In Singapore, areas such as Marina Bay, Orchard, and Tanjong Pagar tend to be popular haunts over the weekend.
Although they do have a certain charm to them, there is also no denying that these places can at times be trite and sometimes pretty crowded.
If you are looking for alternatives, sandwiched between Botanic Gardens and Bukit Timah is Holland Village. It is arguably one of the most popular and lively neighbourhoods in Singapore.
What is the history of Holland Village?
Contrary to its name, Holland Village is not a village. In fact, it is far from it.
Holland Village was named after a renowned British architect called Huge Holland. He was one of the early inhabitants who resided in the area. As such, the district was named in honour of him.
In its yesteryears, Holland Village was once home to numerous plantations and nurseries. In the nineteenth century, personnel of the British army proceeded to make Holland Village their home. They lived in the semi-detached and terrace houses now known as Chip Bee Gardens.
Initially, Holland Village catered to the needs and amenities of these British personnel. Soon, the district began to attract a larger number of foreigners, and many middle and upper-class expatriate families made Holland Village their home.
The district’s reputation as an exclusive residential area also attracted local developers. They saw value in further developing the area and built bungalows and semi-detached houses for the local elite.
In this manner, the Holland Village area came to be known for what it stands for today – an upmarket residential estate abuzz with social activities that are popular with locals and expatriates alike.
What can I do in Holland Village?
When people speak of Holland Village, they commonly refer to the area of shophouses and small malls located along Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong.
This area has garnered a reputation for being a bohemian enclave. From places to eat to shopping malls, there’s almost no end to the things that you can see and do here.
Where can I shop?
The shops in Holland Village offer everything from the vintage and modern, to the quirky and traditional.
Holland Village Shopping Centre
For starters, a visit to the air-conditioned Holland Village Shopping Center is a must. The shopping centre houses a variety of retail outlets, including antiques, home furniture, hardware stores, and even a florist.
Lim’s Arts & Living
If you are looking for luxurious and personalized products, Lim’s Arts & Living is the place for you. The shop stocks an extensive collection of items such as homeware, furniture, and beautiful hand-crafted showpieces. They also sell a wide range of gifts that cater to travelers and locals alike.
Where can I eat?
Commonly cited as one of the go-to places for foodies, Holland Village has bars and bistros that cater to every palate and budget.
Bar Bar Black Sheep
Bar Bar Black sheep is Singapore’s first ever coffeeshop-cum-bar. The restaurant offers three different cuisines such as authentic Thai, Western, and North Indian Cuisine.
They also have a wide selection of alcohol and spirits, making it a great place for you to catch up with your friends, or to impress an overseas client.
Holland Village Food Centre
Over at Holland Village Food Centre, those who are looking for authentic, Singaporean cuisine will be able to find a great variety of local food. Most of the food here can be found in hawker centres all around the island, with the most popular items being the prawn noodles and nasi lemak.
It is also budget-friendly, which is great for the days that you don’t want to spend too much money.
Sunday Folks
Although it’s called Sunday Folks, this dessert cafe is open for business all days of the week (except Monday). Sunday Folks offers a delicious selection of coffee and desserts that are lovingly hand-crafted and prepared with pride. Their best sellers include local flavoured ice creams such as sea salt gula melaka.
If you would like to buy a cake, they offer celebration cakes such as strawberry souffle and lavender royal tea cake. They also offer gift cards as well as coffee and brewer sets that make a perfect gift set for coffee enthusiasts.
2am: dessert bar
2am: dessert bar is here to appease your late-night cravings for not just all things sweet, but also savoury. This Holland Village outlet features items that aren’t usually found in dessert bars, such as beef cheek croquettes. It also provides an afternoon tea set menu for two, as well as select cocktails for anyone seeking a quick nightcap before heading home.
Where to drink?
Holland Village may be teeming with restaurants and cafes during the day, but once the sun goes down, you’ll find that the nightlife in Holland Village simply cannot be missed.
Wala Wala Cafe Bar
It is impossible to talk about Holland Village without mentioning the iconic Wala Wala Cafe Bar. A laid back two-storey pub, Wala Wala offers casual global eats alongside an ensemble of beer and cocktails. Wala Wala also hosts live bands that draw a festive crowd each time.
A proud server of excellent live music and good service for over 20 years, Wala Wala has no doubt made Holland Village into the entertainment nightlife district it is today.
Harry’s @ Holland Village
If you are looking to sit back and watch a football match with your buddies, then Harry’s is the place to be. Their comfortable seats, combined with large TV screens and a great selection of draught beer makes Harry’s @ Holland Village the ideal place to kick back with your friends and cheer for your favourite team.
Where can I stay near Holland Village?
If you’re looking for a place that’s near the MRT station, Parvis is an excellent choice for you to consider. It’s located seven minutes away from Holland Village MRT station, and you can walk over to Holland Village whenever you’re feeling peckish.
Another option would be Holland Peak, which is a ten minute walk away from the MRT station. Aside from Holland Road, Holland Peak Condominiums also gives you easy access to Queensway and Farrer Road, which would be beneficial for drivers.
If you want to live along Holland Road itself, your best bet would be The Cornwall, which lies along the hottest area in the neighbourhood. Just like Parvis, The Cornwall is also a seven minute walk to the MRT station.
What are the property prices like in the Holland Village area?
Already thinking of living in Holland Village? Whether you’re on a tighter budget or have much more cash to spare, the Holland Village area has something for you.
If you’re looking at properties in the vicinity of Holland Village MRT, prices ranges from $200,000 for this 2-bedroom HDB at Commonwealth Crescent, to $60 million for this brand new Good Class Bungalow (GCB) in Queen Astrid Park.
Looking at simply a decently-sized HDB for the family in the area? 3-bedroom flats in the area currently go upwards from $480,000.
If you want something better than a HDB, you can also look at a condo in the area. These begin at $899,000, for a 1-bedder condo apartment at Viz @ Holland.
If you want a landed property instead, these start at $5.4 million, which is for this 5-bedder semi-detached development at Holland Road.
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