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Walking Tours

Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore) (STGS)

Tours are available in English and Mandarin; conditions apply

Roman Catholicism

Find out who established the first Catholic church in Singapore, discover how this area came to be part of “European Town” and more. You’ll begin with a visit to the grounds of St. Joseph’s Church, which traces the beginning of the Portuguese Mission in Singapore and the significance of this church to the local Eurasians.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Queen Street and learn of Father Beurel’s role in establishing the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and St. Joseph’s Institution. This tour also takes you through how the mission schools were set up by the churches so children of different races could attend.

Fame, Fortune and Faith in Waterloo Street

Today, after careful restoration, the developed Waterloo Street Arts Belt houses many art groups. Within this belt lies the historical Sculpture Square, the former site of a late 19^th Century Baba Methodist church, and current home to art exhibits. Do stroll by some of the graceful bungalows once occupied by Jewish families in this area, which have taken on a new lease of life as havens for various cultural groups.

Marvel at the harmonious coexistence of the Chinese Buddhist Temple and Hindu Temple. Watch the lively atmosphere outside the two temples where people come to worship and seek divinations about the future. And if you stop for a moment, you’ll feel the generosity of the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, where education grants are extended to all students, regardless of race or religion.

Hainan Kopi Tales

Trace the beginning of one of Singapore’s original dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice. Hainan is a tropical island located south of the Guangdong province, China. The Hainanese immigrants settled in the Beach Road area forging a strong community spirit. The streets were subsequently named after them: First, Second and Third Street of the Hainanese. Visit the temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea that was established by the Hainan Clan Association and learn about its importance within the community.

Stroll along Purvis Street and learn more about the other flavourful Hainanese dishes while appreciating the ornate designs of the old shophouses.

Reign Of Bankers and Entrepreneurs

This tour takes you from the south bank of Singapore River, overlooking the 19^th century European town to the edge of Chinatown. Amidst the towering skyscrapers, your guide will share the secrets of success of many hardworking immigrants who made it, along with the stories of many unnamed men and women who toiled to build this city out of a sleepy village. Contemporary artists  capture the spirit of adventure and enterprise with their masterpieces proudly exhibited beside the modern architecture. You can also observe how the locals keep their faith at the mosques and temples around here.

Of Saris and Curries in Little India

You’ll start at Bukit Timah, the tree-lined outskirts of the Central Business District. Discover at once the heartlands with its distinctive sounds and multitude of colours and smells. Then let your Tourist Guide show you the varied curries cooked in different styles by the local ethnic groups: Chinese, Malay, and Southern Indian. There’s no better place to do this than in the local wet market.

Observe the rites in a Hindu temple and the fascinating stories behind the festivals celebrated here. Learn about the various traditional costumes and you may be inspired to learn how to wear a sari. Nothing beats the heat better than  a refreshing yoghurt drink called lassi. Other with frothy milk and tea boiled with spices, known as masala tea. This is also a good place to ask your guide about the intricate architecture found in the conserved shophouses located here.

To book any of the walking tours or for detailed information, please call the Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore) at 6338 8659 or email: soctg@singnet.com.sg,  or visit their website at www.societyoftouristguides.org.sg

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