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!
• In your comfortable and secure tram, the audio commentary in English ensures that you always know what you are looking at, and cool facts about the animals.
• Don't miss the Creatures of the Night presentation, where you'll watch these fascinating animals showcase their skills and learn all about their unique traits and behaviors.
• You can choose the All-Park Hopper ticket and visit the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise.
*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 ~ $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.
• Enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree all-around view of Singapore’s skyline as you zip up to the top.
• Travel into the clouds and stroll on the giant observation deck, the perfect place for a photo session.
• Fun fact: The 12,400 square meters Sands SkyPark is longer than the Eiffel Tower, and tall and large enough to park about 4 A380 jumbo jets.
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!
• Interact with your beloved characters from Madagascar and Sesame Street, behold the Minions in all their glory, or gaze in awe at the hatching of a baby Velociraptor.
• Get an Express Pass to enjoy skip-the-line entry at all attractions. Want something new? Get optional access to Minion Land!
• Use your Express Pass to skip the lines and access the park via a special lane for the first two hours.
• Ready for the ultimate experience? Grab the VIP Experience ticket for a 5-hour guided tour, VIP access to 8 attractions, private meet-and-greets, and more.
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.
• 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 showcases from around the world.
• Capture the perfect photo moments from lush indoor mountains to blooming flower fields to sweeping city panoramas.
• Enjoy Gardens by the Bay’s must-see trio in one ticket combining nature’s beauty, cinematic thrills, and stunning skyline views.
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.
• Step into the Cloud Forest and discover a misty world with an indoor waterfall and Jurassic World: The Experience, featuring lifelike dinos.
• Wander through the Flower Dome’s nine themed gardens inside the world’s largest glass greenhouse, showcasing flora from across the globe.
• Step into Floral Fantasy to explore whimsical garden landscapes, creative floral artistry, and immersive themed displays.
• Add a 20-minute immersive audio tour of the outside gardens to learn more about the plant species.
Step into a vibrant mosaic of heritage, faith, and community on this immersive walking tour through Little India. Begin your journey at the roots of Serangoon’s settlement, where early Indian immigrants made their mark amid rivers, racecourses, and rattan. Discover beautifully preserved places of worship, from the grand Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple to the humble Foochow Methodist Church, reflecting the area’s rich spiritual tapestry.
Marvel at the last Chinese villa in the district, learn the secrets of traditional trades depicted in murals, and follow the scent of spices to third-generation family businesses. Along the way, uncover fascinating stories—from astrologers with parakeets to brides receiving gold thalis.
Conclude your adventure with hands-on experiences at the Indian Heritage Centre and savour the buzz of Tekka Market. This tour is a feast for the senses and a heartfelt tribute to the resilient, diverse community that shaped Little India.
• Enjoy a smooth ride in spacious capsules designed for comfort and safety. The Flyer capsules have interactive features and are insta-worthy.
• Elevate your experience with VIP packages featuring priority boarding, gourmet treats, etc. Sip champagne or try Singapore's signature cocktail "Sling".
• Join a unique National Day celebration with a special nighttime flight on August 9th, boarding anytime between 11pm and 9am.
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.
• Swap between the 2 lines simply by hopping on and off at any of the 36 stops scattered across Singapore.
• Want more? The Explore Pass offers an English-guided night tour taking you across iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer.
• Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on the open-top buses, and delve into Singapore's history with audio guides available in 7 languages.
• Discover must-see sights including Fort Canning Park, Thian Hock Keng Temple, and the bustling Chinatown on your route.
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.
• Sights covered: Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Raffles Landing Site, Parliament House, Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum, Esplanade.
• Spot the historic site where Sir Stamford Raffles first landed in 1819, marking the start of Singapore’s modern history.
• Sail past the world-famous triple-tower hotel crowned with its SkyPark, a star of Singapore’s skyline.
• Upgrade to a WaterB cruise with flexible boarding, add Gardens by the Bay, or enjoy chilli crab riverside at House of Seafood after your ride.
In this Tour of Chinatown, we explore the charm and vibes of Singapore's Chinatown. The focus of this tour is on discovering the unique and colourful Singapore's Chinese culture.
Tracing the footsteps of the early Chinese immigrants we will visit the historical Fu Tak Chi Museum and Tian Hock Temple. At the Temple, we will see how Taoist worship rituals are observed. Next, we move along Ann Siang district to understand what life was like living in conserved heritage shophouses and during the old days.
We will also cover the streets of Chinatown, where we will pass by the Sri Mariamman Temple (Yes, a Hindu Temple in Chinatown!) We will move along the streets and be wowed by the art murals of local artist Yip Yew Chong. The guide will introduce local street food and share stories of old Chinatown.
We end the tour outside the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and you will surely admire the magnificently-built temple.
You will also get plenty of food recommendations along the way.
Join us as we go on a journey of Charming Chinatown, and it's not the road usually travelled, that's a promise!
Note:
A minimum of 4 walkers to start the tour.
