When you think of shopping in Singapore, you likely picture the sprawling, billion-dollar malls like the gigantic VivoCity and Jewel Changi, or the gleaming luxury boutiques lining Orchard Road. But did you know there’s a hidden gem that feels like a wonderfully weird anomaly far from tourist crowds in Singapore? The tiny complex, Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre, feels completely detached from the 21st century. In fact, it has refused to change since opening in the early 1980s. With its endless rows of shuttered iron grilles, echoing silent corridors, and heavily weathered retro tiles…it feels more like a ghost town than a retail destination. Read on to find out about the tiny ghost mall in Singapore.
What is actually hiding inside Singapore’s ghost mall?
Completed in 1982, the seemingly abandoned mall feels like stepping onto a time capsule. As you walk through the doors of the Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre, you’ll be greeted by a deafeningly quiet atmosphere.
But there’s a fascinating mix of tenants stubbornly holding down the fort. From the famous fish head curry spot named Jia Yi Curry Fish Head Eatery, to a handful of surviving 1980s retro shops, optical stores, beauty parlours, an ancient computer repair, a gym, and more…these businesses help to keep the complex alive. Certainly, you won’t find a bustling international chain of stores or flashy digital billboards in this venue.
Meanwhile, the iconic new indoor pickleball court (Play! Pickle @ Upper Serangoon) draws a refreshing weekend crowd for exciting tournaments and unique events such as the pickleball coffee raves which blend sports, brews, and beats.
Interestingly, the tiny mall spans just 176,000 square feet of floor space across six storeys—making it a dwarf mall compared to the largest mall in Singapore. Additionally, it boasts 171 commercial units and eight residential units, across all levels.
Although, the mall’s quirky time capsule days are numbered as the owners have been aggressively pushing for a massive $260 million collective sale. But sales failed twice in 2025 when they hoped a developer would buy and demolish it. Although, the development was relaunched for collective sale earlier this year. And only If sold, the old mall will be demolished and replaced with a sleeker, modern complex.
The new site will likely include residential units, serviced apartments, and a revamped retail component.
Overall, Upper Serangoon Mall is the perfect place to see for urban explorers and photographers. Plus, if you’re looking for a shopping experience that feels a bit bizarre, highly niche, and wacky with an abandoned feel…this mall is worth exploring before it’s gone.
How to get there
Located at 756 Upper Serangoon Road, Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre is easily accessible by both public transit and private transport:
- By MRT: The nearest stations are Serangoon MRT and Kovan MRT. The mall is about 9 minutes walk from the exits.
- By Bus: Multiple bus routes drop off right outside the complex at Bus Stop 63019 (Aft Upp Serangoon Shop Ctr) or directly across the street at Bus Stop 63011 (Opp Upp Serangoon Shop Ctr). Available services include 80, 81, 82, 101, 107, 107M, 136, and 153.
- By Car/Taxi: Limited on-site parking within the mall’s basement level.
