Hidden Gems in Singapore

  Cocobella Life Bar: My Go-To Spot for a Healthy Reset in Holland Village I’ve mentioned Holland Village a few times on this blog, especially because of how often I used to go there to study, hang out, or grab dinner after school. It’s one of those places that somehow feels both relaxed and lively, and over time, I’ve built a small list of favorite stops there. But if I had to pick just one to go back to every time I’m in the area, it would be Cocobella Life Bar .                                                  I actually discovered Cocobella by accident. It was during my school’s soccer season, after a long match—we were starving, sweaty, and in desperate need of something satisfying but not heavy. A few friends and I wandered into Holland looking for food, and that’s when we spotted Cocobella . The bright, fresh look of the place pulled us in, and fro...

PotteryPlease!: A Quiet Creative Corner That Feels Like Home I stumbled across PotteryPlease! a little while ago, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. It’s a cozy little pottery painting studio tucked in a quiet corner of Singapore, and walking in honestly feels like entering someone’s home studio. You’re greeted with soft music, mismatched shelves filled with ceramic pieces, and a kind of stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else. I went on a weekend afternoon with a few friends. We’d originally planned to stay just an hour or so, but we ended up spending the whole afternoon there without even noticing how much time had passed. It’s the kind of space that makes you feel like you can slow down, no rush, no noise, no pressure. Just paint, coffee, and conversation. There’s a shelf full of pieces to choose from—simple mugs, tiny trays, bowls, plates—each one just waiting to be made personal. I picked a little dish, sat by the window, and started painting without really thinki...

  One Holland Village: The Spot I Didn’t Realize I’d Miss So Much Now that I’m out of the country for summer break, I’ve been missing One Holland Village a lot more than I thought I would. Back when I was still in Singapore, I was there all the time—studying after school, grabbing dinner with friends, picking up groceries, or just hanging around for a bit of fresh air. It slowly became part of my weekly routine without me really noticing. One of the best things about it is the vibe. Unlike most malls in Singapore, One Holland Village is mostly outdoors. It’s open and breezy, and even when there are a lot of people, it doesn’t feel too crowded or stuffy. That’s something I really liked—it gave me space to breathe. I’d often grab a coffee, sit outside with my laptop or a book, and just enjoy the atmosphere. It’s peaceful enough for studying or getting some work done, but still has enough energy around you so it doesn’t feel boring or too quiet. The pet-friendly vibe is also a big ...

Weekenders Market: A Chill Saturday Find at Jurong Play Grounds I was actually at Jurong Play Grounds one weekend for a community park clean-up when I stumbled across Weekenders Market—and honestly, I didn’t even know Singapore had farmers’ markets like this. I’ve lived here for a while and always thought farmers' markets were more of a thing you'd see overseas, so finding one right here in Jurong was a really nice surprise. The market isn’t huge, but it’s got a great mix of stalls—fresh flowers, local produce, handmade soaps, quirky crafts, and small-batch snacks. The whole vibe is relaxed and friendly, with vendors chatting with visitors and people casually strolling through the space. I ended up picking up a jar of honey and a handmade candle, both from local sellers who were super passionate about their stuff. What makes it even better is the atmosphere. It’s set in an outdoor area that’s covered, so you still get the open-air feel without melting in the heat. There were...