Singapore's Historic Chinatown Walking Tour with Lunch
(44) Reviews
Singapore
About
On this walking tour, we trace the footsteps of the early immigrants who left China in search of a better life in South-East Asia, and how they found their way to Singapore, built temples and formed clans to look after each other. We learn about how some prospered to become some of Asia’s richest men, whilst others slaved and died penniless without any next-of-kin to mourn them.
We’ll see where Chinese opera theatres, brothels, opium and gambling dens once thrived when the ratio of men to women was 14:1.
Through murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong, we sneak a peek at what life was like in 19th and 20th century Singapore.
Lunch will be at one of the oldest establishments in Singapore, bef...
Highlights
3 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
3 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Licensed tourist guide and disposable poncho in the event of rain.
Traditional Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle/Rice Lunch and Snacks will be provided.
Gratuities.
Meeting Points
Departure
The Whisky Distillery
Please meet us at Raffles Place MRT Exit A (Street Level, in front of The Whisky Distillery) at 0955 hrs. We start our tour at 1000 hrs.
Return
Fong Moon Kee
Important Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
•
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
•
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
•
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
•
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Items | Singapore's Historic Chinatown Walking Tour with Lunch
Singapore's Historic Chinatown Walking Tour with Lunch
(44) Reviews
Singapore
Select Date & Travelers
From
$55.50
Price varies by group size
About
On this walking tour, we trace the footsteps of the early immigrants who left China in search of a better life in South-East Asia, and how they found their way to Singapore, built temples and formed clans to look after each other. We learn about how some prospered to become some of Asia’s richest men, whilst others slaved and died penniless without any next-of-kin to mourn them.
We’ll see where Chinese opera theatres, brothels, opium and gambling dens once thrived when the ratio of men to women was 14:1.
Through murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong, we sneak a peek at what life was like in 19th and 20th century Singapore.
Lunch will be at one of the oldest establishments in Singapore, bef...
Highlights
3 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
3 hours and 30 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Licensed tourist guide and disposable poncho in the event of rain.
Traditional Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle/Rice Lunch and Snacks will be provided.
Gratuities.
Meeting Points
Departure
The Whisky Distillery
Please meet us at Raffles Place MRT Exit A (Street Level, in front of The Whisky Distillery) at 0955 hrs. We start our tour at 1000 hrs.
Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Singapore's second tallest skyscraper. From here, we'll have a bird's eye view of the Historic District of Chinatown.
20 minutes
2
Yueh Hai Ching Temple
Possibly established as early as 1819, making it older than Thian Hock Keng Temple, Yueh Hai Ching Temple is often overlooked by locals and tourists. Once inside this serene temple, you'll be transported to a different world.
15 minutes
3
Pekin Street
Step inside the courtyard of a Chinese boys' school from 1854 and imagine what the area must have been like with school boys learning to read and write, and playing traditional games like chapteh after classes.
10 minutes
4
Fuk Tak Chi Museum
Once a temple built by Cantonese and Hakka worshippers of Tua Pek Kong (God of Prosperity) in the 1820s, the quaint building now houses a museum with an intriguing display of what life was like in the area about 200 years ago.
10 minutes
5
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Established in 1821, Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest Hokkien temple and likely the second oldest Chinese temple in Singapore. Admire its stunning architecture, built without a nail being used, learn about Taoist and Buddhist practices, find out about the gift from Qing Emperor Guang Xu to the temple, and hunt for the bats which live on the premises.
25 minutes
6
Ann Siang Hill
See if you can spot the last water well in Chinatown, learn about the hills and plantations which used to exist in the area, and find out how Ann Siang Hill got its name.
10 minutes
7
Chinese Weekly Entertainment Club
Discover the truth behind how Club Street got its name, and the high society parties which used to take place at this millionaire's club.
5 minutes
8
Goh Loo Club
We stop at another Chinese millionaire's club and find out the story behind its interesting window grills.
2 minutes
9
Mohamed Ali Lane
Come face-to-face with local artist, Yip Yew Chong's second mural on this tour. He has successfully breathed vibrancy into Historic Chinatown with his brilliantly-coloured, often interactive, heritage-themed street art.
2 minutes
10
Chiew Kee Noodle House
Enjoy a traditional soya sauce chicken noodle/rice lunch at this establishment dating back to 1949.
30 minutes
11
Yue Hwa Chinese Products
Once the "Raffles Hotel of Chinatown", we learn about the illustrious past of this 1927 building, which now houses a Chinese emporium.
2 minutes
12
The Majestic
Find out how The Majestic Theatre came into being, and the wealthy Chinese merchant who made it possible.
2 minutes
13
Lim Chee Guan New Bridge Road Store
Established in 1938, Lim Chee Guan endured the Second World War and remains as one of Singapore's best loved brands 85 years on.
10 minutes
14
Pek Sin Choon Pte Ltd
Established in 1925, this tea shop with its unique Nanyang blends has close to 100 years of history.
10 minutes
15
Tai Thong Cake Shop
This old school bakery from 1950 sells Cantonese-style mooncakes and other sweet treats year round. We drop by for a taste.
10 minutes
16
Lau Choy Seng Pte Ltd
Located along Temple Street where we'll find 3 more of Yip Yew Chong's murals, Lau Choy Seng (1948) is a treasure trove of kitchenware which will inspire you to display your culinary skills.
15 minutes
17
Smith Street
We take a look at another of Yip Yew Chong's murals, one which depicts his own home in Sago Lane, Chinatown more than 5 decades ago. We also stop to take a look at Lai Chun Yuen Opera House along Smith Street, which was Singapore's first integrated resort, bringing theatre, opium-smoking, gambling and prostitution all under one roof. We learn about the sordid past of Smith Street, where numerous brothels once lined, and the coolies, rickshaw pullers, businessmen, etc. who used to frequent them.
15 minutes
18
Sago Street (Street Of The Dead)
Find out how Sago Lane became known as the Street of the Dead, and what has become of it today.
5 minutes
19
Fong Moon Kee
We end our tour at Fong Moon Kee. Established in 1908, this 115-year-old ointment shop might just have the answer to any aches and pains which may have been nagging you. If coolies and rickshaw pullers lived by their ointments, who are we to question their wisdom?