What to Expect in Singapore’s Holland Village
I’ll be your tour guide to Holland Village today. It’s one of my preferred Singaporean haunts to see and experience European influences, as well as some great tourist attractions.
It also has a colourful and trendy vibe which makes it a favourite place among hipsters (ahem, present company included). You’ll see exactly how and why in the next sections.
What is Holland Village famous for?
Holland Village is famous for its colonial architectural influences that are still seen today. It has evolved into something of a creative commune with an interesting history.
It’s got some of the best cafes and places to catch live music in Singapore. But the European-inspired buildings and shops also create a fascinating juxtaposition with hawker stalls and hip bars.
Its district architecture was an Englishman named Hugh Holland, hence its name.
Is Holland Village a good place to live?
Holland Village is a great place to live though it’s widely known for being one of the most expensive areas in Singapore. It’s part of District 10 whose median housing price is around $3,422 per square foot!
Foreign businessmen and tourists often prefer checking into some of Holland Village’s serviced apartments because of their proximity to recreational areas and nature parks.
But while there’s literally a high price to pay for this residential enclave, a lot would still consider Holland Village one of the best neighbourhoods in Singapore to live with family.
Plus, it even has its own MRT station to serve the entire village. Now, is that atas or what?
Things To See and Do In Holland Village
There’s plenty to see and do at Holland Village, from checking into yoga classes to shopping for home decor. But I made sure to include enjoyable activities that are either low-cost or completely free of charge.
1. View some art at Taksu Galleries
Location: 43 Jln Merah Saga, #01-72, Singapore 278115
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM – 7 PM; Sundays, noon – 6 PM
How to get there: Take the 130, 139, 145, 147, 23, 64, or 67 Bus or the Holand Village MRT
Holland Village is a great place to add more art to your life, or at least while you’re in Singapore (assuming you’re a tourist).
Taksu Gallery on Jalan Merah has an edgier and more urban approach to art compared to other staid museums in Singapore. It draws in younger art appreciators with exhibitions featuring the works of promising local and international artists.
The artworks at Taksu cover paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, works on paper, installations, and even murals. You can check out the gallery’s website to see what shows are up during your stay.
Holland holla!: There’s no entrance fee at Taksu, so go ahead and drink in all the contemporary art you can.
2. Gander at the weird sculpture at OK Sculpture Park
Location: 12 Holland Ave, Singapore 272012
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
How to get there: Take the Circle Line or the 106, 48, 61, 95, or 970 Bus
Now this one’s wacky but worth a visit while you’re in Holland Village. It’s a small spot called the OK Sculpture Park on Holland Avenue that I think is Instagram-worthy.
There are only a couple of figures to look at so don’t think it’s anything like the ones at the Gillman Barracks art galleries. But what makes these ones unique is how they’re depicting good hygienic habits like flushing toilets and throwing litter properly.
The statues were created by National Junior College art students back in 2004 when the SARS epidemic was still in full swing. I believe the message they convey is especially apt today, yeah?
Holland holla!: The strange sculptural works are a great reminder to always practise good hygiene.
3. Take in the beauty of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Location: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Operating hours: Daily, 5 AM to midnight
How to get there: Take the Botanic Gardens MRT or the Circle/Downtown Lines
There’s so much stuff to do at Singapore Botanic Gardens that I honestly don’t know which to recommend. But since you’re in the area, I suggest not passing up the chance to visit this gorgeous UNESCO Heritage Site.
There are over 60 acres of recreational gardens to stroll, jog, take selfies, or have a picnic on. I go here when I want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and sometimes forget that I live in a concrete jungle.
So if you want to go hiking for a bit or simply immerse yourself in nature, I highly recommend dropping by this serene heritage garden for a spell. It won’t cost a thing to get in, anyway.
Holland holla!: Check out the National Orchid Garden if you want to be blown away by the most colourful and exotic blooms you’ll see in your life.
What To Eat In Holland Village
If you want to get some great ideas for dinner in Singapore, look no further than the food shops and restaurants at Holland Village. You can take your pick among fresh produce or cooked food, but rest assured everything will taste yummy.
4. Shop for organic produce at Taste Gourmet Market
Location: 118 Holland Ave, #B1-12/13 Raffles Holland V Mall, Singapore 278997
Operating hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
How to get there: Take the Circle Line or the 106, 48, 61, or 970 Bus
I’m not a vegetarian but I do want to eat more organic stuff, which is why I stumbled happily upon the Taste Gourmet Market on Holland Avenue. It’s within a shopping mall so you can do a bit of retail therapy before or after getting groceries.
The shop has partnered with some international companies like the Swiss Butchery, which is where you can get premium raw meat at reasonable rates. There are also seasonal items flown in from different countries if you’re looking for something special.
There’s a deli, a sushi bar, a charcuterie section, and even a cheese room at Taste, as well. All worth a visit, right?
Holland holla!: Oh joy, the place has a deli and a sushi bar!
