Hotels near Bras Basah Complex

Mention Bras Basah Road to a Singaporean who lived through the 1970s and “books, stationery and printing services” are among the words which may spring to mind. Back then, the road which houses today’s Bras Basah Complex was identifiable with two rows of shophouses, famous for such services. It thrived as a popular haunt for students from nearby schools such as Raffles Institution, Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus and St Joseph’s Institution, drawn to the area for its affordable books and stationery.

Bras Basah Complex was known as shu cheng which is “City of Books” in Mandarin as the complex is famed for its numerous bookstores. It is also known as bai sheng lou in Mandarin. The complex consists of two blocks of 21-storey flats above a 4 & 5-storey office and shopping podium. It was built by the Housing and Development Board and was completed in 1979. It was home to many bookstores which used to operate at North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road areas.

Today, it still serves as a one-stop centre for educational books and art materials. Bras Basah Complex was also a popular venue for Singapore xinyao singers to launch and promote their albums in the 1980s. Now, Bras Basah Complex receives a new stream of patrons from the students of neighbouring arts institutions. Together with the adjacent National Library, this building upholds the longstanding traditions of the street, operating as art and cultural hub for books, stationery, arts, crafts, and hobby supplies.

How to Get There

By MRT

Nearest MRT stations to Bras Basah Complex are Bras Basah MRT. From the station, take Exit A to get to Bras Basah Complex.

Tourist Attractions

National Museum of Singapore

If you have time to visit only one place to learn about the history and culture of Singapore, this is probably it. The National Museum of Singapore tells you the intriguing story of this country in a manner that is both fun and rewarding. Imagine standing in the midst of a vast darkened space surrounded by a massive video montage showing everyday life in Singapore while a rousing symphony plays in the background. That’s just a taste of the immersive experience you can expect here. With its history dating back to 1887, the National Museum is the nation’s oldest, and one of the city’s architectural icons.

Its permanent offerings, the Singapore History and Living Galleries, piece together the past and present in a compelling narrative. The building itself is a wondrous structure that has seamlessly fused the old with the new, enhancing the elegant neo-classical building with a new modernist extension of glass and metal. The museum hosts a dynamic range of events through the year—from art installations and festivals to performances and film screenings—in addition to presenting exhibitions involving historically and culturally important collections of artefacts. A selection of cafes and restaurants, as well as a retail space to pick up some souvenirs, round off a spectacular cultural offering.

Hotels

Heritage @ Cityhall

Offering a sunny balcony, the central Heritage @ Cityhall apartment is strategically located in Singapore. A lift, a safe deposit box and storage for belongings are available on the premises. The venue lies in the proximity of Central Business District as well as a tower, a museum and a temple. It is set a 10-minute drive from National Orchid Garden, while Singapore city centre is 1 km away. Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar and Gunther's can be reached within a 5-minute walk from the property. Located in modern Singapore, the apartment is in direct proximity to Raffles City. The accommodation features climate control, an individual safe and a cupboard as well as a kitchenette with a microwave, an electric kettle, a fridge and a toaster. With parquetry floors, this apartment includes a bathroom with a spa bathtub and a shower. There are beds with down comforters and feather pillows provided. Bathrooms have a hairdryer, free toiletries and bath sheets.

Fragrance Hotel - Bugis

Fragrance Hotel - Bugis is located along Middle Road, a 10-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station and a 15-minute walk to Parco Bugis Junction and Bugis Village. The cosy hotel offers affordable and modern accommodation. Cosy guestrooms are fitted with tea/coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV. The en suite bathroom comes with bathroom amenities and shower. Luggage storage can be found at the 24-hour front desk. The hotel offers guided sightseeing tours upon request and at an extra charge. Fragrance Hotel – Bugis is a 30-minute drive from Changi International Airport. The popular Orchard Road is a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

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