The Complete Guide to get to Joo Chiat Complex using MRT.
Are you wondering how to get to Joo Chiat Complex by MRT? Well, in this article, we provide you with a complete step-by-step overview of how to get to this popular traditional mall in Singapore. Ideally, by the end of this article, you should get there in a fast, efficient, and affordable manner.
Technically, there are currently two different MRT stations that can be used to access Joo Chiat Complex. We will outline how to get to Joo Chiat Complex using both of them. Ideally, this will make it easier for you to integrate it into your itinerary of Singapore.
There are some other interesting points of interest around the Joo Chiat Complex. We will provide you with some practical suggestions about sightseeing around Joo Chiat – one of Singapore’s best areas for exploring the Peranakan culture.
Joo Chiat Complex – Why should you visit?
Joo Chiat Complex is a bustling, traditional shopping centre right in the heart of Joo Chiat – one of Singapore’s most interesting areas for exploring Peranakan architecture.
Back in the day, Joo Chiat Complex was known as Changi Market. It was regarded as a popular trading place for Malays, Chinese and Indians during the 1960s. Until today, the focus here is still on selling interesting crafts, artworks, and textiles from these three cultures.
If you visit Joo Chiat Complex, chances are you will be impressed by the prices. It is considered to be a budget-friendly shopping environment with small merchants selling their goods.
Some of the most popular products for sale at Joo Chiat Complex include:
- Textiles and garments
- Traditional crafts and artwork
- Jewellery
You can also expect to find delicious food that is inspired by age-old Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.
Joo Chiat Complex is known as an excellent place to get tailoring services. You can purchase fabrics within the mall and then get dresses and other apparel made right on the spot. Now that is convenient service!
Overall, Joo Chiat Complex is not a fancy mall, but it still manages to offer interesting products at reasonable prices.
Specific Details – Getting to Geylang Serai Market by MRT
Step 1: Find the closest MRT station.
Getting to Joo Chiat Complex is much easier to get to if you stay at a hotel near an MRT station. Try to avoid long, unnecessary walks in Singapore’s intense afternoon heat if possible. Instead, take your time and strategically find a place to stay in a convenient area serviced by public transportation.
The MRT Network in Singapore services most city areas, so once you’re close to a station, it’s quite easy to access most points of interest, including Joo Chiat Complex.
Here are three examples below of strategically located hotels that are within very short walking distance:
Fullerton Hotel (5-star) (very close to Raffles Place Station)
Marina Bay Sands (5-star) (very close to Bayfront Station)
Fairmont Singapore (5-star)(very close to Esplanade Station)
With your accommodation sorted, it’s time to discuss which station(s) to use to get to Joo Chiat Complex.
Step 2: Locate Eunos Station or Paya Lebar Station and buy your ticket.
Conveniently, you can access Joo Chiat Complex from two different MRT stations:
Eunos Station – northeast of the complex
Paya Lebar Station – northwest of the complex
Refer to the map in the station (where you begin your trip) and check to see where you are relative to Joo Chiat Complex.
What is better – a ticket or a multi-use card to reach Joo Chiat Complex?
Next, you have to focus on buying a ticket for your trip.
There are a few choices, and it comes down to how long you are in the city and how frequently you plan on using the MRT?
You can select from these tickets:
- Single trip tickets
- Stored value cards
- Singapore Tourist Passes
Read this detailed guide for the best information about buying MRT tickets in Singapore.
If you are only making a few trips, you might want just to buy a single journey ticket. You can purchase these at a ticketing machine. The downside is that if the station is busy going to Joo Chiat Complex, you might have to wait in line.
When we figured out how to get to Joo Chiat Complex by MRT, we used one of these: multi-use cards that you can buy and then top up with cash. You can avoid lines with these, which is convenient.
Singapore Tourist Passes are popular with foreign guests in the city who have busy itineraries. If you want to go all over the city from one place to the next, these are awesome. They allow holders to use the bus and MRT unlimited times for a set period of time (usually 1-3 days). If you are a busy traveller, then this is the cheapest choice. Visitors with active plans for three days or less will benefit from a Tourist Pass.
Read More: How to buy Singapore Tourist Passes – The Complete Guide
Step 3: Travel to either Eunos Station or Paya Lebar Station.
