The Coolest Independent Boutiques In Singapore

At first glance, Singapore seems to be endlessly and ubiquitously composed of malls. However, when you look more carefully, you’ll realize that there are independent boutiques selling all manner of products all across the island. Some of the best neighbourhoods in which to find these indie stores are Haji Lane in Bugis and Tiong Bahru, but the true gems are hidden outside these neighbourhoods waiting to be discovered by intrepid shoppers.

1. Strangelets

Shop, Store

Strangelets, located in café-heavy, hipster heaven Tiong Bahru, is one of Singapore’s most popular independent shops for cute housewares and collectibles. Visitors to their shop will immediately be struck by their philosophy of uniqueness and the desire to own something that is not just beautiful, but one-of-a-kind as well. They carry an extensive range of collections procured from many different designers, from jewelry and pottery to bookshelves and more.

2. Keepers

Store

Keepers is an indie jewelry store tucked away on the second floor of the National Design Centre. This minimalist store carries products by Singapore designer Carolyn Kan, known as Carrie K. Her collections are inspired by the idea that there is beauty in imperfection and the importance of taking the time to appreciate the small things in life that many seem ordinary and unremarkable. Kan draws from her own life – previously the Managing Director of an international advertising agency, she woke up one day and realized that it was time for her to follow her dreams and set out with determination to achieve them.

3. Naiise

Store

Naiise has found remarkable success in a very short time. The design concept was launched just three years ago by husband-and-wife team Dennis Tay and Amanda Eng. The idea, spearheaded by Dennis, was to combat the idea that design is stiff and elitist, instead having people understand that design can be accessible and relatable. He achieved this by showing off local designers through everyday products, such as t-shirts, local souvenirs, furniture, and more. Today, the label carries an unfathomably diverse range of products with over 15,000 unique items by nearly 1,000 designers across a dozen different categories across eight Singapore stores, special pop-ups, and their online platform.

5. The Little Drom Store

Shop, Store

The Little Drom Store is perhaps the store on this list that you are the least likely to randomly discover on account of it being tucked away inside SOTA, the School of the Arts. This independent shop is a vintage toy and knick-knack collector’s dream. The shop is tiny, colourful, and overflowing with with a veritable treasure of film cameras, adorable pieces of jewelry with a local twist, colourful house accessories, and more. The Little Drom Store hopes to make the world a lovelier place by bringing people together regardless of social barriers.

6. Books Actually

Bookstore

Books Actually is as famous for its cat employees as the shop itself. The independent bookstore opened in 2005, and along with the standard fiction and nonfiction stock, the store also boasts the island’s largest collection of Singapore literary works. Alongside these collections, the store also publishes their own books as Math Paper Press and produces hand-stitch notebooks as Birds & Co.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.