There’s nothing like a seamless transition from the MRT to a mall that’ll leave you sweat-free and in weather-proof luxury. Known as MRT malls, they usually connect the station to a larger mall via an underground linkway, where navigating them sometimes feels a bit like hopping into a Mario pipe – popping in from one world, and out to another.
With so many interconnected routes beneath the city, it can be tricky figuring out how to get around. But it’s well worth the time to familiarise yourself with these underground routes, especially if it means getting to your destination on time without being exposed to the elements.
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We’re starting off with Singapore’s longest underground link mall – CityLink Mall. True to its name, the mall is a major connector between prominent malls in the CBD area, including Raffles City, Suntec City, Marina Square, and Esplanade Mall.
The mall also links to MRT stations like Promenade, Esplanade, and City Hall, with a whopping 650m of passageway between the East-West and Circle Line stations. The walk from City Hall to Esplanade station takes around 6 minutes, but don’t let the distance turn you off – there are plenty of F&B options if you need a little energy boost along the way.
Image credit: Eatbook
Check out Suparakki Ramen for noodles as low as $6.90, Hundred Grains for pay-by-weight Chinese cuisine ($3.18++/100g), and Waa Cow! which prides itself on its beef bowls like their Mentaiko Wagyu Beef ($24.90) and Original Wagyu Beef ($22.90).
If you’re looking to get pampered, the underground mall also has a number of beauty services like Dollhouse Nails for pretty manicures. There’s also The Lash House that does eyelash extensions by appointment basis, and fashion retailers like Fayth and iORA.
Our tip: make it a full day out based around this route – retail therapy in the morning, and a little bit of culture at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in the evening.
Image credit: Thanathip Moolvong via Google Maps
Xchange malls are perhaps the OG of MRT malls. Think of them as a convenience hub that’s part of the MRT station itself. They usually house a small number of eateries and retail shops catering to commuters looking for a quick rest stop between trips.
Unlike the bigger malls on this list, they typically run along a small underground stretch – but don’t cross them off your list just yet. They’re total lifesavers for quick lunch runs during busy hours.
Esplanade Xchange happens to be a part of the CityLink Mall underground route, and is located at Esplanade MRT Station.
The stretch includes eateries like The White Tiffin, a Peranakan cafe with a retro interior that serves local dishes like their Babi Pongteh ($13.10) and popular Nasi Lemak ($11.90), and Cafe Coldrea for a light lunch of kimbap ($6.50-$9.80) and salad bowls ($9.90-$12.90).
Image credit: GoAheadGroupFan via Google Maps
Even if you’re not at the mall to grab a bite, you can still check out Japan Home for all things home and living. It has an extensive catalogue of household items, such as organisational bins, bento boxes, and cleaning supplies – all available at a reasonable price.
Another well-known underground route is the Orchard underpass. An underground city of sorts, this impressive pedestrian network branches out from Shaw House to Orchard malls like ION Orchard, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City, and Wheelock Place.
There’s no official “start line” for this underground Orchard adventure – it’s all one big, interconnected maze. You could begin your journey from Shaw House, which takes you past Orchard MRT Station and into ION Orchard. Keep a lookout for overhead signs, which should direct you to Wisma Atria and finally Ngee Ann City. Your tunnel trek should take about 10 minutes.
Image credit: Florence Leow via Google Maps
The route has its own share of food quests on the side. For a quick bite, stop by Subway Niche, a little Peranakan kueh stall between Wisma Atria and Orchard MRT selling kuehs and other pastries ($1-$5), or snag a cookie at Ben’s Cookies ($3.90), which is located at the basement of Wisma Atria.
You’ll find no lack of retail shops along the way too, including cosmetics paradise Sephora and homegrown shoe and accessories house Charles and Keith at ION Orchard, as well as household names like Mango and Cotton On at Wisma Atria.
Image credit: Marina Bay Financial Centre
Marina Bay Link Mall is a well-hidden secret beneath The Lawn @ Marina Bay. This underground mall seamlessly transports you from Raffles Place MRT Station to Downtown MRT Station, with a slew of tempting eateries, shops, and even aesthetic clinics and salons along the way.
For those with extra time on their hands, there’s no time like now to get a hairdo upgrade. Myeongdong Hair Studio is one of the many beauty services available at the mall and is popular for their Korean-style hair cutting and treatments. Be sure to book an appointment at least 2 days in advance to secure your spot.
Image credit: Minmed
If you’re looking to tick off a health check while you’re here, Minmed Clinic is also conveniently located in the mall for quick, last-minute appointments.
It’s not hard to see why this is also a lunch spot favourite among office workers in the CBD, since the mall is also connected to the Marina Bay Financial Centre towers.
