$4.80 – Small & S$5.80 – Large) and Prawn Noodles (S$5.80 – Small & S$6.80 – Large).
Penang Island, next to Ah Gong Kym, serves signature dishes such as Penang Fried Kway Teow (S$6.90), Penang Prawn Noodle (S$6.50) and Penang Laksa (S$6).
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6. Religious
If you need divine intervention, visit Awareness Place, a local lifestyle concept store that promotes holistic care of body, mind and spirit through books, music and more, on Level 1.
The store plies items such as the Four-Cornered Lotus Flower (S$39), the Harmony Buddha Figure (S$138) and the Lotus Leaf Incense Stick Ceramic Holder (S$18).
If you prefer art, get your hands on their Tibetan Buddhist scroll painting, priced at S$128. They also sell incense cones that contain Indian sandalwood oils for S$18.
231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
+65 6337 7582
Mon to Sat: 11am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
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7. Sports
Since it opened in 1980, Ranking Sports and Music has gone from strength to strength. It started out selling sporting goods and diversified into musical instruments a decade later.
Sports equipment there include badminton rackets (S$92.80 – S$226.90 per racket), sneaker cue sticks (S$65 – S$80), tennis balls (4 for S$6.50), knee wraps (S$24), elbow support braces (S$15.50), headbands (S$5.90) and wristbands (S$8.90).
They also do maintenance for equipment bought in-store. If you have a badminton racket or tennis/squash racket with a broken string, restring it for S$7 and S$10 respectively.
Their racket grip wrapping and table tennis rubber glueing services are on the house.
8. Beauty
If you are looking to do your hair, Bras Basah Complex has a handful of hair salons. One of them is Zone In Hair Studio on Level 2.
A haircut will set you back by S$28 if you are male and S$35 for females. While it is on the pricier end, it also includes free washing.
The hair salon was incorporated in 1998 and has been operating for nearly 3 decades.
As they might be busy, you are advised to make an appointment before you visit the salon.
+65 6883 1721
Daily: 11am – 7pm
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9. Print
Conda Print & Bind provides printing services for various products including booklets, brochures, flyers and name cards. They do both colour and black-and-white printing.
If you are looking to print A4 paper, it will set you back by 50 cents to print 1 black-and-white page and S$1 to print 1 coloured page. Meanwhile, photocopying 1 black-and-white page will cost you 20 – 30 cents and 80 cents for 1 coloured page.
The printing shop in Singapore also provides more niche printing services including CD-burning, scanning, sticker labelling, lamination, and production of PVC banners.
+65 6336 7244
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Sat: 10.30am – 5pm
Closed on Sun
10. Eyewear
Wondering what else to buy at Bras Basah Complex? If you require new glasses, Kwong Shin Eyewear has your back.
Frames go for above S$100, and lens costs between S$100 to S$500 depending on your spectacle degree. A pair of UnderArmour Titanium frames is priced at S$250 while a pair of Charmant frames will set you back by S$280.
If you prefer to wear contact lenses, the optical shop sells daily ones for S$50 per piece.
11. Timepieces
Founded in 1961, Kwang Guan Watch & Pen counts itself as one of Singapore’s oldest watch stores. It sells mainly watches and pens and has battery, strap, and repair services.
Located in a remote corner of Level 1, their exclusive Denmark-strand watches go at S$99/piece. Buy Eco-Drive watches for S$138 – S$288 per piece, Citizen L watches for S$168 – S$208 per piece and Promaster watches for S$208 – S$288 per piece.
If you prefer a good old Casio watch, the store has them on sale from S$89 – S$169. If you are looking for a timeless fountain pen, purchase them for S$98 – S$238 per piece.
231 Bain Street, #01-37, Singapore 180231
+65 6338 7744
Daily: 11.30am – 7pm
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