The step-by-step guide to getting to Sim Lim Tower using the MRT network.
Welcome to the best guide on how to get to Sim Lim Tower by MRT in Singapore.
If you’re looking for electronics, then you should consider checking out Sim Lim Tower.
In this article, we will outline how to reach it regardless of which area of Singapore you are starting your trip.
Sim Lim Tower is located in Bugis, near several other malls. It’s super easy to access via MRT and within walking distance of several stations.
We will outline which line(s) you can take to get there and all the station information you need.
Shopping at Sim Lim Tower in Singapore
Sim Lim Tower opened back in 1980. Like many other shopping centres in Singapore, it’s a mixed-use development. It consists of a retail (shopping) component and office spaces spanning a total of 15 storeys.
Most shoppers head to Sim Lim Tower for electronics.
It is well known for a wide selection of sound systems, audio/visual systems, lighting products, CCTVs, switchboards, mobiles, and computers. You might also find terminal blocks, microprocessors and other miscellaneous electronic components like LEDs.
According to online reviews, comparing prices between different vendors is a wise idea to ensure you get the best deal. Many vendors sell the same products, so direct comparisons can be easily made.
If you can’t find what you are looking for at Sim Lim Tower, you can also visit Sim Lim Square, which is only a few minutes away. It’s also loaded with electronics and IT services.
Getting to Sim Lim Tower via MRT
Step 1: Map out your route to Sim Lim Tower – Lines and Stations?
There are several MRT stations within walking distance of Fu Lu Shou Complex, but the two best stations for walking there are
Bugis Station (DT14/EW12)
Rochor Station (DT13)
According to the station codes above, you can access Bugis Station on either the Downtown (Blue) Line or the East-West (Green) Line.
Rochor Station is on the Downtown Line (similar to Bugis).
Step 2: Walk to the closest MRT station in Singapore.
Singapore’s MRT network is extensive, consisting of multiple lines, servicing most city areas.
If you book a room near an MRT station, then you should be able to access the network efficiently and save money getting to places, including Sim Lim Tower.
This will ensure easy access to the MRT, making all your trips cheaper and faster.
You will avoid all taxi, parking, and bus fees while bypassing traffic congestion.
Here are two properties right near MRT stations that we suggest staying at
Marina Bay Sands Hotel (right beside Bayfront Station)
Fullerton Hotel (right beside Raffles Place Station)
Learn More: Top Luxury Hotels near Marina Bay
You will find that some of the top hotels are located in Marina Bay. They offer awesome views, but they aren’t cheap! Head to Chinatown, Little India, Katong, Bugis or Geylang for a much wider selection of hostels and boutique hotels.
Step 3: Buy a transport card to reach Sim Lim Tower.
There are two main types of transport cards for getting to Sim Lim Tower via MRT:
Stored Value Cards
Singapore Tourist Passes are designed for busy, short-term visitors to Singapore.
You can get unlimited bus and train rides for a set number of days.
You have to use the MRT several times daily to save money.
We initially used a stored-value card while discovering how to get to Fu Lu Shou Complex by MRT.
Buying and using a stored-value card is super easy.
Just top it up with enough cash balance to get around. Then, after each trip, your balance will get automatically updated when you exit the MRT network or buses in the city.
Step 4: Ride the MRT all the way to Rochor, Bugis, or Jalan Besar Station.
Ride the MRT to Rochor, Bugis or Jalan Besar Station to access Sim Lim Tower.
You can use the Downtown or East-West Line to access Bugis or the Downtown Line to reach Rochor Station and Jalan Besar Station.
Expect to hear some verbal announcements on the train as you approach each station and move closer to an exit before you stop.
Step 5: Alight upon arrival at Rochor, Bugis, or Jalan Besar Station.
Alight when you arrive at Rochor, Bugis or Jalan Besar Station.
Don’t forget to collect all your stuff before getting off.
Step 6: Exit your station of choice.
In the section below, we summarize the specific steps needed to exit each station on the way to Sim Lim Tower.
The faster you exit the station, the faster you will reach the mall.
Exiting Rochor Station
Rochor Station (DT13) is built underneath Sungei Road and Rochor Canal Road and is within convenient walking distance of Bugis, Rochor and Little India districts.
It consists of 3 main levels:
L1 – Street Level
L2 – Ticketing Concourse
B3 – Downtown Line Train
You will arrive at the Level B3 Train Platforms while heading to Sim Lim Tower.
Travel from the platform up to L1 – Street Level using the stairs, escalator or elevator.
You can choose from two exits leading to ground level (A and B) at Rochor MRT station.
Take EXIT B to walk from Rochor Station to Sim Lim Tower.
Exiting Bugis Station
Bugis Station (EW12/DT14) is built below the junction of Victoria Street, Rochor Road and North Bridge Road.
It consists of 5 levels:
L1 – Street Level
B1 – Underpass and Ticketing Concourse
B2 – East-West Line Train Platforms
B3 – Linkway
B5 – Downtown Line Train Platforms
You will arrive at Level B2 or Level B5.
