Sim Lim Tower
Normally when anyone thinks of electronics shopping in Singapore, they think of Sim Lim Square, which while worth the visit is more general computers, cameras, phones etc, whereas the "Other" Electronics mall is Sim Lim Tower which is more lighting, tools, books and electronic components etc.
So, heading out from the hotel and getting to Sim Lim Tower is nothing more than a case of heading for Sim Lim Square and crossing the street, er, well, it's a long-term construction site, so be careful with the traffic and watch for the lights.
Why I mention the " W atch for the lights", is not just a Public Service Announcement, but the result of something I witnessed when some idiot on a push bike came out of a street without looking and got close to being taken out by a truck.
Getting there from the hotel was a short, easy walk; head for Bugis Junction Shopping Mall, which is very close, then turn left, and you will see both the Square and Tower right ahead of you.
Before I forget, if you are shopping for electronics, you may want to stop at the Bugis Junction Mall and check out the Challenger Electronics Superstore, which is in the basement of the mall.
For those not familiar with Challenger, it is an electronics superstore similar to the JB Hi-Fi Electronics Stores I am used to in Sydney.
The first challenge of the day was to find the entrance, which, believe it or not, is not as simple as it should be. There are two entrances, the first seems to be for the offices above the mall, whereas the one you want is the second one.
When you make it inside, you will find this place, just like Sim Lim Square, is a bit of a rabbit warren, but on a smaller scale and is very easy to get turned around, so I suggest you, as I did, start in the basement, then work your way up from there.
And yes, there are steps from the entrance down to the basement. Maybe it's just me, but I found it easier not to get turned around.
As for what is actually on offer here, well, just about everything electronic component-related, plus tools and books, although you will notice that there is a heavy bias toward LED lighting, especially on the upper levels.
This has been getting worse over the past few years, to the point where, in a few years, sunscreen may be needed.
There are a few shops that stand out, and yes, I have made many purchases from each of them, and no, they have not paid or even asked me to include them here.
Continental Electronics: This was one I found by accident after being referred to them by a shop on the upper level when I asked them about where to get a specific type of motor.
Heading in, it was like the proverbial Aladdin's cave of tech, with rows of bits and pieces, holding just about anything you would need for robots, Arduino parts, mountains of sensors, motors, etc, and even components such as resistors, chips and capacitors.
As a surprise to me, they even had not only the specific geared motor I was looking for, but also the tiny surface-mounted push switch that I needed for a repair.
Each time I visit, which has been several times, I have always dealt with the same staff, a very knowledgeable woman with perfect English. Each time she had been very helpful, and even remembered me between rare visits.
The only downside is that they do not take credit cards, only cash and NETS cards. Oh well you cannot have everything, and yes I will get a NETS Prepaid Card at some point.
Hoon San Electronic Co.: This one, I found while wandering around looking at tool stores that stocked very high-quality, ideally Japanese-made tools.
First thing I noted was the older woman sitting in a chair in the corridor, who asked me what I was looking for, plus where I was from, how long I was in Singapore, etc. It turns out that she is the wife of the owner.
Heading in, it was a sea of tools, and from my initial look, higher quality than some of the others I had looked at.
The staff was very knowledgeable and helped me find exactly what I was looking for, and yes, the prices were good.
For this visit, I was looking for some very specific tools, and outside of eBay and some very expensive online stores, I had never seen anyone who stocked them. So I ended up making a mountain of purchases.
After several visits over the years, nothing has changed; they are a must-visit for tools, and one of the most friendly shops in Sim Lim Tower. From talking to the staff, it seems the store is family-owned and has been in business forever—a good sign.
While they do not have a website, they do take credit cards, NETS, cash, etc. Another good sign.
As for my thoughts on Sim Lim Tower, well, as a surprise to no one, if you want electronic components, robot parts, books, test equipment, etc, then it's the only place to go in Singapore.