Eh, Singapore so small, what to do sia? Beyond Netflix marathons and endless cafe-hopping, ever feel like your free time is just… kosong? You’re not the only one, but what if we told you there’s a vibrant world of quirky, cool hobbies happening right here on our little red dot?
SG Hobbies: Beyond Basic
Many Singaporeans feel our little red dot offers limited options for fun, often sticking to the usual suspects – shopping on Orchard, binge-watching K-dramas, or perhaps some yoga and bouldering. It’s a common sentiment you hear, even online.
- Perception of limited recreational activities.
“I know is a common comment that Singapore is small and there isn’t much to do for recreation, other than the standard watching drama, shopping, bouldering and yoga…”
But if you peek behind the curtain, you’ll discover a surprising undercurrent of unique passions. From specialised botany to hardcore astronomy, Singaporeans are definitely finding creative and fulfilling ways to spend their leisure time, proving there’s more to SG life than meets the eye.
- Discovery of diverse niche hobbies.
“I spot two groups of people who have very unique hobbies to me, 1 is the hardcore astronomy enthusiasts who brought bulky specialist telescopes for themselves and park goers to watch the eclipse.”
- Examples include specialised botany, unique doll collections, and even ant-keeping.
Hobby Hurdles in SG
So, why isn’t everyone out there with a telescope or crafting Peranakan shoes? Let’s be real, pursuing unique hobbies in Singapore can come with its own set of “alamak” moments. For starters, some niche interests don’t come cheap – a custom mermaid tail, for example, can set you back over $10,000!
- Financial costs of niche hobbies.
“My colleague’s wife puts on a mermaid tail and goes for underwater photo shoots. Apparently there’s a small community of them and it’s not a cheap hobby at all since a tail can come up to 10k+”
Then there’s the “paiseh” factor or dealing with curious comments. Imagine explaining your extensive gamebook collection to someone who doesn’t get it. Sometimes, the challenge is simply finding your tribe, or practical issues like distance can get in the way.
- Social perceptions or “paiseh” factor.
“My wife laugh at me, saying why am I reading books from the children section. 😂”
- Practical constraints like space or accessibility.
“Wanted to try filming myself, but Changi airport is 44-km away from my house.”
Find Your SG Passion
Don’t let these hurdles stop you, lah! Finding a cool, fulfilling hobby in Singapore is totally doable. The first step? Explore what genuinely sparks your interest – no matter how unusual it might seem to others. Many hobbyists are passionate and often willing to share.
- Actively explore personal curiosities.
“I make kasut manek — Peranakan beaded shoes! :)”
Look for online forums, local groups, or even workshops. You might be surprised to find a thriving community for anything from opera appreciation to those who collect and play gamebooks from their youth. It’s about dedication and resourcefulness in pursuing what you love.
- Connect with like-minded individuals or communities.
“…hardcore astronomy enthusiasts who brought bulky specialist telescopes for themselves and park goers to watch the eclipse. I distinctly remember one of them even brought a television/monitor setup to give more accessibility for people who want to see the eclipse under the telescope.”
And remember, it’s your passion; own it with pride, even if it means having an Excel sheet for your gamebook stats or analysing Wagnerian parallels in Hatsune Miku songs!
- Be resourceful and dedicated in pursuing passions.
“Now that I’m an adult, I go online to buy books from other counties (mostly second hand), the ones I do not have when I’m young.”
- Embrace what makes your hobby unique.
