Reviews of Bras Basah Complex. (Shopping Mall) - Singapore (Singapore).

Bras Basah Complex

7982 Customer reviews

128 User comments

Shopping mall

Shopping mall

Art center

Book store

Gemologist

Music store

231 Bain St, Singapore 180231

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Information about Bras Basah Complex (Shopping mall - Singapore, Singapore)

Check place details, opening hours, peak hours, contact information, photos and real user reviews.

This place has excellent reviews and demonstrates great customer service. Highly recommended!

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Opening hours for Bras Basah Complex

Peak hours

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Reviews of Bras Basah Complex

G. N.

One of my favourite places. It has the huge popular bookstore and other smaller shops selling Christian books, Japanese collectable figures and scale models and many more. Another thing is due to the lack of people traffic in some days many of the shops are opened with irregular hours. Shops like the popular bookstores is closes at 7pm from Sunday to Thursday while the Christian shop is closed on sunday

K. S.

There's so many memories made at this place. Nice place to explore with many stories shared amongst the local shop keepers. An interesting mix of shops not limited to 2nd hand books shops, vintage collectables, art galleries, designer books, model kits, coffee etc.

T. W. W.

Love this place because there is the largest popular bookstore here that has the cheapest and the most worth it books. I saw art friend, second handbook store, stores selling test papers etc. A place where you can find a lot of good stuff!! But the not so good part is that the walk from the mrt to the complex is very far and tiring 💔

V. C. (.

Bras Basah Complex has always been a place for Musicians if you are looking for new types of guitars instruments or great digital keyboards and speakers from Swee Lee. There are also Art Friend and Popular Bookstore where necessary shopping items can be purchased from for Artistic individuals. Various interesting printing services can be found here too. Great place to shop around during your free period.

N. T.

Nostalgic place for books browsing and purchase . This place has accompanied many Singaporeans through our childhood years - getting books and stationary for school, and finding rare Chinese language books.

J. N.

Always my most favourite place to source English and Chinese books at an affordable price. Got the Old-world charm and close to Raffles City. Love the fact that it has coffee shops downstairs too.

D. T.

Its a very interesting place to visit since it just has so much variety. It is rich in heritage as well. Good place to buy instruments, art supplies, books and second hand book (lots of old books no longer in circulation) It really is a very humble place to visit.

s. d.

This shopping mall can really really buy vegetables on one of some small supermarkets but they also I got 24 levels or I think it's 49 but I think it's only 24 the last level but is very low but when I go to block 79 e the list that looks good it has 40 levels this looks good so for books and much more

H. S. k.

It's referred to the Books' City in the 1980s , flanking Bain Street, Blk 231, 232, and North Bridge Road and Victoria Street. It's known as XIAO PO [ in the 50's to 70"s] It houses the Popular Book Store on Level 2 and 3 as well as Biblical Stores, Art Stores, local Book Stores. Bread Stores, Newly Renovated Food Court that offers not only Local Food Fare such as Wanton Noodles, Bak Choy Mee as well as Thai Food and Penang Island Food. There's good coffees being offered as well.

I. K.

Basheer Graphic Books As a visitor from Hong Kong witnessing most of the top bookstores closed down there over the years, it is delightful to see a bookstore with a wide collection of art and design books still exists in Singapore. Definitely a gem in the country and hope it will continue to thrive!

L. L. S.

Looking for art material? Art Friend a wide store displaying their stuff giving an idea of the art creation needs. Wide range of books on english, chinese & stationery are available along the shops with Popular book store the main. Mini food court & Jack's Place also located here.

F. C. L.

I found it to be quite a dainty little place with many things like books n magazines I went there for, overall the place had a nice quaint rustic charm to it, I liked going there to unwind!

B. T.

Bras Basah Complex has always been one of my favourite malls to visit. It has so many hidden jems and personality in the stores there that modern malls these days lack. I love checking out Art Friend, Swee Lee, Hobby Point and the various niche book stores that cater to a wide audience. I could lose myself in the charm of the Bras Basah Complex for hours on end and still be uncovering new experiences. It is honestly a great place to explore!

S. T.

Always loved going to Bras Basah Complex to buy school books. Holds special memories.

