Singapore History & Culture Tour (Small Group) – From Raffles to Rooftops
Cruise the river, savour hawker favourites, and end with a traditional tea ceremony — all while tracing Singapore’s rise from trading post to global powerhouse.
At a Glance
- • Price: US$110 Adults / US$75 Children (6–11)
- • Duration: 4.5 hours
- • Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 3:30pm
- • Group Size: Max 9 guests
- • Meeting Point: Outside City Hall MRT Station (full details after booking)
- • End Point: Chinatown
- • Includes: River cruise, HDB rooftop view, Chicken Rice dinner, sugarcane juice, local dessert, traditional tea ceremony
- • Transport: Walking tour using public transport
- • Not Suitable For: Children under 6 or those unable to walk 9km — pace is slow and steady over the duration of the tour
- • What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and an umbrella
- • Language: English
About the Tour
Step into the story of Singapore—a city that rose from trading post to global powerhouse in just two centuries. This is more than a walking tour; it's a curated journey through the country’s political, cultural, and architectural evolution.
We begin in the Civic District, where colonial buildings and cathedral lawns set the stage for stories of early pioneers like Raffles and Whampoa. As we trace Singapore’s foundations, we explore the forces that shaped its early identity.
Then we take to the water aboard a traditional bumboat, drifting from 19th-century shophouses to the skyscrapers of Marina Bay. Our river cruise marks a shift into the present-day city. Disembarking near the Merlion, we unpack Singapore’s astonishing transformation, from land reclamation to mega construction projects like Marina Bay Sands and the Marina Barrage.
Next, we head skyward to the rooftop of an HDB building. With panoramic views of the skyline, your guide explains how Lee Kuan Yew’s bold reforms reshaped housing, governance, and daily life—launching Singapore from third-world to first.
In Chinatown, we dive into local flavour at a vibrant hawker centre, learning how to navigate its etiquette and stalls like a true Singaporean. Enjoy a full dinner of Chicken Rice, sugar cane juice, and a local dessert—all included.
The evening ends with a calming tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse, where you’ll learn to brew and pour like a local. You’ll taste the celebrated Imperial Tea—the same blend once served to Queen Elizabeth II—bringing the experience full circle. We began with trade; we end with the very leaf that once fueled it.
Good to Know
- • Tour Style: This tour is packed with “must-see” highlights and fascinating insights into Singapore’s history and politics — always delivered in a way that’s fun, engaging, and easy to follow.
- • Fitness Requirements: This tour covers around 9km at a slow, steady pace with multiple stops. If you tire easily, a private tour is a better fit as it allows for flexible pacing and optional taxi rides.
- • Weather: Tours go ahead rain or shine. Singapore gets frequent short showers, so we strongly recommend bringing an umbrella.
- • Children: This tour is not suitable for children under 6 due to the walking distance. For families with young children, please consider booking a private version.
- • Vegetarian Meals: We can accommodate vegetarians at the hawker centre, though options may be basic (e.g. rice and vegetables). Vegan and gluten-free options are not guaranteed.
- • Rooftop Access: If The Pinnacle@Duxton rooftop is closed due to weather, we will visit an alternate HDB rooftop with a nice view.
