Things to Do in Singapore
The tour starts at the exact location where Singapore was first transformed from a sleepy fishing village to the powerhouse it is today - the Singapore River.
After a short stroll, we cross the river via the oldest bridge in Singapore and be instantly awed by the stately colonial buildings standing side by side modern skyscrapers punctuated by melodious chimes from the old clock tower.
From here we move forward (in time) to Marina Bay, where you will be spellbound by the stunning Singapore skyline. Once at the waterfront, look up to see the majestic Merlion, the beloved icon of Singapore, as he proudly keeps a watchful eye on the island. We will have some time here to take in the breathtaking view before travelling back (in time) to the old Parliament House. Once inside, we dare you to sit on the exact chairs where Singapore's first Prime Minister and ministers once sat to debate the fate of the country.
After we pry you from the seats of power, we make our way to one of the most IG-worthy buildings that is also a national monument. From here we will head to the tour's end point, Clarke Quay, a lively lifestyle hub which incidentally is also the starting point of the Singapore River Cruise.
So, 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 this is the tour for you.
Experience an unforgettable day at Singapore Universal Studios. Spend the day on rollercoasters and meet your favorite characters like Shrek, Elmo, and more!
*Should a certain date be “full”, please feel free to send us a text here to enquire or at info@offbeat.sg or dm us at @offbeatsingapore on Instagram/Facebook*
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 ~ $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. 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
ix. 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.
Join me on this Chinatown walking tour, where we will trace the footsteps of our forefathers.
We begin at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Centre, visiting the City Gallery to admire the city model and get an overview of Singapore’s urban landscape. We’ll then explore Singapore’s history, starting with Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in 1819.
Next, we visit St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital, which provided care to impoverished women and children in the early 1900s.
From there, we walk along Erskine Road, admiring the conserved shophouses. I’ll explain the significance of the five-foot way, a unique feature once used by small businesses.
In Chinatown, we’ll see landmarks like the Statue of the Coolie at Smith Street, honoring past laborers. We’ll marvel at vibrant murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong on Temple Street. As we continue down South Bridge Road, we’ll pass Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. On Pagoda Street, we’ll stop at Unit 37, a former coolie house, and Unit 34, a former opium den, to glimpse early immigrant life.
Our tour concludes at Chinatown Complex, one of Singapore’s largest hawker centres. Here, I’ll introduce you to some of our famous street food, including Michelin-starred hawker dishes.
Come along on this journey through our history, heritage, and culture. I look forward to sharing Singapore’s stories with you!
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.
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 2hr 45min 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.
Discover Singapore with a local
Kickstart the tour to see and understand the transformation of Singapore; from the early days under colonial rules to being a first world nation.
Capture memorable photographs of yourself with beautiful conserved colonial buildings.....contrast this against the backdrop of our Central Business District skyline.
Enjoy the beautiful city landscape in the Marina Bay area; continue to discover the gems of the Marina. Meet our adorable Singapore mascot The Merlion; learn to 'harvest the wealth' from the Merlion.
End the tour at Merlion Park
Notes:
1. Visitors can continue to visit SkyPark at MBS or 2 renowned conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest) at Garden By The Bay, at their own expense/leisure.
2. Minimum 5 visitors to start the tour
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 the taste of Singapore like never before with our experienced and fun guides!
Start the tour from Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD), a walk that takes you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems within our busy business district.
See a mix of the beautiful city skyline with modem architecture and contrast against the colorful shop houses which are conserved and used for different purposes from their original.
Check out Singapore’s oldest temple, built in the mid 19th century, and learn more about Chinese culture, beliefs, and religious practices.
Finally, a visit to a renowned hawker center where you get insights into Singapore’s hawker culture, a UNESCO-recognized heritage unique to Singapore. Practice these insights after the tour and get to order and taste local delights like a Local.
Through this walk, you get to better understand our city state’s challenges, our beliefs, and our lifestyle. Get to visit sights that most visitors do not and hear from our experience guru guides that are born and raised in Singapore prior to Singapore’s independence.
Notes: Minimum 5 walkers to start the tour
