Things to Do in Singapore
• 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.
[Note: Tours are led by Paul or a carefully selected fellow guide, all trained in the same storytelling approach.]
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-SGD50 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.
• 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.
*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.
Dive into the Clarke Quay neighbourhood to discover some of its most classic dishes on this food tour of Singapore. You'll love it!
• 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.
• 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 *Disney Garden of Wonder* showcase.
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.
Experience an unforgettable day at Singapore Universal Studios. Spend the day on rollercoasters and meet your favorite characters like Shrek, Elmo, and more!
• 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.
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!
• Enjoy buffet dining with free-flow non-alcoholic drinks and two alcoholic beverages, perfect for refreshing yourself between flights.
• Stay connected with high-speed WiFi, charging stations, and real-time flight info screens, along with access to TV, newspapers, and magazines.
• Relax in a calm, less crowded environment with comfortable seating, ideal for resting, working, or unwinding during transit.
• Customize your visit with 3, 5, or 10-hour access, and upgrade to include shower facilities for added comfort during your layover.
Today, 75% of Singapore’s local population is Chinese. Many of their forefathers left China during difficult times in search of a better life, and their journeys, struggles, and resilience are etched into the streets, shophouses, and heritage of Chinatown.
Join us on this 2-hour-plus walking tour through the heart of Chinatown, where history and culture come alive. Step back in time as we uncover the origins of this vibrant community—how early immigrants lived, worked, and played after arriving on Singapore’s shores. Discover their dreams and aspirations, as well as the challenges that caused many of those dreams to fade.
Along the way, see how Chinatown has evolved into the lively district it is today, and learn the significance of its many historical landmarks. We will also explore how Chinatown gained recognition for its wide variety of delicious food, which continues to draw visitors from all over the world.
The Chinatown story also mirrors those of immigrants from other ethnicities, making it an essential chapter in Singapore’s multicultural heritage. This tour offers a personal and engaging glimpse into Chinatown’s rich past and dynamic present. Don’t miss the chance to walk through the stories that shaped one of Singapore’s most iconic neighbourhoods!
• 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.
• 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 *Disney Garden of Wonder*, enjoying a 20-minute audio-guided tram tour through the outdoor gardens, or heading up to the Supertree Observatory.
Discover the best of Singapore on foot with our Singapore City Free Walking Tour, the ultimate way for first-time visitors to experience the city’s top sights, stories, and skyline.
Follow our expert local guides through the city’s historic heart, tracing Singapore’s journey from a humble trading port to a modern global hub. Along the way, visit iconic landmarks like Merlion Park, Padang, and Victoria Theatre, plus hidden gems that even locals might overlook.
Perfect for first-timers and curious explorers, this immersive tour blends fascinating storytelling, beautiful photo stops, and easy pacing, all while being budget-friendly and sustainable.
Why Join This Tour:
1) See the City’s Icons in One Go
- Visit Singapore’s must-see landmarks efficiently while getting the full picture of its culture and history.
2) Learn Stories Beyond the Surface
- Hear insightful tales from our local guides, from colonial beginnings to modern-day marvels, plus hidden details most visitors miss.
3) Explore Smart & Sustainably
- Enjoy a budget-friendly introduction to the Lion City that helps you plan the rest of your trip with ease.
• 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.
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 Supreme Court and City Hall where we get another glimpse of Singapore's skyline. From here we will head to the tour's end point, where we get one final opportunity to view Singapore's Past Present and Future.
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. And when you combine this with my other tour, A Glimpse of Singapore, I am confident you will have a pretty good understanding of what makes this little island tick.
• Walk alongside kangaroos in Australasia, meet orangutans and stroll through a biodome where butterflies, lemurs, and sloths roam freely.
• With elevated platforms, underwater galleries, and glass observatories, the Singapore Zoo has excellent vantage points to enjoy watching the animals frolic about.
• Choose the 4- or 5-Park Pass for major Mandai attractions with added perks, or opt for a Singapore Zoo ticket with a tram ride and a $5 Mandai F&B voucher.
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.
