Highlights
- Uncover the fascinating story of Singapore’s transformation along the river
- Explore historic streets, shophouses and old trades
- Discover the stories behind Kampong Glam’s iconic landmarks
- Join fun quizzes and interactive challenges along the way
- Relax with a complimentary, freshly pulled teh tarik
Description
Curious how Singapore grew from a small trading settlement into the vibrant city you see today?
Join us on a relaxed and interactive journey from the Singapore River to Kampong Glam, uncovering the people, places, trades and cultures that shaped Singapore.
This isn't a history lesson where you simply listen. You'll be part of the story. Along the way, take part in fun quizzes and questions, spot clues around you and see if you can piece together Singapore's story as we go.
We begin at the historic Singapore River, where the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 marked an important turning point.
But was Raffles really the “founder” of Singapore?
Who was already here? Who controlled the island? And why was this small island so important to the British?
Uncover the fascinating story of Raffles' meetings and agreements with Temenggong Abdul Rahman and Sultan Hussein Shah, and discover how diplomacy, geography and trade helped transform Singapore into a thriving trading port.
Imagine the river in its busy past — filled with boats, merchants and goods arriving from different parts of Asia and beyond. Discover how the movement of goods also brought something even more important: people and cultures.
Our journey continues to Kampong Glam, an area closely connected to Malay royalty and the communities that helped shape Singapore.
Here, the past isn't hidden in a museum — it's right in front of you.
Discover the trades that once flourished here and look closely at the old shophouses. What can their architecture tell us about the people who lived, worked and traded here?
Explore Istana Kampong Gelam, the former palace of Sultan Hussein Shah, and uncover stories of Malay royalty and Singapore's early communities.
Admire the distinctive Gedung Kuning before continuing to the magnificent Sultan Mosque, one of Kampong Glam's most recognisable landmarks.
More quizzes and questions along the way will keep you involved. Can you spot the clues left behind by the old trades? Can you guess what some of these shophouses were used for?
After exploring Singapore's past under our famously sunny skies, there's a little reward waiting for you.
We'll finish with a complimentary teh tarik, the traditional “pulled tea” enjoyed by generations of Singaporeans.
Watch as the tea is dramatically poured between cups, creating its characteristic frothy top, then sit back, cool down and enjoy a well-earned drink.
The Singapore River was once a gateway for goods from around the world, including tea. Teh tarik carries another part of Singapore's multicultural story, with roots connected to the Indian Muslim community.
From the goods once traded along the river, to the historic trades of Kampong Glam, and finally to the tea in your cup… We've come full circle.
Come curious. Explore the past. Discover how Singapore became Singapore.
Includes
Heritage walking tour
Visit to Singapore River
Visit to Fullerton Hotel
Visit to Kampong Glam
Visit to Istana Kampong Gelam
Visit to Gedung Kuning
Visit to Sultan Mosque
Enjoy a complimentary Teh Tarik drink (at the end of the tour)
Excludes
Food
Personal expenses
Public Transport
Tips for the guide (optional)
Important Information
- Wear comfortable shoes
Bring a camera for photos
Bring an umbrella
Bring a bottle of water
Bring a transport card (taking a 10 minutes public bus from Singapore River to Kampong Glam, cost about S$1.50 using an ez-link card or a credit card)
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
