8 Communities Heritage Walking Tour

Highlights

• Discover 8 communities that helped shape Singapore's history and identity
• Go beyond the usual tourist trail with a Singapore-born local guide
• Hear the surprising story of Singapore's Armenian community and Raffles Hotel
• Discover the Hainanese influence on SG's coffee, food and hospitality culture
• Learn about the often-overlooked Jewish and Japanese communities in Singapore

Description

Discover the Singapore most visitors don't see Singapore is often introduced through its four major ethnic communities. But the story is much bigger. On this 2.5-hour heritage walking tour, discover how 8 different communities helped build the Singapore we know today — through religion, business, food, education, hospitality, architecture and everyday life. Eight communities. One Singapore. Travel through the historic Bras Basah–Bugis and Civic District area and uncover stories connected to: Chinese • Indian • Eurasian • European • Armenian • Jewish • Japanese • Hainanese You'll discover how these communities arrived, established themselves, interacted with one another and left their mark on Singapore. From temples to Raffles Hotel Begin near Rochor MRT and walk through one of Singapore's most fascinating historic neighbourhoods. Visit Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and Sri Krishnan Temple, where different religious traditions exist remarkably close to one another. Continue to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and CHIJMES, discovering how Singapore's early European and Asian communities shaped this part of the city. End at the legendary Raffles Hotel, where you'll hear the fascinating story of the Armenian brothers behind one of Singapore's most famous hotels — and discover the wider Armenian contribution to the city's development. Along the way, we'll also uncover lesser-known stories connected to Singapore's Jewish, Japanese, Hainanese and Eurasian communities. More than sightseeing This isn't simply a tour of old buildings. We'll explore questions such as: Why did so many different communities settle in this small area? How did immigrants turn Singapore into a commercial centre? Why are some of Singapore's most famous foods connected to particular communities? How did different religions and cultures learn to coexist? And perhaps most importantly: How did all these different communities help create the Singapore of today? Expect stories, questions, conversation and plenty of surprising connections. Led by a Singapore-born local guide, this is an engaging way to understand Singapore's multicultural identity — beyond the usual tourist attractions. Come curious. Leave seeing Singapore differently.

Includes

English-speaking licensed local tour guide 2.5-hour guided heritage walking tour Visits to Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Visit to Sri Krishnan Temple Visit to CHIJMES Visit to Raffles Hotel Small-group experience — maximum 10 participants

Excludes

Hotel pickup and drop-off Food and drinks Attraction admission tickets, where applicable Personal expenses

Important Information

• This is a walking tour covering approximately 2.5 hours
• Singapore is hot and humid, so comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended
• Bring water, sunscreen and an umbrella
• Some parts of the tour take place outdoors with limited shade
• Visits inside religious sites may occasionally be affected by worship services or site conditions
• Please dress respectfully when entering religious sites
• The tour is conducted in English
• The itinerary may be adjusted slightly due to weather, religious activities or site conditions

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund