Heritage and Cultural Tours

Singapore’s colonial history spans nearly 150 years. Beginning in January 1819 with the arrival of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar to set up a trading post on behalf of the British East India Company, and culminating in the events of September 1963 when Singapore joined Malaysia.

The vestiges of this era can be seen in much of our architecture, including colonial bungalows known as black & white houses.

Our “Secret Singapore” tour of the Bras Basah area will shed light on some pieces of the past you’re probably not aware of, from an elaborate building façade that once housed an early 20th-century car dealership to the place where a prison and an expansive laundry production line once stood.

We’ll show you a gorgeous old copula where the rich and famous used to gather for the view of the nearby racecourse, after which we’ll explore the back story to the colourful Albert Street area ending with the story of Judaism and Catholicism in Singapore. And much more!

Singapore is a feast of architectural styles and heritage, from classic European influences to ultra-modern designs inspired by great minds in Asia and the Middle East. Stroll along the downtown area and learn about one of the most eclectic skylines in the world. Starting at the civic district, we explore classic to ultra-modern architecture.

Our “Secret Singapore” tour of the Civic District includes some little-known corners of the Fullerton Hotel and the hidden backstory of two heritage bridges which span the Singapore River.

We’ll show you an often overlooked little elephant with royal lineage, a secret cemetery with tombs of 19th century pioneers, and much more!

The name Orchard Road conjures up visions of gleaming high rise apartment buildings, glitzy shopping malls, and office towers filled with glamorous hotels and high-end restaurants. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that there’s a rich history lurking among the monuments to shopping and consumption, with nearby gems like Emerald Hill providing oases of tranquillity.

Lush and green, Fort Canning is one of Singapore’s most historic places. Reflecting over 700 years of history, from the heyday of the Malay kings of Temasek until the British arrival in 1819, the hill was a seat of power. Now it’s an urban park—a veritable green island in the heart of the city. Come along on a treasure hunt and discover Fort Canning’s many layers of history!

Our “Secret Singapore” tour of historic Fort Canning and its foothills will uncover the many layers of this fascinating hillock where much of Singapore’s early story took root. We’ll check out an old lighthouse that helped guide ships into the harbour in the first half of the 20th century and also learn more about an imposing memorial to a young child.

Follow us to a pair of mid-century gateposts that mark a Singapore institution that was once so very important, and nearby, to a 19th-century bell with a prestigious pedigree. And more!

Nothing beats getting up close and personal with the sights and flavours of Joo Chiat, one of Singapore’s most eclectic and interesting neighbourhoods. Come along to discover the many treasures that capture the colourful and magical charm of the area.

This tour takes you to two very different old quarters of Singapore: Chinatown and Kampong Glam. These two neighbourhoods were conceived in Raffles’ 1822 Master Town Plan, created to help the immigrants from different communities to settle and thrive in a new land.

Singapore’s dynamic ethnic neighbourhoods with enduring traditions showcase a vibrant past, but also thrive on reinvention. Discover history, heritage, art and architecture as your guide walks you through narrow lanes, awakening your senses.

Little known fact: Singapore is not just one island, it’s actually 64! Escape the hustle and bustle of life in the Lion City while you explore one of the country’s outer islands. It’s as if you’ve stepped into a time machine to discover 1960s Singapore and the last remaining kampong (village).

Come and discover the natural wonders of Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. Explore the island’s rich biodiversity with a walk in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Touted as one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods by Vogue, called “Singapore’s hippest hood” by CNN, and known by locals as one of the most happening areas on the island, everyone loves Tiong Bahru’s old-world charm. Learn about the religion, customs, culture and food unique to the area and to Singapore.

We commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII so it is a good time to learn how it all came about and reflect on the many ways it impacted Singapore.

So often we associate these words with the ignominious surrender to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, but the surrender by the Japanese on 12 September 1945 is an equally important date in the story of WWII in Singapore.