Public Housing - Into the HDB Heartlands
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
If you have never been in a typical HDB (Housing Development Board) town in Singapore, this is your golden opportunity to get up close and experience how the majority of Singaporeans live, work, play and learn. I will take you through Toa Payoh Central’s position as a integrated transport hub, the strategic role played by HDB in nation building through the planning and provision of affordable housing for the masses, as well as see in detail, typical HDB flat units and their layouts. Get ready to be wowed by HDB’s achievements in uplifting a nation’s living condition and be intrigued by bite-sized nuggets about HDB living in Singapore!
Available options
English
What's included
Light local breakfast at coffee stall
Detailed itinerary
1
-- TOA PAYOH BUS INTERCHANGE --
Witness first hand Toa Payoh’s role as a key transport node and its design as an integrated transport hub.
2
-- LOCAL COFFEE STALL --
Enjoy a typical breakfast meal that most locals love.
3
-- HDB GALLERY(LIVINGSPACE) --
The newly updated HDB Gallery at the HDB Hub tells the fascinating story of the government agency tasked to provide housing for millions since pre-independence.
4
-- MY NICE HOME GALLERY --
The My Nice Home Gallery is an initiative by the HDB to provide showrooms for typical HDB flats to inspire creative interior design ideas and give the public a sense of how HDB flat units look like.
5
-- HDB HUB --
This is where public housing heaven is made, as prospective HDB flat owners choose their units. It’s also where resale transactions take place. HDB Hub is essentially HDB central.
6
-- HEARTLAND MALL --
Get to see how HDB heartlanders eat, shop, play and relax in this very typical HDB town centre.
7
-- HDB ATRIUM --
Witness community activities and exhibitions that are regularly held in this communal space for residents in the area.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
YUE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
5 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meet at Toa Payoh MRT Station outside the ticket office at the station concourse (just after exiting fairgates). Look for our friendly guide wearing a hat.
About Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant, multicultural city-state known for its futuristic architecture, lush green spaces, and diverse culinary scene. It's a blend of modernity and tradition, offering everything from ultra-chic shopping districts to historic temples and serene nature reserves.
Top Attractions
Gardens by the Bay
A stunning 101-hectare nature park featuring iconic Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.
Nature
3-4 hours
Moderate
Marina Bay Sands
A world-famous resort with an infinity pool, luxury shopping, and stunning city views.
Architecture
2-3 hours
Expensive
Chinatown
A vibrant district with traditional shophouses, temples, and a bustling street market.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for food and shopping
Singapore Zoo
One of the world's best zoos, known for its open-concept habitats and night safari.
Nature
4-5 hours
Moderate to Expensive
Sentosa Island
A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.
Entertainment
Full day
Expensive
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, often accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains chicken, gluten, and soy
Chili Crab
A iconic Singapore dish featuring mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet and savory tomato-based chili sauce.
Dinner
Contains shellfish, gluten, and soy
Laksa
A spicy noodle soup with a rich, coconut-based curry broth, topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and cockles.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood, gluten, and coconut
Satay
Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with a peanut sauce and ketupat (rice cakes).
Snack/Appetizer
Contains peanuts, gluten, and soy
Popular Activities
Kayaking
Hiking
Ziplining
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Garden strolls
Temple visits
Museum tours
Best Time to Visit
February to April, and July to September
These periods offer the best weather with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It's also when major events and festivals take place.
26-32°C
79-90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and strict laws. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis and ride-hailing services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Changi Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Woodlands Train Checkpoint
By bus
Queen Street Bus Terminal, Jurong East Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient, clean, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with English signage.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Marina Bay
Orchard Road
Chinatown
Little India
Kampong Glam
Day trips
Universal Studios Singapore
15 km from city center • Full day
A world-class theme park with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Sentosa Island
15 km from city center • Full day
A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
30 km from city center • Half day to Full day
A bustling city across the causeway from Singapore, known for its shopping malls, street food, and cultural attractions.
Festivals
Chinese New Year • January/February (dates vary)
Hari Raya Puasa • Dates vary (Islamic calendar)
Deepavali • October/November (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Use the EZ-Link card for convenient and discounted public transport fares
- Download the MyTransport.SG app for real-time updates on public transport
- Visit hawker centers for affordable and delicious local food
- Explore the city on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
