Niche hobbies in Singapore
Apart from picking up a new instrument “for character development” or spending thousands on collecting trading cards, you might also be interested in trying out niche hobbies in Singapore for something more offbeat.
They may not be mainstream just yet, but there are actually communities forming around everything from miniature race cars to underwater gardening. Read on to find your next hyperfixation.
Table of Contents
What are considered niche hobbies?
Hobbyists playing Dungeons & Dragons together.
Image credit: TableMinis via Google Maps
When you think of niche hobbies, you might imagine something a bit nerdy or geeky, like mechanical keyboard building – and you wouldn’t be far off. These hobbies often involve creative or technical skills, attracting smaller communities who really appreciate the details.
That being said, what counts as “niche” can change over time. Some activities that once flew under the radar, like bookbinding or rug tufting, have gained a wider following and become more mainstream.
In this list, we focus on hobbies that are still considered “off the beaten path”, with tight-knit communities right here in Singapore.
1. Surfskating
Skateboarding & surfing at the same time
Image credit: @surfskatesingapore via Instagram
There are many interesting sports on the rise, and surfskating might be one of the coolest, mainly because you don’t need big waves to surf, or any at all. As the name suggests, you basically use the motion of skateboarding to replicate the feeling of surfing on land.
Compared to traditional skateboarding, which uses stiffer boards with defined edges and harder wheels for stability, surfskating uses pointier boards and softer wheels to help you glide more smoothly on hard surfaces – just like actual surfing. You can join communities like SurfSkate Singapore so you won’t have to figure it out alone.
2. Tamiya mini 4WD racing
F1 race pit reimagined
If you grew up assembling tiny race cars, this hobby will take you down memory lane. Tamiya mini 4WD racing involves building and customising small battery-powered cars, then testing them on dedicated race tracks around Singapore.
It’s not just about buying the fastest motor. You’ll find yourself tweaking rollers, adjusting weight distribution, and experimenting with different setups to shave off precious seconds.
You can visit places like The Playground at Henderson Road or MF11 Mini 4WD at Woodlands – these 2 hobby shops regularly host races and stock parts to help you upgrade your mini cars.
Sign Up with TSL Connect
3. Mechanical keyboard building
Customise your own keyboard with accessories
Image credit: Andrew L via Google Maps
Perfectionists are gonna love this one because mechanical keyboard building involves assembling parts of a keyboard from scratch, which means you’ll have full creative and functional control over how your keyboard looks, sounds, and works.
This hobby can be quite relaxing if you’re taking your time – it’s like puzzle solving with a technical component to it. But if you prefer something simpler, there’s The Laboratory by RF, a store that allows you to assemble your own keyboard including switches and keycaps from $15.
4. Ant keeping
Build an entire colony from scratch
A formicarium (left) is a clear enclosure with a built-in nest for observing ant behaviour up close.
Image adapted from: Ants Adventure via YouTube
Among the many uncommon pets you can legally own in Singapore, ant keeping might just surprise you with how oddly captivating it can be. It’s low-maintenance, doesn’t take up much space, and gives you a front-row seat to watch an entire colony grow.
Since an ant colony cannot survive without a queen in the long run, you’ll typically start with a queen ant in a simple test tube setup, then gradually watch the colony grow before transferring them into a formicarium.
There are shops around Singapore that specialise in ant keeping, such as Just Ants, where you can purchase different species of ants and materials. With some patience, research, and the right setup, you’ll end up with a tiny, thriving world in your own home.
5. Aquascaping
Decorate your tank by doing “underwater gardening”
Image credit: @aquascape_mikko via Instagram
Aquascaping is like fish keeping, but instead of focusing on the fish, you’re curating the terrain and landscape in the tank. This includes arranging driftwood, rocks, and aquatic plants into layouts inspired by forests, mountains, or riverbeds.
There are different aquascape styles you can experiment with, like Nature Aquarium, minimalist Iwagumi, or even pond style. No matter the theme, they all involve thinking about the kind of substrate you want to add, lighting setup, fertilisers and more, as each component will affect how your plants thrive.
To get started, check out our guide on where to find unique fish and aquascaping setups in Singapore.
6. Specialised art jamming
Tingkat painting, batik workshops & other traditional art
Image credit: @pei_lin_crafts via Instagram
If you enjoy hands-on crafts but prefer a more unique experience, you can try specialised art jamming with a traditional twist, such as tingkat painting and creating your own batik art.
There’s even a tile painting workshop inspired by Peranakan themes you can book on Klook for $48 using your SG Culture Pass credits.
Book the tile painting workshop.
7. Dungeons & Dragons
Immersive tabletop role-playing game
Image credit: TableMinis via Google Maps
Dungeons & Dragons, also known as D&D if you want to sound in the know, is not your typical board game. It’s a tabletop role-playing experience where you create a character and embark on collaborative adventures guided by a Dungeon Master.
You’ll work with your group to solve problems, navigate quests, and build a shared narrative – so immersive that hours can fly by before you even realise it.
There are places in Singapore that host D&D games, like TableMinis – check out their website for upcoming events to join if your weekend is looking a little empty.
8. Lockpicking
A fidget hobby that helps you relax
Image credit: @_apnovi_ via Instagram
You might’ve seen the act of lockpicking in many crime and thriller shows, like how a few quick moves using a bobby pin can unlock doors. But there’s actually more to it than looking cool and stealthy.
Lockpicking teaches you the internal logic of locks using dedicated practice kits, which you can purchase online. You’ll likely begin with transparent training locks, allowing you to see the pins and components as you practise.
So if you feel like you can’t sit still most of the time, picking up this hobby lets you fidget around while using your brain power to solve a tangible problem. Always ensure you practise only on locks you own or have permission to test.
Get a lockpicking practice kit.
9. Urban exploration
Uncover abandoned & lesser-known gems in Singapore
Urban exploration encourages you to see Singapore differently. You might wander through older estates or long-forgotten abandoned places – it’s a unique way to step out of your home for some fresh air, get your steps in, and appreciate your surroundings more.
You can go rogue and explore at your own pace, or tag along on guided tours that reveal the city’s lesser-known corners. Hidden Heritage is a community in Singapore dedicated to exploring heritage districts that are mostly abandoned – check out their website for updates on upcoming tours.
Keep in mind to respect private property and follow local laws, and of course, no trespassing. Sometimes, it’s simply about taking a slower walk through your own neighbourhood and noticing details you’ve previously missed.
10. Postcrossing
Send postcards to strangers from across the world
Image credit: Postcrossing
Probably the most niche hobby on this list, postcrossing lets you send and receive postcards from people around the world – similar to having a pen pal.
Start by choosing a Singapore-themed postcard to represent where you live, and over time, as you receive more postcards back, you’ll build a collection of cards from different countries. Stamps are easily available at Singapore Post outlets islandwide. It’s a simple hobby, but one that adds a small sense of anticipation whenever you check your mailbox.
There’s a postcrossing website where you can register an account. When you’re done, click on “send a postcard”, and you’ll be given a unique postcard ID and the address of another user around the world. Take note that postage from Singapore for a postcard starts from $0.70.
Pick up a new niche hobby for the year
Picking up new hobbies does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. You can start small – set aside a couple of hours each weekend and see what sparks your interest. Who knows, these niche hobbies might just become a long-term thing for you.
Read our other articles for more things to do:
Cover image adapted from: Postcrossing, Ants Adventure via YouTube, The Smart Local
A portion of this content may contain referral links where The Smart Local may collect a commission. Our opinions remain our own.