You might remember Funan as a go-to mall for gadgets and gizmos, which shuttered its doors in 2016 for demolition and a full rebuild. Once rather nondescript, it’s back in full force after a swanky facelift with futuristic new features – and although staying true to its tech roots with a good number of IT stores, it’s now more than just a place for techies and computer geeks.
The other stores here aren’t your run-off-the-mill selection either, as 30% of the tenants are new to market. Retail aside, there are also recreational facilities like a futsal court and indoor cycling track.
We headed down for Funan’s grand reopening on 28th June 2019 and here are its best features:
Seek respite from the surrounding concrete jungle with a breather at the urban herb garden on the rooftop. Everything grown here is edible, and although not open for public purchase, you can find these vegetables being used in the mall’s farm-to-table eateries like Noka.
Funan is Singapore’s first bicycle- and PMD-friendly mall, so feel free to zoom in with your e-scooter along the dedicated path and watch it light up as you go along. But do stick to a safe speed, and be mindful of the other shoppers on foot!
There are also free shower facilities for those with the CapitaStar app so you can conveniently freshen up if your bike commute to work has gotten you a lil’ sweaty.
Don’t worry if your bicycle wheels are deflating, because you can fill them back up at the pump station next to the bathrooms. There’s also a repair station for creaky bikes that need a fixer-upper.
Gather your crew and have a friendly soccer tournament at the futsal court on the rooftop. This unmanned court requires you to make a booking via the CapitaStar app as well.
Rock climbing in the comfort of aircon? Yes, please! Climb Central has set up a 15-metre rock wall here, with a whopping 50 lanes so you won’t have to fight for space even during peak periods.
The pastel pink storefront of Love Bonito’s outlet here is already an indication of how it’s more than just a boutique – shopping here is a whole experience, with loads of pretty photo-worthy corners for you to strike a pose at.
But what’s most impressive is the augmented reality (AR) runway, which you can activate by scanning a QR code with your smartphone. As you twirl along the passage, flowers will bloom by your feet through the screen.
You can also request for personal styling services, which give you 30 minutes of undivided attention and use of their larger VIP changing rooms. But the regular dressing rooms are equally feminine and sophisticated, ideal for snapping an OOTD shot with your newfound outfit at.
Gaming fanatics can stock up on gear like keyboards, mice, and headsets from Gamepro Shop. Brands carried here include Razer, MSI, and Cooler Master.
Nasty Cookie is not for the faint-hearted – each of their chewy, gooey cookies is chock-full of sugary toppings like Oreos, chocolate chips, speculoos biscuits. Complete that with a rich injection of nutella, marshmallow, or dulce de leche sauce and you’ve got the perfect sinful indulgence. So nasty, but so good.
Nikon Experience Hub is the brand’s first standalone outlet in Singapore, with a wide range of cameras and related accessories both for casual enthusiasts and professionals. If you’re an aspiring photographer looking to learn from the big guys, they also hold workshops and tutorials for you to pick up some tricks.
With global warming and climate change at an all-time high, we need to do all we can to preserve the earth that we live on. Do your part by making the switch to sustainable products such as bamboo straws, vegan beauty products, and reusable menstrual cups at The Green Collective.
If you’d rather not lug all your increasingly heavy shopping loot around as you go about the mall, make use of the convenient “click and collect” service. This allows you to pick up your purchased item from a collection point only when you want to.
It’s fully automated, so just key in your SMS pin and a trusty robotic arm will pick up your item and pass it to you.
Night owls will be glad to know that this service is available till after regular retail hours past 10PM.
Not sure which stores to hit up? Consult the smart directories for a recommendation. These work like regular mall directories, but are equipped with cameras and facial recognition capabilities, and can provide shopping suggestions tailored to your profile – taking into account age and gender.
You can also type in keywords for items you’re looking for – such as “dress” or “speakers” and the system will suggest specific products available in the mall.
Those who drive will know how much of a headache finding a parking space in town can be. With Funan’s smart carpark, you don’t have to circle around aimlessly in search for that one empty space – it allows you to suss out your lot in advance, reserve it, and there are even directions provided.
Gone are the days of rushing down to a food court for lunch and settling on the one with the shortest queues. At Kopitech, you can pre-order your food through an app and collect it immediately upon arrival.
There’s also the option to pay using cryptocurrency, although the usual card payments are also accepted.
Lyf’s co-living concept is perfect for millennials who like to be part of a like-minded community. It’s not your typical service apartment – there are games in the laundromat, cooking and baking workshops, as well as vibrant communal spaces for people to interact in.
Freelancers and small start-ups can set up their workstations at WeWork, a co-working space which gives you opportunities to network with new people. It’s comfortably furnished with sofas and armchairs, and feels like a home away from home.
Helmed by veteran actor Ivan Heng, homegrown theatre company Wild Rice has finally opened their very own theatre – so you can look forward to plenty of plays and pantomimes being held here in time to come.
Image credit: Golden Village
Got a date night lined up? Impress your partner by booking tickets to a movie at Golden Village’s Gemini cinema, which is fitted with cushy couple seats with extra privacy and legroom. Armrests can be lifted if you wanna get snuggly 😉 Currently, there are only 3 GV branches in Singapore which offer these.
Image credit: Golden Village
Single pringles need not fret, as you can opt for the Deluxe Plus suite with an equal amount of comfort thanks to the reclining armchairs with lumbar support. These are only available at GV Funan.
After its chic revamp, it’s clear that Funan is no longer just about the electronics – with the new selection of food, shopping, and entertainment options now open, it’s also a great place for squad hangouts in a central location. If you’ve already squeezed yourself through the crowds at Jewel Changi and are looking for a new spot to conquer, this mall desrves a place on your list.
Address: 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
Nearest MRT: City Hall (4min walk)
Website
Photo credit: Nadia Loewito and Pichan Cruz
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