Singapore's Historic Chinatown Walking Tour with Lunch
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Singapore's Historic Chinatown Walking Tour with Lunch

Active
(35 reviews)
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

On this walking tour, we trace the footsteps of the early immigrants who left China in search of a better life in South-East Asia, and how they found their way to Singapore, built temples and formed clans to look after each other. We learn about how some prospered to become some of Asia’s richest men, whilst others slaved and died penniless without any next-of-kin to mourn them.

We’ll see where Chinese opera theatres, brothels, opium and gambling dens once thrived when the ratio of men to women was 14:1.

Through murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong, we sneak a peek at what life was like in 19th and 20th century Singapore.

Lunch will be at one of the oldest establishments in Singapore, before we continue our hunt for other traditional trades in Chinatown which have withstood the test of time.

Available options

Singapore's Historic Chinatown Walking Tour with Lunch

What's included

Licensed tourist guide and disposable poncho in the event of rain.
Traditional Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle/Rice Lunch and Snacks will be provided.

Detailed itinerary

1

Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Singapore's second tallest skyscraper. From here, we'll have a bird's eye view of the Historic District of Chinatown.

2

Possibly established as early as 1819, making it older than Thian Hock Keng Temple, Yueh Hai Ching Temple is often overlooked by locals and tourists. Once inside this serene temple, you'll be transported to a different world.

3
Stop 3

Step inside the courtyard of a Chinese boys' school from 1854 and imagine what the area must have been like with school boys learning to read and write, and playing traditional games like chapteh after classes.

4

Once a temple built by Cantonese and Hakka worshippers of Tua Pek Kong (God of Prosperity) in the 1820s, the quaint building now houses a museum with an intriguing display of what life was like in the area about 200 years ago.

5
Stop 5

Established in 1821, Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest Hokkien temple and likely the second oldest Chinese temple in Singapore. Admire its stunning architecture, built without a nail being used, learn about Taoist and Buddhist practices, find out about the gift from Qing Emperor Guang Xu to the temple, and hunt for the bats which live on the premises.

6

See if you can spot the last water well in Chinatown, learn about the hills and plantations which used to exist in the area, and find out how Ann Siang Hill got its name.

7
Stop 7

Discover the truth behind how Club Street got its name, and the high society parties which used to take place at this millionaire's club.

8
Stop 8

We stop at another Chinese millionaire's club and find out the story behind its interesting window grills.

9

Come face-to-face with local artist, Yip Yew Chong's second mural on this tour. He has successfully breathed vibrancy into Historic Chinatown with his brilliantly-coloured, often interactive, heritage-themed street art.

10
Stop 10

Enjoy a traditional soya sauce chicken noodle/rice lunch at this establishment dating back to 1949.

11

Once the "Raffles Hotel of Chinatown", we learn about the illustrious past of this 1927 building, which now houses a Chinese emporium.

12
Stop 12

Find out how The Majestic Theatre came into being, and the wealthy Chinese merchant who made it possible.

13
Stop 13

Established in 1938, Lim Chee Guan endured the Second World War and remains as one of Singapore's best loved brands 85 years on.

14
Stop 14

Established in 1925, this tea shop with its unique Nanyang blends has close to 100 years of history.

15
Stop 15

This old school bakery from 1950 sells Cantonese-style mooncakes and other sweet treats year round. We drop by for a taste.

16
Stop 16

Located along Temple Street where we'll find 3 more of Yip Yew Chong's murals, Lau Choy Seng (1948) is a treasure trove of kitchenware which will inspire you to display your culinary skills.

17

We take a look at another of Yip Yew Chong's murals, one which depicts his own home in Sago Lane, Chinatown more than 5 decades ago. We also stop to take a look at Lai Chun Yuen Opera House along Smith Street, which was Singapore's first integrated resort, bringing theatre, opium-smoking, gambling and prostitution all under one roof. We learn about the sordid past of Smith Street, where numerous brothels once lined, and the coolies, rickshaw pullers, businessmen, etc. who used to frequent them.

18

Find out how Sago Lane became known as the Street of the Dead, and what has become of it today.

19
Stop 19

We end our tour at Fong Moon Kee. Established in 1908, this 115-year-old ointment shop might just have the answer to any aches and pains which may have been nagging you. If coolies and rickshaw pullers lived by their ointments, who are we to question their wisdom?

What's not included

Gratuities.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
15 reviews
5★
15
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
20 reviews
5★
19
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please meet us at Raffles Place MRT Exit A (Street Level, in front of The Whisky Distillery) at 0955 hrs. We start our tour at 1000 hrs.

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

Adults
Age 13-99
1
Childs
Age 0-12
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook