Be treated to a fascinating and deeply-enriching tour experience – our guides are known to walk the talk (quite literally!). Journey through hidden corners of Singapore and discover the historical significance of the sites you encounter, coupled with witty observations on culture, tradition, architecture…the list goes on!
Take the road less travelled with guides who are experts of the city. The brainchild of one military historian and several precocious enfants terribles of Singapore’s heritage-education scene, be thoroughly entertained as you visit cultural and historical enclaves, while affable researcher-guides, through skilful storytelling and the use of archival images, regale you with juicy insights to local society and traditions.
NOTE:
Our tours do not run on public holidays – please refer to the list of public holidays below.
Public Holidays in 2023: 1 JAN, 22 & 23 FEB, 7 & 22 APR, 1 MAY, 2 & 29 JUN, 9 AUG, 12 NOV, 25 DEC 2023
*Please note that guides and trainee guides are not allowed to join the tours, without express written permission.
- A Fort Canning Hill Tour (SATURDAYS)
~ Sir Stamford Raffles, 1823
Tread lightly, for treasures lie beneath a historic hill in the heart of the city – the spot where both 14th century Singapura and modern Singapore were born. Trace the rise and fall of great empires. Hear stories of rulers who commanded from the hill and the empire-builders who were buried on its slopes. Discover the world-changing story of a humble spice. Visit graves, a colonial fort and relive one of the most important battles in history, don’t miss this exhilarating journey back in time at the once “Forbidden Hill”!
Public Holidays in 2023: 1 JAN, 22 & 23 FEB, 7 & 22 APR, 1 MAY, 2 & 29 JUN, 9 AUG, 12 NOV, 25 DEC 2023
S$40.00 (Adult) / S$20.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
- A Colonial District Walk (STAY TUNED)
~ Sir Stamford Raffles, 1819
On 6th February 1819, Singapore was claimed as a trading outpost of the British Empire to “secure to the British flag the maritime superiority of the Eastern seas”. In governance, religion, entertainment, and many other spheres, the imprint of Singapore’s colonial past is indelible. Discover the significance behind some of Singapore’s oldest and most stunning landmarks, each with their own tale to tell. This is the Walk where you learn about Singapore’s national flower, the Sarkies brothers, The Straits Times and find that wonderful drink called ‘the Singapore Sling’. Discover Singapore’s colonial legacy and chart its transformation from The Time of Empire.
S$38.00 (Adult) / S$18.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
– A Little India Walk (STAY TUNED)
~ Gary and Marg Bucknall, Australia
It was once said that there are three ways to India from Singapore: by ship, by plane, and by a short walk to Little India.
At Journeys, we still believe that’s true. Look here a spice and there a garland and hail, an artist that paints on your hand! What’s behind the alluring fragrance of jasmine and the mysterious forehead dot? If you’ve always found Hindu temples fascinating but confusing, join this tour and gain the simplest yet profound insight into the religion. Savour treats at Little India’s oldest restaurant, walk through the famed Tekka Market, learn the art of sari-tying and look out for quirky street art. One always finds it so difficult to resist the charms of Little India and it’s little wonder that this is one of our guides’ favourite Walks.
S$38.00 (Adult) / S$18.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
– A Chinatown Walk (STAY TUNED)
~ Gerry Goresky, Canada
Feast on the sights and sounds of bustling Chinatown, and gain fascinating insights into the area’s storied history and unique architecture. Step back in time in an immersive, multi-sensory experience at Chinatown Heritage Centre, including faithful recreations of the living quarters back in the ‘50s. We’ll reveal the stories of Chinatown’s early residents and the area’s gritty past. Explore Singapore’s oldest Hokkien-Chinese temple, where religious syncretism takes centre-stage. Gather around to sample lovingly prepared and authentic local delights! Check out paper cars, houses, ‘handphones’, and even lingerie – all part of an ancient Chinese funeral ritual. We’ll also introduce to you the Yins and Yangs of Chinese traditional medicine. If you’re brave, we’ll even help you find your way about a very slippery wet market.
S$38.00 (Adult) / S$18.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
– Life, Death & Courage (STAY TUNED)
~ Lindsay M, Australia
Commemorate the fight of brave men and women during World War II in Malaya and Singapore, and the trials and tribulations of their subsequent internment. Turn back the clock in Changi, once the site of many prisoner-of-war camps during the Japanese Occupation, the nexus of much pain and suffering, where life lay on a knife’s edge. It is said that more Australian PoWs perished from incarceration than in battle itself.
With a view of the Straits of Johor, appreciate the Singapore defence strategy while at Changi Boardwalk. Discover a slice of old Singapore at the quaint Changi Village and learn about its role in the war.
Then, take in the solemn sights of Kranji War Cemetery, the final resting place of thousands who perished in Malaya and Singapore. Hear their stories of bravery and commitment, and be inspired by the power of the human spirit.
(*offered for the days that the pass is valid for and applicable for
ALL 7 of our scheduled walks and both of our coach trails
– which means savings of at least S$X-S$X!)
S$60.00 (Adult) / S$30.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
– A Kampong Glam Walk (Arab Street Area) (STAY TUNED)
– Barbara H, USA
How was Singapore sold to the British for 60,000 Spanish Dollars? Find out about the man who did it, and the man who forced him to. No one remembers the sultans that used to rule, except us. The old Royal Palace, Sultan Mosque: they all carry an air of royalty snatched away too quickly. Uncover a curious blend of Malay folk traditions and Islam in the legends of the mysterious keris (dagger), exotic perfumes and the story of the faith that is so often misunderstood. Stroll down Singapore’s most Instagrammable street. Take in the colourful vibe of the oldest quarter in the city, now home to an eclectic mix of charming cafes and boutiques. Don’t miss this hidden cultural enclave where Singapore’s indigenous culture thrives amidst modernity.
S$38.00 (Adult) / S$18.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
– A Twilight Tour of Haw Par Villa & Hell's Museum (FRIDAYS)
– Libby, Australia
“The sea of bitterness has no bounds; repent and you will reach the shore.” The consequences of doing good or evil unfold not just in life, but after death… or so believed Aw Boon Haw – millionaire philanthropist, marketing extraordinaire, brainchild behind the famed ointment Tiger Balm and creator of the eccentric Tiger Balm Garden (known today as Haw Par Villa). Join this unique tour and see the park in a new light – after dark, if you dare!
Learn how death stalked the Aw family, and what Boon Haw did to confront his mortality. Discover the rich philosophies and culture reflected in the park’s eclectic sculptures and dioramas. Explore perspectives of the afterlife across various religions in Hell’s Museum. Step into the infamous 10 Courts of Hell to see what will get you dismembered and drowned in a pool of blood. And we’ll show you how some Singaporeans communicate with the afterlife. We promise you’ll never see dying – and living – in the same way again.
S$40.00 (Adult) / S$20.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
S$X.00 (Adult) / S$X.00 (Child)
Much raved and well-loved, The Original Singapore Walks® is THE EXPERIENCE to go for when you’re in Singapore!
We are honoured to have been awarded the prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence once again! The Original Singapore Walks® consistently earn great reviews from travellers – join our tours and you’ll find out why!
Our tours are proud winners and finalists of the Singapore Tourism Award and Singapore Experience Award, a celebration of outstanding experiences in Singapore’s tourism sector.
We’ve been recognised as Best Inbound Travel Company on the definitive guide to luxury lifestyle, Singapore Tatler! From wonderfully curated tours to customised offerings for groups, we are just a call/click away.
Hear it from those who matter – our wonderful guests who have conquered our tours and emerged triumphant with smiles and new-found knowledge 🙂
Here’s what you need to know before you embark on The Original Singapore Walks®…
No, you can purchase tickets from our guides. However, you will need to pay in cash, exact change.
Meet your guide at the meeting point 15 minutes before your tour start time for a quick registration and cash payment (if any). In the rare event of an unusually large turn-out or a single walker, the tour goes on (sometimes with an additional guide).
Advance reservations through phone (+65 6325 1631) or email (fun@singaporewalks.com) are highly recommended for
Our team will send you an email confirmation once we have secured your spots.
If you have a group of 20 or more, we strongly recommend a separate tour just for your group. Please send in your request by filling out the enquiry form at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
The tour meeting points are mostly at MRT station exits (above ground) or at the entrance of a museum. The meeting point varies depending on the walk or coach trail of your choice. Please refer to the individual tour descriptions for more details. Hotel pick-ups are currently not available.
That would be the person waving our brochures madly in the air. Alternatively, look out for a group forming at the meeting point and the guide who is wearing a Singapore Tourism Board guide badge.
There are generally two scenarios where this may happen: guests sometimes end up at the wrong meeting point, or, they turn up after the scheduled tour departure time. Our guides usually wait an additional 5 minutes after the scheduled departure time in case of any latecomers. Otherwise, a guide no-show rarely happens. If in doubt, please feel free to call our hotline +65 6325 1631.
For a hassle-free experience, you are encouraged to book and pay online. Alternatively, you may make payment to the guide in cash prior to your tour.
Exact change will be much appreciated by our guides!
The walks generally last 2.5 hours, although, depending on the interests of the walkers, they’ve been known to go up to 3 hours. The coach trails last around 4 hours, again, depending on guests’ interests and road traffic conditions.
No. Our scheduled tours take a break on public holidays in Singapore (we love our festivals!). Please see check our homepage or our red brochure for the exact dates. Private tours may still be arranged on Sundays and public holidays, depending on the availability of our guides.
Check out our Promotions tab for the latest deals for our tours and attractions.
Currently, we are offering an ONLINE EXCLUSIVE, where you can get a sweet 10% off your total when you book 2 or more tours on our website (offer is valid with 2 or more DIFFERENT tours booked – we want you to discover different facets of Singapore with The Original Singapore Walks®!)
Now and then, we also present exclusive promotions through partners such as the Association of Singapore Attractions and the Singapore Tourism Board. Do look up their websites for the latest deals.
Charming, witty, illuminating and highly addictive. By foot, we will explore the many nooks and crannies that run abound in these lovely corners of Singapore and foray behind the scenes to see, hear, touch and feel things that you won’t on most other tours. We take pride and pleasure in exposing the depths, dishing out the dirty, pointing out the eccentricities and regaling you with astonishing true stories of the city-state we grew to adore. Simply go on one and you will see what we mean…
The War Trails by Changi Museum are motorcoach-facilitated guided trails that visit selected WWII sites in Singapore. Please note that we will be running Changi WWII™ – Life, Death and Courage from 1 Apr 2018 onwards due to the closure of Changi Museum for redevelopment. This is a refreshed and enhanced version of our long-running Changi WWII™ tour. The 4-hour long coach tour explores the Occupation Experience and run every Wed & Sat (reservations recommended as seats are limited).
Definitely! During festive months, selected tours will be enhanced with festival-specific content. Learn more about our local festivals and how we celebrate them by hopping onto one of our special festive tours! Important events that have shaped our society are also emphasised during commemorative months. Follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theoriginalsingaporewalks to get the latest updates!
Yes, we have a whole gamut of tours available for private bookings. Based on our research team’s accumulated knowledge of local history, military history, the arts, religion and culture, Journeys is able to tailor make tour programmes and packages according to various special interests. Our forte lies in programmes which require educational and professional focus and content. Simply drop us a line at +65 63251631 or send in your details by filling out the enquiry form at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
For programmes requiring a full suite of destination services, visit www.journeys.com.sg/tours-and-services
As long as guests are game, our promise is to run our tours regardless of rain or shine. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, weather-resistant footwear and bring along a cap, umbrella or poncho. Much of the walks take place at sheltered walkways and buildings, which our guides keep to in the event of rain. Coach trails are hardly affected as sites can be viewed from within the comfort of the coach vehicle if necessary.
We reserve the right to avoid touring sites due to potential safety hazards under certain weather conditions, such as the open-field Kranji War Graves during a lightning storm.
In protection of the intellectual copyright that goes into the tours, note-taking and any forms of video and audio recording are not allowed on the tours. The interesting stories that we share with you are the result of painstaking research over many years, so do show your appreciation by listening with attentive ears, open hearts and obedient hands! By the way, photography is allowed but not in such excess that it disrupts the tour.
Dress comfortably, preferably wearing a cap and comfy shoes. Bring along sunglasses, an umbrella or poncho, and a bottle of water. When all else fails, put on a big grin and face it like a real globe trekker! (Note: Walkers considering the Sultans of Spice™ tour should remember to dress modestly – sleeved top and full-length skirt or pants – in view of a Mosque visit during the walk.)
Most walks (except Red Clogs Down the Five Foot Way™ that goes to Ann Siang Hill via long ramps or stairs and Of Graves, Guns & Battles™ that is conducted on Fort Canning Hill with several flights of steps) are on level ground and we maintain a comfortable walking pace throughout.
We put in every effort to make the tours as convenient to all as possible. The walking routes are planned to include sheltered stops, if not stops that allow walkers to enjoy a short sit-down while the guide shares with the group.
All guests are urged to be mindful of personal safety while crossing roads, which is hard to avoid while walking around an urbanised city. Guests who rely on wheel-chair to get around may require a considerable level of support embarking on / disembarking from the tour buses used for War Trails by Changi Museum.
Dear lovely guests,
Kindly note that our tour
Of Graves, Guns & Battles™ – A Tour of Battlebox and Fort Canning Hill
Journeys to Hell™ – A Twilight Tour of Haw Par Villa and Hell’s Museum
will NOT run on the following public holidays
01 May, 2 & 29 June, 9 August, 12 November, 25 December 2023
The Original Singapore Walks® Team