P. N. P.

FAQ about walking distance from various MRT stations: - Bras Basah Station (CC22) via Victoria St. 302m. -Bencoolen (DT21) via Victoria St. 411m. -City Hall Station (EW13/NS25) via North Bridge Rd 437m. -Bugis Station (DT14) via North Bridge Rd 470m. Conclusion: Shorter walking distance from Bras Basah MRT station exit A start from Bras Basah Rd turn left at Victoria St enter the complex from block 323 near Coffee Express Food Court. Old non-aircon Shopping Complex but this shopping centre has something special to offer. Known to be a place for lot of bookstores, Artists supplies, Music & Sports supplies. More to specialists mall.

S. G.

Collection of chinese cultural tool shops, small businesses and photography services. Good stop by for a couple of cafe trips as well.

P. 1.

Last day shop operates will be on 31 July 2024. It will close down for good. Lotsa of memorable memories! Good ol' vibes.

M. C. L.

I went there in the afternoon, so many shoppes closed. There are many art gift shop.

M. C.

I’ve been seeing Joyce Ong at Gems Shine in Bras Basah Complex for over a decade, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her guidance. Joyce is incredibly patient, always taking the time to address any questions or concerns I have. Her insight and expertise in 八字 (Bazi) are truly remarkable; during my very first visit, she accurately identified my challenges even before I mentioned them. This level of skill and knowledge impressed me deeply. Additionally, Joyce is highly knowledgeable in Fengshui audits and never pushes any Fengshui items on me. My life has consistently improved year after year thanks to her invaluable advice. I wholeheartedly recommend Joyce Ong for anyone seeking genuine and effective Fengshui guidance.

N. S.

Has the biggest Popular Bookstore... Anything to do with art supplies, stationary, books, photocopying, frames, etc... This is the place to go...

d. a.

Our go to place when we want to buy art and crafts materials for our office. Also books architecture, planning and landscape.

G. K.

Wow...👌awesome place to find that special shirt or souvenir. I will be back very soon, great eateries in and around the area 👍

C. M.

a super fun place to look for arts and crafts needs, and books too!

N. L. H.

There are both new and old book stores

T. L.

Great place to shop for books stationery, watches clocks, pre-loved books, etc. Near City Hall MRT.

L.

A good place to find arts and crafts as well as school supplies with less money. I particularly love the second hand books stores here.

J. C.

Nice place to look for Chinese & English books. Vast amount of Chinese book

H. T.

Great place to find books and art tools

k. t.

Stationary and art products have a lot. Missing books stores.

T. T.

A place with art friend, popular, stationary, art stores, music instruments, second hand books, art and design speciality bookstore, small cozy shops to get art related materials or items.. there is also a shop that custom make violin! <3

D. S.

A nostalgic place where one could find old used books, chinese calligraphy, art galleries, and lots of art supplies shops

J. S.

Old School mall with old school charm. Some unique offerings like a second-hand book store, music shops, arts and crafts shops, writing instrument shops, and a few watch and clock shops. Interesting. They have a local kopitiam and a lot of amazing food in the streets nearby.

C. G.

Good outlet to buy stationery and I was surprised to see so many models of calculators compared to other outlets. A wide range of IT & gadgets too if you're are looking for it. Will definitely shop here again.

n. w. p.

You can find any arts and crafts in this complex. A mega Popular bookstore for you to roam around. A few 2nd book store for you to do some book treasure hunting.. Do note the carpark is under renovation... However you can park at the National Library which is walking distance to this complex.

A. L.

Mainly to buy musical instruments and guitar parts. A nice place to visit the complex because apart from the number of musical shops, there are bookshops, printing shops, a reasonably priced restaurant and many other shops. It is good to spend some time scouting around for things that are needed to purchase. The building is old but clean.

C. D.

This old and crusty shopping centre has many good guitar, sport, and art shops. The business there are well established and the prices are reasonable. I’ve found good deals on instruments, school and office supplies, and the food centre has some nice stalls, albeit not supper clean. It’s centrally located and even has parking. This is a go to mall for many useful things.

