A Heartland Journey Through Toa Payoh, Bishan, and Ang Mo Kio
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
Step into the heartlands of Singapore and discover a side of the city few tourists experience. Explore Toa Payoh, Bishan, and Ang Mo Kio, towns rich in history, heritage, and vibrant local life. Unlike typical tours, this immersive journey connects you to authentic Singaporean living through iconic landmarks, bustling hawker centres, and community spaces.
Perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this tour blends history, culture, and the daily rhythm of locals.
Highlights:
Interconnected Storytelling: See how these towns evolved from kampongs to modern hubs.
Immersive Local Experience: Commute by public transport, visit markets, and interact with residents.
Heritage Meets Modernity: Learn how heartlands balance history with urban living.
Distinct Features: Visit the Dragon Playground, zig-zag HDB blocks, and enjoy curated food tastings.
Available options
A Heartland Journey Through Toa Payoh, Bishan, and Ang Mo Kio
What's included
Licensed Tourist Guide
Insurance Coverage
Partly Customisable Itinerary
Detailed itinerary
1
Highlights:
Dragon Playground: Begin your journey at this iconic heritage playground, a symbol of Singapore’s early urban planning. Learn about the origins of Toa Payoh as the first planned HDB town and its role in shaping Singapore’s public housing model.
Toa Payoh Town Park: Take a leisurely stroll through this charming park, a popular spot for wedding photos in the 1970s. Hear stories of how the park became a community hub for early residents.
HDB Hub: Visit the headquarters of Singapore’s Housing and Development Board and gain insights into how public housing transformed Singapore’s landscape.
Wet Market & Kopitiam Visit: Immerse yourself in local life by exploring a bustling wet market and stopping at a kopitiam (coffee shop). Try traditional kopi (coffee) or teh tarik (pulled tea) and observe locals going about their daily routines.
2
Highlights:
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park: Walk through one of Singapore’s largest urban parks, featuring lush greenery and a beautifully designed waterway that replaced a concrete canal. Learn about Bishan’s transformation from a cemetery to a thriving residential town.
Catholic High School & Kampong Roots: Hear stories of Bishan’s early days as a kampong (village) and its connection to Singapore’s Catholic settlers.
Local Eats: Stop at a hawker stall or bakery to sample traditional snacks like curry puffs or pandan cake, offering a taste of Singapore’s culinary heritage.
3
Highlights:
Ang Mo Kio Town Garden East: Enjoy panoramic views from this elevated garden and learn about the town’s development as Singapore modernized.
Zig-Zag HDB Blocks: Explore unique architectural designs that reflect the evolving needs of Singapore’s residents. These blocks are unlike any others in the city and tell a story of creative urban planning.
Void Deck Culture: Visit a void deck (community space under HDB flats) and learn about its significance as a place for socializing, celebrations, and daily activities.
Ang Mo Kio Hawker Centre: End the tour at a bustling hawker centre, where you’ll enjoy a curated tasting session of quintessential dishes like chicken rice, char kway teow, rojak, and more. Interact with hawkers to hear their stories and gain insights into Singapore’s food culture.
What's not included
Private transportation
Public transportation
Meals
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meet at the station entrance (Exit B), where you’ll start the journey with an introduction to Singapore’s heartlands and their significance.
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