Bugis MRT station has four ground-level exits (A, B, C and D).
Use the stairs, lift or elevators up to Level 1.
Then, take EXIT A from Bugis Station to reach Sim Lim Tower.
Exiting Jalan Besar Station
Jalan Besar Station (DT22) is built under Jalan Besar at the junction with Weld Road.
It consists of 5 main levels:
L1 – Street Level
B1 – Underpass
B2 – Concourse and Ticketing East-West Line Train Platforms
B3 – Intermediate Floor
B4 – Downtown Line Train Platforms A and B
Jalan Besar MRT station has two exits at ground level (Exit A and B).
Take EXIT A from Jalan Besar Station to reach Sim Lim Tower.
Step 7: Walk from Rochor, Bugis, or Jalan Besar Station to Sim Lim Tower.
The walk from Rochor, Bugis or Jalan Besar Station to Sim Lim Tower shouldn’t take you very long.
You can expect the walking distance and time to be quite similar.
Here are the specific directions below.
Walking from Rochor Station
Exit B at Rochor Station will bring you onto Sungei Road.
Walk southeast along Sungei Road.
Eventually, you will reach the intersection between Sungei Road and Jalan Besar.
Cross Jalan Besar Road and then enter Sim Lim Tower using the southern entrance.
Walking from Bugis Station
Exit A at Bugis Station will bring you to Victoria Street.
Head northeast on Victoria Street toward Ophir Road.
Turn left onto Ophir Road
Then, take a sharp right turn onto Rochor Canal Road.
Walk north and cross Rochor River and Sungei Road.
Enter Sim Lim Tower using the southern entrance.
Walking from Jalan Besar Station
Exit A at Jalan Besar Station will bring you out onto the corner of Jalan Besar and Weld Road.
Briefly head southwest on Jalan Besar.
Enter Sim Lim Tower using the northeast entrance.
Walking Distance from Surrounding Stations to Sim Lim Tower?
Rochor, Bugis and Jalan Besar are the closest stations to Sim Lim Tower.
But, due to its central location, it’s possible to walk from other stations as well.
Here is a summary of the closest stations:
Station Name |
Walking Distance toSim Lim Tower |
Walking Time toSim Lim Tower |
| Jalan Besar (DT22) | 150 m | 2 minutes |
| Rochor (DT13) | 350 m | 4 minutes |
| Bugis (DT14/EW12) | 500 m | 7 minutes |
| Little India (DT12/NE7) | 850 m | 11 minutes |
| Bras Basah (CC2) | 1.2 km | 15 minutes |
| Bencoolen (DT21) | 1.2 km | 16 minutes |
As you can see, there are 6 stations within a 16-minute walking distance of Sim Lim Tower.
We suggest walking from the three closest stations. Once the walking time is over 10 minutes, you can consider connecting with bus services to reach Sim Lim Square (especially if it’s raining or super hot outside).
Other Points of Interest?
Sim Lim Tower is south of the shopping centres in Little India and north of the malls in Bugis. Therefore, it’s in a strategic location for visiting several malls within the same day.
Once you take the MRT here, it’s easy to walk around.
Some of the most popular malls to explore are
Fu Lu Shou Complex (Directions)
Bugis Junction (Directions)
Bugis+ (Directions)
Sim Lim Square (Directions)
OG Albert Department Store
The Bencoolen
Bugis Street Market (Directions) is a popular place to check out, and it’s within direct walking distance of Bugis+ and Bugis Junction.
Indian Heritage Centre (Directions), Sultan Mosque, Abdul Gafoor Mosque and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple are interesting cultural points near Sim Lim Tower.
Where to stay?
With Sim Lim Tower between Bugis and Little India, you will find a lot of 2, 3, and 4-star properties here.
It’s not a bad area if you’re looking for budget-friendly places to stay.
Most of the properties are directly north of Sim Lim Tower, across Jalan Besar or further south on the other side of Victoria Street.
Some of the closest properties here are:
Hotel 81 Rochor (3-star)
Mayo Inn (3-star)
Kawan Hostel (2-star)
Always double-check the location of your hotel in Singapore to make sure it’s close to the MRT.
Review scores are important. Try to find a place with a score above 8/10 to ensure it’s clean, safe and well-managed.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now know how to get to Sim Lim Tower by MRT in Singapore.
There are at least 6 stations within 16 minutes (walking distance) or less from it.
But the top three options are definitely:
Rochor Station (DT13)
Bugis Station (DT14/EW12)
Jalan Besar Station (DT22)
The Downtown Line services both Rochor and Jalan Besar, whereas the East-West and Downtown Line services Bugis.
Bugis Station is a transfer station between the EW and Downtown Lines.
Once you are done shopping at Sim Lim Tower, you will have tons of other shopping malls to explore. Most of them are conveniently clustered around Rochor and Bugis Station.