Ranking Singapore’s heartland malls
From the atas Orchard Road to the hipster Haji Lane, our country is the place to go for all things shopping. And beyond the glitz and glamour of these famed streets, there’s also a multitude of heartland malls in Singapore to explore.
These low-key malls may be further away from the city centre, but that’s not to say they’re lacking in any way. We asked fellow residents of several neighbourhoods and ranked some of the more notable heartland malls, so you can consider swinging by during your next family day out should you be around that area. Here it is, the ultimate battle of the shopping malls:
8. Eastpoint Mall – 2 huge supermarkets including Indian supplies
You can also get a $12FRx gift card when you spend at least $120 on a Citi Mastercard here. This deal can be enjoyed at all other malls under Frasers Property too.
Image credit: Sri Murugan Trading via Facebook
Don’t let its humble exterior fool you. Eastpoint Mall is home to the big-scale Sri Murugan Supermarket, should you need to stock up on essentials. You’ll also notice a row of beauty shops here, from hair salons to nail salons. Topping it off is the 24-hour NTUC spanning across the upper floor – yes, the entire floor.
But alas, this mall pales in comparison to the 4 giant malls in Tampines – I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. While Eastpoint Mall is located next to Simei MRT, many Easties opt for Century Square or Tampines 1 instead, purely for the wider range of shops and facilities available.
Mat: “I prefer taking 1 mrt stop down to Tampines instead since there’s more stuff there.”
Dione: “TBH, it’s a rather sleepy mall but I like it. No annoying crowds.”
7. White Sands – 2-storey library inside
Image credit: @svbib via Instagram
Ask any Pasir Ris-ian and they’ll probably tell you that White Sands is their go-to. Located right next to Pasir Ris MRT, this mall is chock full of unique food stores you don’t usually find at other malls. We’re talking Edo Shokudo, Kopi & Tarts, Ramen Dining Keisuke Tokyo, and even UFO Hot Pot by Thai Express.
Bookworms can also drop by Pasir Ris Public Library while at the mall. The library is 2 stories tall, and families with kiddos will be thrilled to know that there’s a wide selection of child-friendly books too. But at the end of the day, we can’t ignore the fact that the mall is nestled in the far east.
Chloe: “The library is my favourite place to study at, it’s not as packed as Bugis or town area.”
Brandon: “I always get this mall mixed up with Marina Bay Sands. LOL.”
6. Parkway Parade – Near ECP, has stores like Timezone
Let’s move to the South-East area of Singapore now. Parkway Parade is one of the larger heartland malls in the region, with over 250 shops in its 7-floor building. It’ll probably take us a while to list all the stores available, so we’ll just highlight our favourites. F&B-wise, Tenya, Café Q Classified, and Shang Pin Hot Pot are must-gos.
And we can’t forget about the mega Timezone that’s a big hit amongst the kids. Although there isn’t a direct MRT connected to it right now, come 2024, it’ll be more convenient to get here as we’ll have the TEL Marine Parade station opening.
Mathilda: “I love bringing my boyfriend here and going on Timezone dates.”
Kayden: “I stay around the area but Parkway Parade just isn’t one of the malls I’d automatically go to. Maybe because I don’t have a straight bus there.”
5. Tiong Bahru Plaza – Michelin-approved stores
Image credit: Eatbook
We’re down to the top 5 now. Tiong Bahru Plaza is a favoured mall amongst foodies, and for good reason. In case you haven’t heard the news, the Kopitiam here has Michelin-approved stalls. Yes, the big M. You can also explore the many fast food outlets and bubble tea shops here, or get your necessities at Daiso.
BTW, we hear there’s a Don Don Donki opening soon. Soon, this mall will have its status upgraded. But for now, it’ll remain at #5.
Jade: “ION? We don’t know her, only Tiong Bahru Plaza.”
Renata: “This mall is so nostalgic for me, having grown up in the area. I cannot rave about this mall enough.”
Sher: “If I’m going to be at Tiong Bahru, I might as well travel a bit more and hit Orchard Road instead.”
4. Causeway Point – Rooftop water playground for kids
Image credit: @causewaypointsg via Instagram
Whether you’re a Northie or not, you’ve probably been to Causeway Point once in your life. Or, pass by the mall on your way to the Woodlands checkpoint. After all, the mall is conveniently located right next to Woodlands MRT.
The Causeway Point Water Playground is a huge draw, thanks to its adorable dinosaur-themed water slides and sprinklers. There are a slew of halal-certified eateries too, including The Original Boat Noodle, Red Ginger, and Monster Planet. Plus, big pasar malams are aplenty around the mall too if you want to go jalan jalan.
