Things to Do in Singapore
Experience an unforgettable day at Singapore Universal Studios. Spend the day on rollercoasters and meet your favorite characters like Shrek, Elmo, and more!
• Access seven themed zones: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Minion Land.
• Express Pass upgrade lets you skip lines once per participating ride with dedicated entry in first three hours.
• VIP Tour upgrade gives unlimited skip-the-line access with a 5-hour guided tour and exclusive extras.
*Should a certain date be “full”, please feel free to send us a text at info@offbeat.sg or dm us at @offbeatsingapore on Instagram/Facebook*
*Tour is in ENGLISH and is fast paced, we apologise for not being able to accommodate to requests for translation. Private tour requests in other languages may be available. Please enquire*
Multi-ethnicity, multiculturalism, multiracial and interracial.
Singapore celebrates it all.
This offbeat walking tour (IN ENGLISH) in turn pays tribute to this exceptionally unnatural occurrence; from hearing the good, not so good; to tasting ethnic bites & smelling the roses of flowers knotted into garlands. And here are the highlights!
- Top tips for how to enjoy Singapore within your short stay
- In not 1 or 2, but at all 3 ethnic quarters as our backdrop
- Engages your 5 senses all within one tour
- Ask away any question about anything of this melting pot
- We also hop onto public transport too!**
Background Story (to date):
With colossal buildings, hurried development, and incredible economic growth that thrives as much as its greenery, this bustling cosmopolitan Singapore overflows with opportunities, businesses, and trade. But what's pulsating within the city is beyond what most eyes see. Made up of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and various other ethnicities, cultural heritage is what makes Singapore, Singapore — a gathering of different cultures coexisting in one agreeable space.
Against this backdrop, we take you on a walk into 3 unique neighbourhoods in order to share with you our favourite tips. Got a preferred ethnic quarter that interests you more; tips on what to do for the rest of your remaining hours; food suggestions to tickle your palate, WE GOT YOU!
IMPORTANT notes.
i. We reserve ALL rights to our tours and will not stand for abusive language and/or unreasonable requests. We ask for your kind understanding pertaining to this basic right we have as the tour operator
ii. Please reply our messages otherwise we ignore your reservation and cancel them wherever we see fit
iii. There’s a minimum of 8 participants (keeping our groups small under 15p) in order for this tour to start. We do our best to combine groups, and/or start as many tours as possible
iv. Suggested tip amount: S$30 ~ S$50 per person (most of us are not crazy rich Asians, and life here is expensive, we really do appreciate your love)
v. This tour is designed to hit all the 3 ethnic quarters in a short & sweet manner providing you a clearer idea of what we are about. We are hopeful it'll give you a better idea where to spend more time in
vi. We're taking public transport for short rides. Participants need their own Visa/Mastercard. YES! Your own card allows you to travel with ease (costs about S$2.50 per ride) on this island's public transport system
vii. Photo of Meeting Point can be found in the photo slide show for reference.
viii. Bookings are subject to availability and minimum participation requirements. A tour is only confirmed upon our explicit confirmation via email, WhatsApp, or the booking platform — submission of a booking request alone does not constitute confirmation.
ix. Unfortunately, this tour is not designed for families with children below 12 years old; neither is it for folks with moving difficulty. The pace is medium to fast covering 3-4km; taking the train twice.
x. Last but not the least, we do not accept large group (> 6 persons) booking. The main reasons are, keeping our experience tight and intimate and we want to be fair to smaller group reservations. Thank you for your kind understanding.
• Ride the Safari Tram Adventure with English audio commentary through wildlife zones.
• Walk the park’s trails to see animals like fishing cats, clouded leopards, and wallabies up close.
• Watch the Creatures of the Night presentation and learn about fascinating nocturnal behaviours.
• Upgrade to the Mandai Park Hopper for entry to Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, and River Wonders, or choose a Night Safari ticket with a tram ride and a $5 Mandai F&B voucher.
Step into the living story of modern Singapore—where every street, temple, and shophouse whispers of courage, resilience, and triumphs. It’s the story of people—generations of migrants from India, China and beyond who journeyed across oceans to escape hardship and build new lives from almost nothing. Their struggles and the challenges they faced are etched into Singapore’s vibrant cultural landmarks, waiting to be discovered.
At the heart of it all lies Chinatown, shaped largely by Chinese migrants from the southern coastal provinces of China. They arrived with little, but through grit and determination, helped transform a small trading port into the dynamic city you see today. This tour brings their stories to life—their dreams, their sacrifices, and the communities they built against all odds.
On this immersive 2+ hour walking experience, you won’t just learn history—you’ll step into it. Wander through hidden alleyways and lesser-known corners, trace the footsteps of early settlers, and uncover stories that most visitors never hear. Along the way, you’ll also discover how cultures intertwined — the native Malay, the Chinese, Indian and Eurasian — and shaped the rich, diverse identity that defines Singapore today.
• Take a journey through time and space with Shahbaz, a prehistoric creature, exploring eras from the Industrial Revolution to the African Savanna.
• Personalize your experience by choosing a Standard or Premium seat.