K. L.

I like this place a lot probably because it is very unlike the modern expensive mall where only the landlord makes money and everything is priced to recover the hefty rental. Here at Bras Basah, you can find an array of old-style shops selling anything from musical instruments (Swee Lee, Ranking, etc), a wide range of books and stationery, watches, pens, sports equipment, etc. Also, restaurants like Jack's Place, art school and a food court!! Parking is easy as well. Hopefully, this place stays the way it is for a long long time.. If not, it'll be another Singapore mall where all the shops are similar, usually part of a chain and priced for tourists while the landlord attempts to create a 'theme feature' for differentiation. Updated. Some of the old book shops are gone.. Replaced by coffee shops.. 😂.. Latest addition will be a Toast Box outlet which has been hugely popular. Jack's Place is still the perennial favourite for everyone!!

O. C.

Good place to buy books and stationary. A number of printing shops for students and small companies printing needs. Many also provide digital printing of banners, standees and framing of posters.

R.

2nd hand books shops here are heaven for book lovers

C. T.

A traditional place where we used to get any books you need. It had been renovated with different genre nw. Now, you can find arts, books, bicycle shop, TCM etc...

S. A.

I went this place to visit to used book shops

W. L.

Great place if you are looking for books, stationery, musical instruments, or have your instant signage made within the same day. There are varieties of Chinese paintings and arts as well as lots of second hand books to choose from. Good food can be found too at the place.

K. K.

Very cool place to me. Love coming here for second hand books alone. Have the cool film photography shop, popular and music Instrument shops as well. Not to mention the past year assessment paper shops. Guess if you someone like me it's a cool place to walk around and all. Hobby point is there too. Couple of frame making and laminating shops there too. Worth a visit to check the place out even if it's not your thing. Iconic place at the wbrg least.

T. F.

Have not visit this place more than 10 yrs. The place look empty now after no many malls open nearby. Students no longer need to come here to buy book or 2nd hand book. Surprise to me that Past Year School Paper ( $15 per pack depand on subject ) is so much more expansive than 2nd hand book ( $2 or $10 for 3 ). 怕输心理. I saw a young couple busy to look for past year paper .... no wonder, younger generation loss their childhood playing time to doing past year paper.....

H. T.

Quaint and lovely place, not the most modern looking place but has what you need if books are what you are looking for. A few printing shops, music related shops, signage makers. Food court and Jack's Place too. Highlights would be the huge Popular and Art Friend.

L. S.

The anchor tenants Popular and Art Friend are always a go-to for the widest range of books and art supplies and everything in-between. The complex also has wide range of craftwork, music equipment, stationery, time pieces and art works. A feast for the eyes and interests of people with such interests.

Z. S.

Full of guitar shops, most of which accept CDC vouchers.

H.

Best place to find your arts and crafts stuff, and also to print anything from cards to banners. The largest popular book store is in the complex too.

F. M.

A place that is also nickname as "Book City" in the earlier days. In the Internet age where books no longer holds a significant use, this building too also lost much of its luster much like the books. Still opened for business are mainly more specialized shops that caters to designers, musicians and bookstores that specialized in Chinese books.

R. R.

This shopping complex has mainly stationery and book shops. It also has shops that makes company seals, business cards etc. There's a small food court at the ground level that also has a good nasi padang (malay food) stall. The place is well known for books and stationers.

S. S.

The ideal place for all the stationery needs.. Not only stationery, a lot more. TBH for me one day is not enough to buy things here and am lost once I see the things they have. Less price and lots of choises. Wooden, pottery whatever you like, you can get here..

J. T. (. b.

Art drawings materials you can get it here

J. L. (.

There are many hidden gems in this complex. More on selling the materials to fulfill your hobbies. Calligraphy store, music store (vinyl recordings, music books), bookstore (secondhand books /old school comics books etc). Didn't really walk the whole complex but I will definitely come again to check on the books and calligraphy stuffs.

L. B.

Truffle fries were hot and fresh but didn't really taste of truffles. Chicken Wings were crispy as advertised. Fish burger was nice and the patty was crispy. Frozen drinks were delicious. Pricey for what it was however. 6.5/10 would recommend if you are unable to find anywhere else.

H. S.

Lovely lil spot with all stationary and books stalls. Lovely frame shops and genuine people

i.

there arent a lot of malls quite like bras basah these days, no major makeover on the facade since the 80s. but still, you still can see a good balance of ppl of all demographics here due to the specialty of goods some of the stalls have to offer since beginning. e.g., music-related stuffs, school assessment books, secondhand books, stationery shops (quite a few art schools within proximity)

C.

