When nature calls while we’re shopping, most of us will look for the nearest washroom. But not all of them are created equal. Trust me, this is coming from someone who personally spends too much time in the loo.
So I took it upon myself to round up some of the nicest shopping mall toilets in Singapore, and even ranked them in order of chio-ness. Whether you’re looking for a background for your fit check or just want to do your business in peace, I can bet this article will come in handy one day.
The Somerset area is home to many malls, like the super popular 313@somerset and Orchard Central with its spaceship-themed rooftop club ARK11. But cross Exeter Road from these malls and you’ll find 111 Somerset.
People generally like this mall for being less crowded, which also means more privacy. That’s a bonus for super shy poopers. But the reason why we’ve ranked this #10 is because the sinks are a bit… confusing.
“Where does the water come from?” I thought to myself. At one glance, they looked like bicycle handlebars. But I found out that your hand should hover below the “handlebar” instead of gripping it tightly like you’re a Tour de France rider. I’m glad no one else was in the toilet when I was washing my hands. TIL.
Smell: 8/10. Smells clean.
Lighting: 8/10. Bright enough for selfies.
Originality: 7/10. Sinks are cool. But otherwise, the interior looks like your ordinary millennial BTO.
Overall poop-worthiness: 6.5/10. It does its job.
Address: 11 Somerset Road, Singapore 238164
Mall opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Ladies and gents will probably be familiar with Mandarin Gallery as the mall with Victoria’s Secret on the first floor – no judgement here. But if you’re in the area and looking for a quieter toilet to do your, erm, business, this shopping mall’s toilets aren’t too shabby.
For mums who are breastfeeding and need some privacy, Mandarin Gallery also has a nursing room right next to the Level 2 washroom. A win, in my opinion.
Smell: 8/10.
Lighting: -11/10.
Originality: 5/10. NGL, doesn’t stand out compared to the other competitors on this list.
Overall poop-worthiness: 8/10. I love the privacy you get, but it would’ve been higher if they brought back the sofas along the corridor.
Address: 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897
Mall opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
This one might rank higher for you if you’re big on nostalgia. And by nostalgia, I meant embarrassing flashbacks of having your face planted down in the grass patch of shame outside Zouk at Jiak Kim Street.
GR.iD mall, formerly known as POMO, has one of the most unique shopping mall toilets I’ve seen. It’s located in the basement of the building and has a central handwashing station that bears a resemblance to the mosaic basin at the former nightclub. P.S. It was also the spot to befriend new clubbing kakis or talk to a chio bu.
Smell: 8/10.
Lighting: 9.5/10. Neon. Lots of neon.
Originality: 10/10. A nice reminder of one too many Friday nights at the club.
Overall poop-worthiness: 8.5/10. Fortunately, a lot cleaner than what I expected from a basement toilet.
Address: 1 Selegie Road, Singapore 188306
Mall opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm, Daily
When I think of Funan Mall, my mind goes straight to the 15m-tall rock climbing wall in the middle of the mall. It’s quite a hip place to hang these days, and you’ll even find a bike track running through the ground floor. But let’s not get sidetracked, I’m here for one thing only: the shopping mall toilet.
Image credit: Raewyn Koh
I think we can all appreciate the LED light strips on the mirror, especially if you’re a fan of taking bathroom selfies. However, the stars of the show aren’t the main shopping mall toilets themselves, but the shower facilities.
The free shower facilities are located at the Bike Hub on Level 1, accessible via a QR code. Just note that you’ll have to be a CapitaStar member to use them. Membership is free, and you can sign up by downloading the CapitaStar app.
Smell: 8/10.
Lighting: 10/10. Mirrors with LED lights? Count me in.
Originality: 8/10. The free shower facilities are a nice touch.
Overall poop-worthiness: 7/10. Gets a 10/10 for entertainment value because I can watch people rock climb while I wait for my wife to be done.
Address: 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
Mall opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Photo credit: Raewyn Koh
Think of Capitol Singapore and you’d probably recall the old school theatre sign outside Capitol Theatre. And trust me, the building is just as beautiful inside as it is outside. The Neo-Classical architectural design style also extends to… you guessed it… the toilet.
Photo credit: Raewyn Koh
The Old Hollywood vibes of the building can also be seen in the shopping mall toilet. I’m talking about Baroque-style sinks and mirrors, as well as black marble flooring. In fact, this was probably one of the classiest ones I’ve seen.
Smell: 9/10.
Lighting: 7/10. It was a bit dimly lit, but that further added to the mystique.
Originality: 9/10. How often do you see all-black restrooms?