Jackson: “So, so, so crowded. All the time. Gives me anxiety.”
Naomi: “I see no reason to visit other malls when I have Causeway Point.”
Christy: “I stay at Bedok, and even I travel to Causeway Point.”
3. Northpoint City – >400 stores with safari-themed Don Don Donki
It looks like the North side is winning because Northpoint City is another well-loved haunt. Connected directly to Yishun MRT, this mall has since expanded, and you can find over 400 stores here, including F&B, fashion, tech, and health services.
Not forgetting the unique Don Don Donki too – it’s safari-themed with precious animal soft toys hung around the shop. Aside from shopping, there’s also Yishun Public Library to check out if you’re looking for a good read.
Hannah: “Wah TBH, I didn’t explore Northpoint City at first because it’s in Yishun. But I love it now.”
Vanessa: “The mall is huge and it has everything. What’s not to love?”
Sam: “You can get everything at the mall. I even come here for my facial and haircuts.”
2. Waterway Point – Frequent kid-friendly events & an IMAX theatre
There’s much to say about Waterway Point – it’s next to the Punggol MRT and LRT, making it so easy to get to the place. The mall has a tonne of kid-friendly pop-ups and events too, including the past tokidoki summer party and Jurassic World scavenger hunt which had bouncy castles and photo ops.
Moviegoers will know that Shaw Theatres can be found here too, with 11 halls including an IMAX theatre where you can catch blockbuster films. And if you need to go for late-night grocery runs, head to the 24-hour NTUC FairPrice Finest to get your goods.
Jaden: “Other than the shops here, you can also cycle around the area – which is what I like to do before meeting my friends for a meal.”
Diane: “I’m a mom of 2 toddlers, and our family trips to Waterway Point are their favourites because they like to see what’s new at the Atrium.”
Wei Ling: “I’d honestly bring my overseas friends to Waterway Point.”
1. Jem – SG’s 3rd largest heartland mall
Citi Mastercard holders, rejoice. Get a $20 Lendlease voucher when your bill exceeds $200 at Jem until the end of the year.
Ah Jem, a classic gem. As Singapore’s 3rd largest heartland mall, this place is where even non-Westies like me will venture out to. Why, you may ask? Just look at the humongous 3-storey IKEA Jurong at Jem that you can frolic around and get your home items.
The entire basement is basically an F&B heaven too, with stores like Windowsill Pies, Tai Cheong Bakery, and Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ. Once you’re done munchin’, take your kids up to Level 5 where they can run wet and wild at the outdoor playground. Oh, and did we mention that the mall is connected to Jurong East MRT? Big plus points.
Jenny: “If I have nothing to do, I’ll go to Jem and walk around. Best way to kill time.”
Isabel: “My boyfriend and I are obsessed with Marché Mövenpick, and Jem has it. ‘Nuff said.”
Natalie: “I miss the good old days when Jem wasn’t populated with school kids. But I get why they love the mall lah, I love it too.”
Shop at these heartland malls with Citi Mastercard
There are a bunch of reasons why these heartland malls hold such a special place in our hearts. Some of us consider them our local hangout spots, and some of us might’ve even grown up at these malls.
While you’re out shopping at these places, bring along your Citi Mastercard to score gifts and vouchers. For one, all Malls of Frasers Property Singapore can get a $12 FRx Gift Card when you spend at least $120 till 31st December 2023. These malls include those that we’ve mentioned like Causeway Point, Eastpoint Mall, and Tiong Bahru Plaza.
Lendlease Malls aren’t excluded from the sweet deals too. All Citi Cardholders can get a $10 Lendlease voucher when you drop $200 or more. And if you have a Citi Mastercard, you’ll also be entitled to an additional $10 Lendlease voucher at 313@somerset and Jem.
You’ll be able to earn 10X Points on your online and shopping purchases when you use your Citi Rewards Mastercard too. These points can then be redeemed to offset your future purchases via the Citi Mobile App. Plus, those who sign up for the card from now till 31st January 2024 will score bonus 40,000 Points when you spend $800 within 2 months.
And here’s one more reason to swipe that card. Every $1,000 spent on any Citi Mastercard will give you 1 chance in a lucky draw* where you stand to win a 4D3N all-inclusive trip to watch the UEFA Champions League Final 2024 in London.
The next time you’re stumped on where to go, consider going to these heartland malls instead. You’ll realise that activities are aplenty, and you can treat yourself to yummy grub too.
Find out more about Citi Mastercard deals
*Terms and conditions apply. Tickets are courtesy of Mastercard, the official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League.
This post was brought to you by Citi Mastercard.