Recently opened on the 28th March 2009, Iluma showcases a new era of shopping experience for all. It is a ten storey shopping mall with a unique artistic façade. Its main focus is on the arts and entertainment, creating a dynamic arts scene in Bugis.

Special Features

The towering ten-storey mall is certainly a sight to behold. Upon arrival, we were instantly captivated by its immensely unique exterior, which is one that certainly embodies a creative perspective of art. The Iluma stands out from other shopping malls with most of its space being dedicated to the arts and entertainment. The beauty of its exterior is the ingenious work of award-winning architecture firm, Woha. The phenomenal façade of the Iluma had us blown away before we even continued to explore the outlets inside.

Ever wanted to go on an everlasting trip to nowhere? Here’s your chance! The Iluma has escalators that transport visitors from level 1 to level 4 directly. It is no surprise that this special feature had us going up and down this extremely long escalator more than once. Although it takes about approximately forty-five seconds to reach level 4, the view one can experience from the escalator is more captivating than the view one witnesses on the grueling forty-five minutes on the Singapore Flyer.

Shopping

Die-hard anime fans will love to visit the Otaku House at the Iluma. The shop is generally a mini Cosplay convention in itself where Japanese anime collectibles are abundant. The Otaku House presented an insightful anime culture. To all the fans of metal swords, knifes and bleeding dolls out there, a trip down to the Otaku House should certainly be one, not to be missed.

Entertainment

Being addicted movie-goers, the sight of the movie theatre at the Iluma was a sign of hope. With state-of-the-art sound system, it is inevitable that it’s almost impossible to resist watching a movie there. The Film Garde Cineplex has even hosted the 2009 Singapore International Film Festival’s Silver Screen Awards at Iluma’s Cineplex earlier this year. Although the temperature of the theatre was slightly frigid, the overwhelming space of the Filmgarde Cineplex is enough to impress us.

Food - Asian Kitchen

Asian Kitchen is a beautifully decorated restaurant with intricately designed wallpaper and a cozy ambience. Its savory Asian cuisine is reminiscent of the traditional Asian food. Its simplistic style of wooden tables and chairs provides one a sense of nostalgia.

‘Asian Kitchen’ provides a delectable taste and an unforgettable experience of Asian cuisine. Its ‘fried gyoza’ has a crispy thin layer of crust on the exterior with a nicely seasoned mixture of vegetables in it. The tasty vegetables simply melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more. Secondly, the fried rice, albeit a simple dish has a nice aroma and palatable taste with its moderate mixture of various ingredients. Thirdly, another unforgettable dish of brilliant creation is the ‘xiao long bao’. When you sink your teeth into these small, slightly translucent dim sums, a burst of rich and juicy flavor will instantly erupt in your mouth.

Overall rating: Asian Kitchen is certainly value for money and its wide variety of scrumptious Asian cuisine will simply leave you craving for more.

Dishes that are a must try!!!
Fried rice, fried gyoza and xiao long bao.

Accessiblity

Iluma is located just a stone throw away from the Bugis MRT station providing much convenience to shoppers.

Overall rating

Iluma’s distinctive features ranging from its façade to it outlets differ from the conventional shopping malls, serves a whole new experience and spells a new definition for shopping. Hence, a trip down to Iluma is certainly worthwhile.
Overall Rating: 8/10

Written by Diyanah and Isabelle