This is one of my favourite places as a teenager and still is. There are many choices of books (of all genre) and stationery here. You can find popular bookstore, tecman christian bookstore and so on. And it is next to Central National library where you can visit. Have an enjoyable time :)

D. D.

There is a shop calls ART FRIEND that sells everything for art, kids, hobbies and everything you need. Popular Bookstore is there too which sells books, stationary and IT stuff. Lots of bookstores that sell 2nd hand books. A mixture of other tenants like repairing your frames and paintings. Some media printing shops too. Excellent place.

A. K.

This is an authentic Korean BBQ outlet. The ambience is very much like that you would see in k drama. The marinated chicken and pork, as well as beef slices are fresh and juicy, well-enhanced by the aroma of the bbq sauce. Be warned tho... you will step out smelling like you were bbq instead.

S. M. M.

Here for Art Friend. When it comes to buying art supplies, it's kinda hard to top the breath of selection that Art Friend has to offer. Additionally for fan of music or gunpla, your needs can be served here as well. I have a weak spot for places with nostalgic value so, 5 stars all day.

J. F.

Good place to browse cheap books (mostly second hand) or pay for copying / printing / book-binding services. Big Art Friend store upstairs and a Popular bookstore too. National Library is right next door though so why pay when you can borrow for free! 😁

Z. M. H.

The hidden Korean BBQ - Ssikkek BBQ is nice and affordable! A place to chill and chat chat with friends because it’s not very crowded.

A. K.

Big Popular with no crowd so that I can actually browse and buy at ease. Also has a good selection of past year exam papers at the bookshop near escalators. Korean minimart near the ground floor convenient shop was good too.

C. “. A.

My childhood haunts for books and arts. Still like to come here to read books. Probally the best Popular Bookstore in town as its very very spacious and as crowded as the rest. Greatly enhances the shopping and reading experiences which most shops and malls lack.

V. L. T.

Nice and old school style building. Heaps of stationery, bookstores, artshops, and a really big Popular bookstore and stationery shops are throughout this building. Pretty cool to explore if you are looking for these goodies.

W. Y. W.

The complex and the block of flats were completed around 1980. It has an eclectic collection of shops. Music, books, graphic books, watches, art, stationery. Some shops still remind of a time gone by. The place still has an old world charm. Think this place holds many memories for people who grew up in the 80s and 90s.

R. A.

Old but still selling books. Popular book store n some stores selling musical instruments. Nostalgic place.

t. r.

This place looks rundown although it is supposedly a mall. But there are 2 amenities which I liked. A huge popular stall full of things which interest me as well as art friend with full of interesting items

H. C.

Chinese name of this place is called "Books City". This is the place to go to if you want to buy books. Popular is the anchor tenant here. Other notable shops include Knowledge bookstore, Tecman, Art Friend etc.

L. K. L.

Well known and mostly popular with students, the complex houses the Popular Book Store, shops dealing in secondhand books, art and handicraft, photocopying/printing, music, and other trades. There are restaurants, a food centre and a shop selling Korean products.

B. L.

One of the last bastions of 2nd hand book stores in Singapore. Do your really need to latest edition of that textbook? Publishers would say yes, their holiday home and Ferrari depends on you. Do your hard-earned money a favour and buy used.

E. H. P.

There was a bookstore, a restaurant, and various musical instruments and art materials in the building.

A. A.

Heaven for book lovers.

C. X.

This is a place where you can purchase old calligraphy-related books and writing materials. If you are lucky, you can purchase a famous book at a low price.

M. W.

A famous luxury shopping mall. There is also Basha Coffee. Great store and friendly staff. The display of displayed products is also excellent. Easy to access, clean, bright and nice

T.

A mall with cultural shops such as stationery, books, musical instruments, and art supplies. If you want something like that, I think you'll find it here. It's highly recommended as there are shops of all sizes that you can enjoy and kill time just by looking at them.

S. K.

I visit here often. I like it here. Since it is connected to HDB, it is very convenient for shopping in daily life. This is a place where a lot of musical instruments are sold. There are popular bookstores, used books, sports supplies, and art stores in a variety of areas. There is also a supermarket, coffee and food court.

藥.

Many bookstores and stationery shops, including the Popular Books Stores, as well as restaurants and etc. in Bras Basah Complex.

K. B. G.

It’s not busy on weekdays; it only gets crowded during holidays and Saturdays!

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