Mustafa might not offer the best shopping experience. But I say it’s worth the trip down if you’re looking for the best prices of chocolates, perfumes and competitive currency exchange rates. I’ve never really been there except for these things but my recent trip proved that Mustafa can be your own Walmart here in Singapore, well, almost. Allow me to share with you why this shopping centre deserved a spot on my itinerary every year despite being snubbed by many.
Getting there
Mustafa is located a few steps away from Farrer Park MRT station just across City Square Mall. The outlet facing the main road is the new one, while that of the back is their first building. Both carries the same range of products, but the new annex is bigger, has a better lighting and has a much more organized merchandise display. They are open 24 hours, yes, 24 hours! For detailed instructions in getting there, check out www.gothere.sg. 
The preparation
Mustafa is a famous hangout for foreign workers from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc. just as Lucky Plaza in Orchard is for Filipino domestic workers. So it does get rowdy at night, especially on weekends, inside and outside the shopping complex. Before having gone to the place, I've heard several warnings about perverts lurking in the area. I confirm this to be true. The first time I went there with a friend, we noticed a guy discreetly following us. He settled at the farthest end of the cd shelf that we were at, seemingly browsing. Heeding the warnings, we made it sure that our "sugar cones" were adequately protected with our bags all the while we were there. When I passed by him, he wittingly extended his elbow while turning around as if to go ahead of me. The gesture was meant to get a feel of my cones but he didn’t get any sugar from me that day, thanks to my bag. We experienced similar antics from perverts a couple times we were there. So mind your dress code when going there and be wary at all times. Here’s a glimpse of my own perv-proof preparation:
Thank you Denver for helping me with my demonstration. This always worked, so far.
The cheap finds
I go here mainly for two things: chocolates and perfumes. These are expensive in my country (due to high Philippine taxes and duties) and therefore in demand for pasalubongs.
Mustafa carries a wide range of chocolates mostly I noted are imported from Australia. Cadbury, Hersheys, Nestle, Toblerone, Ferrero Rocher, name it, they have it! Prices range from S$1 (Php34) for the tidbits to S$20 (Php680) for super-sized treats. A Snickers 6pcs pack is sold here at S$5 (Php170) while Duty Free Phils sells it at S$9.40 (Php319). For over 2+ years of research, I must say that their prices for chocolates here are to beat.
Fragrances for her and for him abound in Mustafa too. Some of the brands they have are Clinique, D&G, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Giorgio Armani, heck, there’s just too many. To give you an idea:
Half of this floor is occupied by perfumes. Prices range from S$20 (Php680) to S$90 (Php3,060). They offer huge discounts and bundle promotions. Case in point, 2 bottles of 100 ml CK one or CK be sold at S$81 (Php2,754) each in Duty Free Phils., are sold at S$60+ (Php2,040) in Mustafa, that’s two bottles against one in case you didn’t notice.
What’s more?
Jewelleries, gaming consoles (Wii at S$318 vs S$499 in other stores), cool souvenir shirts, watches, groceries, sporting goods, the best currency exchange rates and everything is GST (VAT) refundable if you’re a tourist. Although most shops here participate in the Tourist Refund Scheme, but if you shop at Mustafa, this translates to double savings. Recently, I just discovered that they have the widest selection of sleeping bags in Singapore. Okay that’s not really interesting, but I’ve been looking around for the best sleeping bags for quite a while. All stores sell the same sloppy S$20 type while I got one of those they sell in US, thick, with hood opening, only at S$28! Don’t worry, everything here is authentic.
What not to expect
1. Western food – or any other food, everything is indian in the vicinity
2. Friendly staff – you can ask but don’t expect the usual pleasantries
3. Luxury brands – nope, this is not the place
4. Nice display – go find your stuff in a maze-like adventure
5. Lowest prices in town – other than those things, go somewhere else
Conclusion
For over 2+ years of patronage, this rustic, no frills, shopping centre has grown on me. Sure, it has a long way to go before I can call it our own Walmart. But for every discerning consumer (read: cheapstake) in Singapore, Mustafa is value for money defined. Just don’t forget the perv-proof technique, or else, you’ll get more than what you bargained for.
