Fancy a picturesque exploration around Singapore? Or simply looking for an out of the ordinary place to hang out? Here’s the perfect blueprint for a day like this as we take you through the once run-off-the-mill places in Singapore that have evolved into mini hipster towns.
Want a hassle free experience exploring all these places around Singapore? Drop your luggage with Llugg and go luggage-free as you set foot on your hipster trail – makes things so much easier!
1. Haji Lane
Think shopping, café hopping and bars. A tourist magnet and definitely a well-loved place by Singaporeans, Haji Lane is definitely a bustling 3-in-1 street that has to be on your must-visit list. Tucked away in Kampong Glam, this hidden gem will give a perfect finishing touch to your local shopping experience in Singapore.
Evolving from a mundane row of rundown shop houses, Haji Lane has transformed into a trendy street decked in neon colours and bold graffiti designs. It has been the heart of Singapore’s hipster scene and is still going as strong. This small lane of independent stores has seen the works of a multitude of local designers and entrepreneurs – Modparade, Soon Lee just to name a few, and is thriving under the support of its shoppers. With shops closely knitted beside each other, this guarantees you a jam-packed time down at Haji Lane.
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
How to get there: https://goo.gl/nWQrf0
2. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is a quiet estate in the central Singapore, one of the oldest residential areas they say. Fast forward to modern times, this humble estate is probably the hippest neighbourhood around that you can find.
There has been a flurry of new openings in the area ever since that makes it perfect for weekend chilling. You will find yourself indulging in cups of specialty coffee from one café to another as they line up along your way in – starting from the famous old Tiong Bahru Bakery, with Orange Thimble Café right beside it. As you soak in the white embrace of estates that promises you some of Singapore’s best gems, you’ll soon find yourself lost amidst the seemingly large and maze-like roads lined with rows of old houses.
Stumbling upon Yong Siak Street just a walk further in, you will be welcomed by another string of cafes that awaits your arrival. Forty Hands, Open Door Policy, Plain Vanilla Bakery – the list goes on! Be sure to head down to check out what’s in for you.
Nearest MRT Station: Outram Park/Tiong Bahru
How to get there: https://goo.gl/eyCzJk
3. Duxton Hill
Located in one of the prime areas of Singapore, between the CBD and Chinatown, Duxton is not one area to be left uncombed. With hipster cafes, fancy restaurants and sleek bars seated in historic shop houses lined along Duxton Road and Duxton Hill, this will definitely be a momentary foodie experience you’ll never forget.
Be sure to check out Department Of Caffeine while you’re at it, these guys specialize in their coffee blends. On the contrary, if you fancy Korean food, Duxton will be a place like no other. Slotted in with Korean eateries one after another, your only fear would be to choose which one to go into first. The wide array of Korean BBQ buffets, Korean fried chicken and Korean restaurants for you to select from is absolutely mind-blowing.
Nearest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar
How to get there: https://goo.gl/EKbKVF
4. Kampong Glam
Steer off from the hipster centrals Haji Lane and Bali Lane as we witness Kampong Glam rising to become Singapore’s next hipster hood. Once a traditional Malay enclave anchored by Singapore’s largest Mosque, Kampong Glam has been restored, refurbished and of course, revived.
Splashed with vibrant colours over the charming architecture, Kampong Glam has unique and exciting murals entailed in its local arts scene. This neighbourhood also has a rich history that can be easily picked up along the way and kept at the back of your head – with street signs and heritage trail boards placed around.
Just a stone throw away from popular titles like Haji Lane, Bali Lane and Arab Street, the entire neighbourhood is experiencing a renaissance in its café and shopping scene. Names like Maison Ikkoku, Artistry and Symmetry have made themselves a must-go in the café-hopping scene. Fancy something more local? You’ll be greeted by several other eateries like the Kampong Glam Café which is a coffeehouse that sells Malay delights such as Mee Goreng and Chicken Pataya.
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
How to get there: https://goo.gl/F4LrdQ
5. Jalan Besar
This historical neighbourhood is slowly turning into the new hipster kid on the block. Behind the old rundown buildings and masked by the traditional vibes, Jalan Besar has actually over 13 Cafes that you might want to drop by. Starting off with Chye Seng Huat Hardware, this café blends in perfectly with its surrounding with its unassuming decor that you might miss if you don’t keep an eye out for it. Its exterior resembles that of a hardware company with its rusty metal gates but what lies within is truly amazing – A former hardware store turned into a coffee roaster and specialty coffee bar. Do grab a bag of beans or two home if you’re into artisanal coffee!
Dig deeper into the vicinity and you’ll find yourself amidst popular café names like Windowsill Pies and The Tiramisu Hero. Jalan Besar is definitely a good mix for the “artsy” and the “foodies”.
Nearest MRT Station: Lavender
How to get there: https://goo.gl/S8XEaY
Also Read: How I realised that I could get more travel time
For more information on the service, head over to: llugg.com
Yeo Puay Tse
Latest posts by Yeo Puay Tse (see all)
- A Peek into Singapore’s Hipster Hoods - May 10, 2015