Think of Holland Village and sarong party girls and Singapore’s longest-running Chinese drama might come to mind. In recent years, it’s also become a haven for its myriad of hipster cafes at Chip Bee Gardens and the row of bars at Lorong Mambong.
That being said, there certainly lies a whole other side to the neighbourhood beyond its bohemian image. Here are eight unique things to do in Holland Village:
Image credit: The Cinnamon Room
Located just above Tiong Bahru Bakery, The Cinnamon Room is a charming home decor store that specialises in rugs. Here’s where you’ll be able to pick up ones made of cowhide, which are stain-resistant, and even weatherproof rugs you can use to decorate outdoor balconies.
Apart from rugs, there’s also an eclectic mix of furniture for sale. Find nesting side tables, and steel lanterns that will add a touch of whimsy to your home.
Address: 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #02-74, Singapore 278115
Opening Hours: Tues & Thurs 11AM-4PM | Sat 11AM-5PM | Closed on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun
Telephone: 9727 3051
You don’t have to be an art critic to appreciate paintings and sculptures, which is what you’ll find at this space hidden at Chip Bee Gardens. Taksu Art Gallery displays artwork from around the region.
Image credit: @taksu.galleries
Although the gallery is geared towards art collectors, entry is free throughout opening hours. If you’re having a coffee date nearby, here’s a quick pitstop you can make at no extra charge.
Address: 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-72, Singapore 278115
Opening Hours: Tues – Sat 10AM-7PM | Sun 12PM-6PM | Closed on Mon
Telephone: 6476 4788
With its studio looking like a chic apartment straight out of a Kinfolk magazine, Le Salon is a boutique shop that sells a range of luxury homeware and bags from fashion designer Ling Wu.
Image credit: Ling Wu Asia
Stepping in here is like stepping into Ling’s own home, where she has on display and for sale real vintage accessories, and leather bags she’s designed herself. These items are an alternative to the usual labels you’ll find along Orchard Road, for those looking to invest in their first designer piece.
Address: 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #02-78, Singapore 278115
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11AM-6PM | Closed on Sat & Sun
Telephone: 8218 6348
Busy bees with no time to exercise can still squeeze one in during lunch at UBX Training. Pronounced ‘you box’, this fitness franchise from Australia offers a full-body workout using strength and boxing training. You won’t be stepping into a ring for real, but you’ll go through the motions of jabs and punches in the 12 stations that will take about 40 minutes to complete.
Show up any time in your workout gear, pick up a pair of boxing gloves, then head to the training ground. You’ll be coached 1-to-1 to ensure you’re hitting the right moves.
Address: 46 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277696
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 6AM-11AM; 4.30PM-8.30PM | Fri 6AM-11AM; 4.30PM-7.30PM | Sat 8AM-12PM | Closed on Sun
Telephone: 8399 5528
If you’re in need of self-care, you’ll find it right in Holland Village, The Nailist has you covered. The nail studio offers a whole range of mani-pedi services, including gel and acrylic extensions, and intricately designed nail art.
Services are very much affordable, with a Classic Manicure and Pedicure priced at $25 and $33 respectively. Express options, starting from $14, show that you do not need to burn a hole in your wallet for that well deserved self-care treat.
Address: 118, #03-03 Holland Ave, Raffles Holland V, 278997
Opening Hours: 10AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 6262 6163
Set up after the SARS epidemic in 2003, Singapore’s OK Sculpture Park is a very apt reminder in our current circumstances. You’ll find bronze statuettes depicting actions like temperature-taking and washing hands – nudges for people to continue practising good hygiene.
Address: 12 Holland Ave, Singapore 272012
If you’re looking for gifts with local flavour, head to Independent Market within Holland Road Shopping Centre. It carries esoteric gifts from brands like Supermama and wheniwasfour.
Pick up plates covered in illustrations of your local hawker centre faves, or pouches bearing Singlish puns here. These will make excellent gifts to show off your patriotic pride or as souvenirs for out-of-towners wanting to remember their time in Singapore.
Address: 211 Holland Ave, #03-01 Holland Road Shopping Centre, 278967
Opening Hours: 10.30AM-7PM, Daily
Telephone: 9338 2663
Shops come and go, but Wellie Batik has been the one mainstay within Holland Village for the past 40 years. Already an institution in the enclave, this Indonesian Batik specialist shop showcases a range of different types of fabric that are both handmade and imported from the homeland.
Don’t be quick to dismiss batik as something only worn by the older crowd; batik is making a comeback at formal events like weddings. A colourful upgrade from the usual stiff white shirts.
Besides turning these wonderful prints into dresses, men’s shirts, pillow cases and bags, the store also offers tailoring services, and sells raw fabric for those eager to sew their own creations.
Address: 211 Holland Ave, #03-18 Holland Road Shopping Centre, 278967
Opening Hours: 10AM-7PM, Mon-Sat | 10.30AM-6.30PM, Sun
Telephone: 9171 5662
Holland Village has come a long way from being just a watering hole for expats living in the area. There’s more to food in this area, with its one-of-a-kind shops and activities available. To learn more about the neighbourhood’s full character, read 10 things that prove Commonwealth and Holland Village are neighbourhoods stuck in time.
Check out more of our neighbourhood guides:
From a monochromatic-themed cafe to romantic vibes with fairy lights, here are 8 cafes in…
So it's been 2 years since you last stepped foot into Bangkok. Well, here are…
Whether your mum likes chocolate, cookies & creme or durian flavours, here are seven bakeries with Mother’s Day…
Finally, ramadan bazaars and pasar malams are back in SG - and we've got you…
From beautiful hikes to diving with dolphins, Melbourne is surrounded by plenty of dreamy attractions.…
Besides conquering Mount Kinabalu, try out these 8 unreal things to do in the countryside…