• Craving something delicious? Upgrade to enjoy an international buffet at Good Old Days in Sentosa, featuring salads, laksa, noodles, and so much more.
• Fun fact: The show has won the USA Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement, recognizing excellence in storytelling, technology, and guest experience.
Beneath the futuristic, modern city lies a rich history of an improbable country.
Join me on a journey through time as I share tales of Singapore's beginnings and the remarkable people who shaped this vibrant city. Explore an ancient hill and a transformed river, your classroom for today's extraordinary lesson.
My difference? I have been a teacher in Singapore schools for over 20 years - Come experience the Singapore teacher! This tour will be a 'lesson' you will not forget.
On this tour, we will bring back 700 years to discover the stories behind the Singapore that you see today. You will:
- explore Fort Canning Hill and the many stories connected to this hill
- visit an excavation site which rewrote Singapore's history
- learn how being a former British colony has impacted our country today
- discover the importance of the Singapore River in our history as a port
- see the past, present and future of Singapore
This is more than just a tour; it's a chance to step back in time and discover the heart and soul of Singapore.
Important Notes:
- Our tour will end at the heart of modern Singapore near the Marina Bay area (The Merlion is a very short walk from our ending point.)
- This is a 3 hour walking tour so come after a hearty breakfast and bring a bottle of water with you. Dress light and it helps to bring an umbrella or raincoat. We will walk, rain or shine! (unless it is a downpour).
- We will be going up and down multiple flights of steps so this tour is not recommended for families with prams or individuals with mobility challenges. If you are unsure, do check with me if the tour is suitable for you.
- Do note that this is a Pay-As-You-Wish Tour. If you enjoyed the tour, a recommended tip of SGD30 is appreciated.
Note: If you do not see a tour available on a date which you would like attend, do contact us to see if we can open a tour on that date.
• Enjoy rides, shows, and themed areas efficiently while bypassing the regular queues to make the most of your visit.
• Because lines at popular rides can reach 40 minutes or more in peak season, this pass helps you save significant waiting time.
• Combine the Express Pass with full park access to enter every zone and experience all attractions with priority access.
Join me for a tour of the City for an initial introduction, which will help you understand how Singapore turned from a poor fishing village into one of the most important cities in the world.
Come and discover the rich history and heritage of this fantastic island. Enjoy the unique City View and take breathtaking photos.
Itinerary:
- We’ll start at Raffles Place, the heart of Singapore Business District, since 1822.
*Subject to availability - Continue to one of the best observation decks in Singapore, from the second-highest tower in the City.
- Head to Merlion Park, the icon of the City.
- Continue to the colonial Civic District.
- Reach to the point that started the story of modern Singapore in 1819.
- Stroll aside the river between the skyscrapers to the old colonial government buildings.
- We will end the tour in the National Gallery of Singapore Observation Deck.
*If we visit the tower observation deck at the beginning of the tour, we will back to Raffles Place MRT and end the tour there.
*Please reply to my messages and confirm your participation in the tour. It would be very helpful if you added an active WhatsApp number to your info. If you do not reply to my messages, I will often cancel your booking.
**Suggested tip amount: S$25 ~ $35 per person
*** This tour requires a minimum of 5 participants (max, usually 15p) to start. I’ll try my best to combine groups and/or start as many tours as possible where I can. I appreciate your understanding.
Are you passionate about art? If so, don't miss a visit to the National Gallery Singapore, the largest public art collection in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
• Walk through the misty Cloud Forest and come face to face with life-sized dinosaurs in Jurassic World The Experience.
• Explore the Flower Dome’s gardens filled with baobabs, olive trees, and vibrant seasonal floral displays, with Tulipmania 2026 running from 24 Apr to 17 May 2026.
• Capture the perfect photo moments from lush indoor mountains to blooming flower fields to sweeping city panoramas.
• Upgrade your experience by adding entry to Floral Fantasy, featuring a limited-time *My Little Pony* showcase.
We begin a fun-filled day exploring the three historical ethnic quarters of Singapore. The tour starts on the Street of Harmony, where we will visit one of the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore, which was built WITHOUT a single nail!
We then meander through the back alley of Chinatown to our first snack stop to sample exotic local food while learning about the Singapore food culture recognized by UNESCO. With a full belly, we will head over to our second stop, Little India, via the subway. Another snack awaits here among the historical and colorful architecture.
Our final stop is the Malay town known as “Kampong Glam.” Why “Kampong Glam”? Ahhh… you'll have to spend the day with us to find out. This tour promises to be a feast for your senses, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience a glimpse of Singapore like never before with our experienced and fun guides!
And if you like to be mesmerised by stories and picturesque views of the past, present and future of Singapore all in a single walk then you may also like to consider my other tour, Stroll Through the Past Present and Future of Singapore. With these tours I am confident you will have a pretty good understanding of what makes this little island tick.
• Step into Cloud Forest’s misty highlands where *Jurassic World: The Experience* brings lifelike dinosaurs to an immersive adventure.
• Explore the Flower Dome’s gardens filled with baobabs, olive trees, and vibrant seasonal floral showcases, including Tulipmania 2026 (24 Apr to 17 May 2026).