Overall poop-worthiness: 8/10. Those with high toilet standards won’t be disappointed.
Address: 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905
Mall opening hours: 10.30am-10.30pm, Daily
Photo Credit: Restroom Association (Singapore)
Marina Bay Sands may be a world-famous 5-star hotel, but did you know that The Shoppes at MBS has 6-star toilets? According to the Restroom Association of Singapore, that is.
Yes, it’s a legit organisation, and apparently, the loos here are worthy of the prestigious certification, thanks to its handy ammonia tracker. The washroom is kept spotless through the sensor that sends an alert to notify staff when the ammonia level skyrockets. So, if you see cleaners coming in right after you’re done, you know it’s time to rethink your diet.
Smell: 10/10. If you trigger the sensor, GG.
Lighting: 9/10.
Originality: 11/10. This is a toilet that smells, literally.
Overall poop-worthiness: 8/10
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore
Mall opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Paragon is one of the atas malls in Orchard Road that you’ve always walked past, but never knew what’s inside. But if the row of luxury boutiques doesn’t scare you, you’ll realise that it’s not too intimidating to walk in.
Toilets on the upper levels are a little compact but still stylish.
If you’re just here to make a “deposit” and not a purchase, we can’t blame you. Just walk through the automated sliding doors and you’re in a safe space. The toilet has a full-length mirror alongside smokey, veiny grey marble interiors. Très chic.
Smell: 9/10.
Lighting: 7/10.
Originality: 8.5/10. Paragon’s interior designer must really have a thing for marble.
Overall poop-worthiness: 8/10. I go here whenever I want to pretend I’m made of money.
Address: 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
Mall opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Buckle up, we’re getting serious now with the top 3 shopping mall toilets on this list. Jewel Changi is best known as the mall with the 40m-tall indoor waterfall in it. But nature is truly healing because it also has flower walls in its toilets.
No cap, it’s actually made of real flowers, including roses, gerberas, and hydrangeas. Just have self-restraint and don’t pluck them to bring home. If you’re looking for a last-minute anniversary gift, you can look at our round up of flower delivery services.
Image credit: Nicholas Ong
Only the toilets on the ground floor next to Rich & Good Cake Shop have this special feature. And the male toilet even has 2 sofas to sit on while they wait for a cubicle. If Gardens by the Bay is too far for you to travel to, try “Flowers Near The Bidets”.
Smell: 9/10. Stop and smell the roses.
Lighting: 10/10.
Originality: 10/10. Come for the HSBC Rain Vortex, stay for in-loo floral display.
Overall poop-worthiness: 8.5/10. If only there was a way to view the flowers from inside the cubicle.
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
Mall opening hours: Open 24 hours
When you’re at Orchard Road and nature calls, few places come to mind faster than ION Orchard. Specifically, the atas section of the mall. Not to mention, the whole mall smells fantastic too, with 7 ION Orchard signature spells dispensed through automated diffusers scattered all over the mall.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the toilets have recently undergone a facelift. The previously darker walls and warm lighting have been replaced with white marble and white lighting. Plus, each restroom is kept spotless by an attendant, so you don’t have to worry about cleanliness.
Smell: 9/10. Smells like a luxury hotel.
Lighting: 10/10. As bright as an Apple store.
Originality: 9/10.
Overall poop-worthiness: 9.99/10. Overtaken by just 1 contender.
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Mall opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Closer to Far East Plaza, we’ve got Palais Renaissance. Entering the restroom will make you feel like you’re in an art gallery. I’m not kidding, the ceramic tiles used in this shopping mall toilet are actually flown in from London. They’re customised with prints from the V&A Museum, a super prestigious art establishment there.
Every corner of this washroom could be your next IG backdrop, with mirrors large enough for friend group photos, metallic accents, and arched walls.
I also appreciate the “ring-light mirror” by the wash basin. You know what they say, better lighting equals better lighting. Plus, the bright terracotta walls add a splash of colour to an otherwise muted colour palette.
Smell: 9/10. No complaints.
Lighting: 10/10. There’s lighting on the mirrors, perfect for selfies.
Originality: 11/10. An extra point for the museum-worthy floral prints. Peak culture.
Overall poop-worthiness: 10/10. It’s super chio, smells great, and is relatively empty.
Address: 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
Mall opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
So there you go, a ranking of the best shopping mall toilets in Singapore nobody asked for. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from writing this article, it’s that the cleanliness and originality of our public restrooms are truly something to be proud of. Now, share this newfound knowledge with all of your friends.
Once you’re done, check out these things to do in the malls:
Photography by Shawn Low.
Cover image adapted from: Raewyn Koh.
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