5. Grab some cheap eats at Holland Drive Food Centre
Location: 44 Holland Drive, Holland Drive Market & Food Centre Singapore 270044
Operating hours: Depends on the food stall
How to get there: Take the Holland Village MRT or the 106, 198, 48, or 970 Bus
I still believe that the best brunch in Singapore can be found in hawker stalls, no matter what your food preference is. Luckily, there are hawker stalls at the Holland Drive Market and Food Centre so you can have a hearty meal without paying a lot.
My personal recommendation is this Michelin-rated stall called New Lucky Claypot Rice. It serves up the most sumptuous rice dish that uses simple ingredients, yet requires lots of prep time to cook it just right.
But there is more hawker fare you can try at this place, including kway chap, wanton mee, roasted pork rice, and a variety of noodle dishes that are all affordable. And yes, you can thank me when you’re burping later.
Holland holla!: Look for the Michelin-rated rice stall called New Lucky Claypot Rice for a cheap and yummy lunch.
6. Try the egg tarts at Tai Cheong Bakery
Location: 31 Lorong Liput, Singapore, 277742
Operating hours: Daily, 11 AM – 8 PM
How to get there: Take the Holland Village MRT or the 61, 106, 970, NR8 or 48 Bus
Now that we’re at the dessert part of your eating journey in Holland Village, I’d like to introduce you to delicious tarts (that are vastly different from the famous pineapple tarts of Singapore).
Sink your teeth into some luscious egg tarts courtesy of Tai Cheong Bakery on Lorong Liput. I like the classic flavour, but there are several varieties like pandan, durian and cheese, and coconut if you want something different.
While there, check out the rest of the baked goods and pastries to take home for late-night snacking. Their chicken curry pie and char siu bolo buns also make for tasty lunch bites when you need to eat on your feet.
Holland holla!: Want some flavour variety? There are pandan, coconut, durian, and cheese tarts on the menu.
Where to Shop In Holland Village
While not as well-known as other shopping malls in Singapore, it’s still an interesting experience to get retail therapy at Holland Piazza shopping centre. It’s at the heart of Holland Village which makes it accessible.
There are more eateries, cafes, and beverage places compared to convenience stores and service shops, though. Still, it’s a good place to browse for basic fashion pieces, home furniture, and stuff for school against a quaint backdrop.
But don’t do all your window or actual shopping in one place, because I have other spots to recommend for you.
7. Buy handmade goods at Bynd Artisan
Location: 44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-54 Singapore 278116
Operating hours: Daily, 10 AM – 8 PM
How to get there: Take the Holland Village MRT or the 105, 106, or 48 Bus
If you’re on the lookout for some great leather accessories with impeccable craftsmanship, may I suggest Bynd Artisan? It’s where I’ve been getting my wallets and cases for my tablets and documents.
There are both bespoke and ready-made gifts for personal or corporate gift-giving. Aside from leather goods, you can also find awesome paper products and cute accessories at the shop.
Some of the items can get a bit pricey. But since they’re all handmade by the finest and most skilled local leather workers, I think the price tags are justified.
Holland holla!: All products are made by local artisans skilled in leather working and bookbinding.
8. Purchase local fashion at Ong Shunmugam
Location: Atelier Ong Shunmugam, 43 Jalan Merah Saga 01-76 Singapore 278115
Operating hours: Strictly by appointment
How to get there: Take the Holland Village MRT or the 105, 106, or 48 Bus
Are your clothes racks in need of an update? Holland Village has a great boutique called Ong Shunmugam that can help change your mind about fast fashion.
It’s a homegrown fashion brand that uplifts Asian clothing aesthetics while using traditional materials, silhouettes, and techniques of weaving. It currently sells both menswear and womenswear with fresh patterns and cuts you won’t find elsewhere.
The shop also sells homeware, decorative items, rattan furniture and basketry. All products are the result of conscious practises to reduce carbon footprint in all stages.
Holland holla!: The shop practises domestic manufacturing which significantly reduces carbon footprint.
9. Shop for Singapore-themed items at Independent Market
Location: 211 Holland Avenue, #03-01, Holland Road Shopping Centre, Singapore 278967
Operating hours: Daily, 10 AM – 8 PM
How to get there: Take the Holland Village MRT or the 105, 106, 48, 61, or 970 Bus
As a keepsake/souvenir of your visit to Singapore, go beyond the generic fridge magnets or T-shirts. That’s why I want to point you in the direction of Independent Market on Holland Avenue.
Everything from Peranakan patterns on coasters to hawker food puzzle sets can be had here. The distinctively Singaporean flavour of the products is given a contemporary and fresh treatment that each item feels like a friendly smile and wave.
There are also corporate gifts if you want to give your staff or boss a sleek souvenir when you go back home. For the latter, I highly recommend getting the fun Strangely Singaporean Book which explains and illustrates Singlish phrases.
Holland holla!: It’s a great place for some hip Singapore souvenir shopping, so get your wallet ready.