• It’s the perfect combo to enjoy both serene floral beauty and exciting prehistoric encounters without missing a thing.
• You can also upgrade your visit by adding Floral Fantasy featuring *My Little Pony: Petals of Friendship*, enjoying a 20-minute audio-guided tram tour through the outdoor gardens, or heading up to the Supertree Observatory.
Delve deep into the history of Kampong Glam as we recount when the British arrived in Singapore, where they sought to control, how Kampong Glam became the Seat of the Malay Royalty, who Sultan Mosque is named after, and what became of him and his family.
Examine the Islamic roots of Kampong Glam, as we trace the origins of those who settled into the area, and learn about their traditions, customs and cuisines.
End the tour at hip and happening Haji Lane, where heritage meets contemporary. Vibrant street art adorn the walls of century-old shophouses which house popular thrift stores, indie boutiques, themed photo booths, and laidback cafes and bars.
Highlights:
- Crawford Bridge
- Heap Seng Leong, an old school coffeeshop from the 70s
- Hajjah Fatimah Mosque
- Istana Kampong Glam
- Gedung Kuning
- Peranakan architecture and culture
- Teh Tarik (Indian Muslim Pulled Tea) Demonstration
- Sultan Mosque
- Heritage shops along Arab Street
- Haji Lane, the most Instagrammable street in Singapore
• Take a snow slide from a 60m-long, three-story high slope. Try skiing on the snow slope in Snow City and immerse yourself in winter fun.
• Access Singapore's first Ice Hotel experience and admire five themed ice sculptures. Visit the Dining Room and Ice Throne for a special daycation like no other.
• Opt for the upgrade that gives you access to the thrilling 'Drift on Ice' experience, a 5-min bumper car ride on ice in a sub-zero environment.
• Fun fact: Snow City's grounds are covered with 150 tons of snow, with 10% freshly created each week.
Ready to eat like a local from day one in Singapore?
Join Singapore’s original tip-based Chinatown Hawker Hop food walk and dive headfirst into our world-famous hawker culture where sizzling woks, secret recipes, and everyday local life come together.
This isn’t a touristy food crawl or a rushed food marathon. It’s a fun, insider experience designed especially for curious travelers who want to discover the real Singapore through its food, stories, and culture. We’ll skip the tourist traps and explore bustling hawker centres loved by locals for generations. Along the way, you’ll learn:
- How hawker centres actually work
- What locals really order
- Singapore dining etiquette & food slang
- The cultural stories behind our multicultural cuisine
- Hidden stalls and local favourites you’d never find alone
Expect legendary street eats, smoky wok aromas, fascinating local stories, and plenty of practical food tips you’ll use throughout your Singapore adventure.
Led by passionate and knowledgeable local guide who brings Singapore’s food culture to life in a relaxed, small-group experience.
Come hungry not just for food, but for the authentic flavours of Singapore beyond the guidebooks.
Important Notes
Food costs are not included. Please bring cash (most hawker stalls are cash-only). Budget around S$20–30 depending on your appetite.
This is a Pay-As-You-Wish tour. If you enjoy the experience, a suggested contribution is S$30–50 per person.
Please wear comfortably and download WhatsApp to receive tour updates.
Important Notes
- Food costs are not included.
- Please bring local cash (most hawker stalls are cash-only). Budget around S$20–30 depending on your appetite.
- This is a Pay-As-You-Wish tour. If you enjoy the experience, a suggested contribution is S$30–50 per person.
• Watch feeding sessions and attend educational talks that bring marine behaviour and conservation to life.
• Visit immersive zones like Ocean Wonders and Ancient Waters that blend storytelling with science and real marine ecosystems.
How do we live?
Where do we play?
What are our favourite food?
Are you curious how Singaporeans 'Live, Work and Play'? In this walking tour through Chinatown, the Central Business District and down the shorelines of the Singapore River, you will step into the shoes of the locals immersing yourself in the Singaporean life while hearing inspiring stories on what shaped Singapore's success as an urban city.
Starting from Chinatown MRT station, we will visit the nearby housing estates and a food centre. Be inspired by Singapore's 'Housing Story' and get few recommendations for hawker food that meets Michelin-standards.
Next, transcend to the past and listen to personal stories of the guide who lives in the area where squatters and vices abound. Be intrigued by the designs of shophouses and skyscrapers at the same time.
While in the area, we will visit the Yueh Hai Ching Temple, Singapore's own Temple of Love. A national monument nestled among office buildings, the temple is a must-visit for anyone seeking divine favour in the voyage of love.
After seeing the tallest office towers in the city, we stroll along Singapore River. Listen to the stories of 'The River Clean Up' and the tales of old where the river was once the lifeline of the island. We will cover stories of how the river has been transformed to be relevant for us to live and play today.
We walk through the grand Fullerton Hotel and make our way to the Merlion Park, where we will capture the memorable moments of Singapore! Be awed by the infamous Merlion and we will finish the Singapore Story with the picturesome view of Marina Bay.
We accept payments with local and foreign currencies (USD and Euro dollars only). Payments wirh E-payments are also possible with PayPal,Wise,Revolut. We regret to inform we could not accept credit card payments.