As mentioned before, you can get to Joo Chiat Complex via Eunos Station or Paya Lebar Station.
Joo Chiat Complex is south of both of these. But you should get off at whatever station is closer to you.
Eunos Station is only one stop east of Paya Lebar on the East-West Line. If you are travelling from Changi Airport, it makes more sense to get off at Eunos Station.
But most people staying downtown should get off at Paya Lebar Station. It is west of the Joo Chiat Complex. Therefore, you will reach this station first if you stay in the downtown area (around Marina Bay). It’s on the East-West (green) Line and the Circle (orange) Line.
Step 4: Get off the train at Paya Lebar or Eunos.
Collect all your personal belongings and alight at either Paya Lebar or Eunos Station (whichever is more convenient for you).
Step 5: Exit Eunos or Paya Lebar Station and walk to Joo Chiat Complex.
Walking directions from Eunos Station to Joo Chiat Complex :
Eunos Station has three different exits. You can take Exit A and walk south of the station. Walk west along Sims Avenue until you reach Jalan Ubi. Turn left (south) and walk down Jalan Ubi. Turn right (west) onto Changi Road). Then walk along Changi Road until you reach the entrance of Joo Chiat Complex (on your left (south)).
You can expect the walk from Eunos Station to Joo Chiat Complex to take about 10 minutes. It is about 850 meters from the station.
Walking directions from Paya Lebar Station to Joo Chiat Complex :
Paya Lebar Station has five different ground-level exits. Take Exit D onto Sims Avenue. Walk east along Sims Road until you reach Geylang Serai Road. Turn right (south) and walk along Geylang Serai Road until you see Joo Chiate Complex on your right (south).
The walk from Paya Lebar Station to Joo Chiat Complex is 900 meters, and this should take you about 10-12 minutes.
Comparing Walking Times
Whether you alight at Eunos or Paya Lebar Station you should expect very similar walking times to Joo Chiat Complex. Therefore, you should alight from the train at whichever station you first stop at. It doesn’t really make sense to travel to the next station because the travel time is almost identical.
Should you stay at a hotel near Joo Chiat Complex?
The Joo Chiat area is known as an affordable area to stay in because of a healthy selection of 2-3 star boutique hotels and cheap hawker food. North of Joo Chiat Complex is Geylang which is known for its nightlife.
If you walk south of Joo Chiat Complex to Joo Chiat Road you will find about ten 3-star hotels that are affordable and close to noteworthy points of interest such as the Peranakan Houses. Staying along this road will ensure easy access to lots of delicious restaurants and lively pubs.
A few of the most highly rated close to Joo Chiat Complex include:
Hotel Classic by Venue (3-star, 8.3/10 review score with 2,000+ reviews)
Champion Hotel (3-star, 7.8/10 review score with 850+ reviews)
Ibis Budget Singapore Joo Chiat (3-star, 8.0/10 review score with 600+ reviews)
The walk from these properties to the nearest MRT stations can take a bit of time, so it’s good to know bus routes if you plan on staying here.
Read More: Singapore Accommodation Guide – Find the Best Places to Stay, Now…
Conclusion – Making your way to Joo Chiat Complex
Ideally, we hope that this step-by-step guide on how to get to Joo Chiat Complex by MRT provides all the information that you need. Remember, our goal is to make it a stress-free and budget-friendly trip!
Also, take note that there are several points of interest that you can explore around Joo Chiat Complex.
For example, Haig Road Market and Food Centre (a few minutes west of Joo Chiat Complex) and Geylang Serai Market (directly north of Joo Chiat Complex) are two popular places for foodies.
Then, consider heading south of Joo Chiat Complex. Travel along Joo Chiat Road to the Peranakan Houses. Bring along a good camera because the facades are beautiful and well preserved.
Then, walk a few minutes east to the Intan – an interesting Peranakan house turned museum. By the end of this Joo Chiat itinerary, you should have a better understanding of Peranakan culture and cuisine.
If you have any questions about getting to Joo Chiat Complex or sightseeing in this area, please send us an email or comment below. We would be delighted to help you! Now, be sure to enjoy your trip to Joo Chiat Complex in fascinating Singapore!