Image credit: Eatbook
No matter your lunch style, this mall has you covered. There are ready meal options for the speedy lunch worker, like Japanese fast food chain MOS Burger ($5-$10) and homemade yong tau foo stall Roast & Roll ($1-$10).
For the “lunch is therapy” worker, there are comfortable dine-in options like salad bowl connoisseur Heybo ($10-$15) and Wu Lao Lao, which serves modern local classics like pan mee ($8.50) and popiah ($3.50). Check out the full directory of F&B options in Marina Bay Link Mall.
Image credit: Dhoby Xchange via Google Maps
Formerly known as Dhoby Ghaut Xchange, Station Lifestyle is the revamped MRT mall at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, now reimagined as a wellness-themed retail hub.
The space is packed with a curation of health, lifestyle, and dining services for busy commuters. For a quick fuel up, there’s Heybo for salad lovers or Takagi Ramen for wallet-friendly Japanese fare from $9.90.
If you want to make the most of your lunch break, you’ll also find The Gym Pod for private workouts, and Absolute Wellness for weight management treatments.
Raffles Xchange is another popular lunch spot among office workers in the CBD, especially since it’s conveniently attached to Raffles Place MRT Station.
Here you’ll find both dine-in and takeaway stalls like crowd favourite The Soup Spoon, Bakery Cuisine for fresh bakes and waffles (from $2.30), and Marie’s Lapis Cafe Express for Peranakan mains like Nasi Beef Rendang ($18) and Mee Siam ($14), as well as handmade kueh ($2-$3).
Image credit: @grainsandco.sg via Instagram
The mall is actually a part of One Raffles Place, so if the food offerings here aren’t doing it for you, you can always take your food hunt above ground. You’ll find healthy options like Grains & Co. which offers nutritious grain bowls from $10.90 and mom’s hug for customisable wraps and salad bowls from $8.90.
Here’s a store directory for One Raffles Place for a full list of options.
For something to feed your fashion appetite, there’s DMK, which has a selection of classy women’s bags and shoes, and OKZ for colourful wardrobe essentials.
Rounding up our list of Xchange malls is Tanjong Pagar Xchange, which is connected to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. Like most of the other Xchange malls on this list, it’s also part of a larger building – Guoco Tower.
The mall’s got loads of shops and food spots to check out. For anniversaries around the corner, swing by Precious Thoughts to browse through their wide selection of flower bouquets, cards, and Jellycat and Miffy stuffed toys.
Image credit: Deidre Soh via Google Maps
For a refuel after all that shopping, there are plenty of grab-and-go snacks in the mall, like Gokoku Japanese Bakery for Japanese buns and pastries ($1-$5) or a quick caffeine fix from Luckin Coffee. For a more filling meal, swing by Guzman Y Gomez for Mexican rice bowls (from $10.30) and tacos (from $6.50), or warm up with some fish soup (from $10.80) from Bugis Xin Yuan Ji Fish Soup.
Image credit: Screenshot from BenRanAway via YouTube
A hospital might sound like an unusual lunch spot if you’re not already there, but One @ Kent Ridge proves otherwise. The mall is actually found in the basement of NUH Medical Centre and is directly connected to Kent Ridge MRT Station, so sweaty outdoor walks won’t be a problem.
There’s more to do than just feasting here – you could squeeze in an extra bit of self-care time at Kskin, which specialises in Korean skin treatments in just under 15 minutes.
Of course, you’ll find all your Singapore mall classics too like Subway, Starbucks, and even a FairPrice for grocery shopping. If you’re looking for heartier meals, drop by Hugabo ($10-$15), which offers comforting noodle soups, or Dabba Street ($10-$15) for their delicious blend of Mediterranean and Indian flavours.
If you happen to traverse the Downtown line at Bugis MRT station, you’ll notice a walkway connecting the East-West and Downtown Line stations. The stretch features a good mix of F&B shops – perfect for a quick bite between stations.
Here you’ll find Singapore mall staple Fun Toast, known for their Nanyang-style coffee (from $2.20) and Kaya Butter Toast ($3.30), halal-certified Cafe Kook, which sells Chicken Rice from $4.50 – a great choice for something heartier.
The stretch also houses Tosuta Master, located at the start of the walkway from the East-West line. Although the bakery seems small at first glance, its offerings are not to be underestimated. Check out their selection of Castella cakes with flavours like Original ($8), Pandan ($10), and Cheese ($10).
Just a few steps away, there’s also a mini Watsons stocked up with any basic necessities you may need, like toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and hair products.
In an era of surprise flash floods and sweltering temperatures, MRT malls are a godsend for those seeking a way to escape the harsh elements. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a bit of a walkabout before conveniently hopping on the train home after a long day at work, these malls have got you covered. Just don’t get lost while you’re adventuring through the linkways.
For more MRT tips:
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local
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