About this experience
Highlights:
Walk the hidden alleys of Chinatown with a dedicated local guide
Exclusive access to murals by celebrated local artist Yip Yew Chong
Visit Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Spot the Ann Siang Hill filming location from Crazy Rich Asians
1 set of kopi or teh with kaya toast included at Maxwell Food Centre
Singapore’s Chinatown is one of the most visited neighbourhoods in the city, filled with stories and history that go beyond its pretty postcard shophouses. Your local guide will take you beyond those walls and into alleys where stories of the people who built Singapore come to life. This side of history begins with the early Chinese immigrants in the 19th century who arrived on Singapore’s shores in hopes of chasing a better life, only to find themselves working as coolies and Samsui women.
The journey starts off through Pagoda Street and into the Chinatown Heritage Centre, through hidden painted alleyways and then off to Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest temple, stopping by some filming locations featured in Crazy Rich Asians, and crossing over to Ann Siang Hill’s beautifully preserved shophouses. Grab a few bites of local delicacies at Maxwell Food Centre, and then pay a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, one of Southeast Asia’s most significant Buddhist sites. Discover Sago Lane, also known as the ‘street of the dead’, and finish the walk at Chinatown Complex, where you can continue to explore on your own terms.
Halfway through the walk, sit down for a cup of kopi or teh with some kaya toast at a traditional kopitiam. A small, but one of the most Singaporean things you can do.
Next available dates
What’s included
- 3 hours with a dedicated local guide
- 1 cup of Teh or Kopi with a sharing set of Kaya Toast
- Engaging storytelling & in-depth exploration of the rich immigrant history and culture behind historical landmarks
- Personalised food recommendations at Maxwell Food Centre
- Small group experience (max 12 pax)
Not included
- Tips and gratuities (always appreciated, never expected)
- Chinatown Heritage Centre admission: S$20 adults / S$16 children aged 7–12
- Any additional food or drinks beyond what's included
Itinerary
- 1
Pagoda Street & Chinatown Heritage Centre
Step into the heart of old Chinatown on Pagoda Street, once the first stop for Chinese immigrants arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs. We’ll step into the Chinatown Heritage Centre, that goes deeper into the history of Chinatown and its early community.
- 2
Chinatown Alleyways & Street Market
Duck into the back lanes that feature murals of local artist Yip Yew Chong. Also Browse through the stalls of the Chinatown Street Market, where you can find everything from trinkets and souvenirs to traditional Chinese handicrafts.
- 3
Sri Mariamman Temple
Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, founded in 1827 by Naraina Pillai, a prominent figure in Singapore's Indian community, and recognised as a National Monument for its architectural and historical significance. The elaborately painted gopuram tower is one of the most striking sights in Chinatown.
- 4
Ann Siang Hill
Once a bustling business hub for Chinese immigrants, Ann Siang Hill retains its historical and architectural charm through beautifully restored terrace shophouses that are home to independent boutiques and cafes, where they once housed clan associations and secret societies long gone. One of the streets also doubles as a filming location from Crazy Rich Asians.
- 5
Maxwell Food Centre
Time for a break at one of Singapore's most beloved hawker centres. Your kopi or teh and kaya toast are on us. Your guide will also point you toward their personal picks from the stalls, from the iconic Hainanese chicken rice to Fuzhou oyster cakes.
- 6
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Built in the style of Tang Dynasty architecture, this is one of Southeast Asia's most significant Mahayana Buddhist sites. The sacred relic housed within draws pilgrims from across the region. On the way, your guide will take you past Sago Lane, once known as the "street of the dead," where the elderly came to spend their final days under the care of clan associations.
- 7
Chinatown Complex
The walk ends at Chinatown Complex, the neighbourhood's largest wet market and hawker centre. A good place to keep exploring on your own terms, and your guide can leave you with a list of what not to miss!
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Minimum age
- 3+ years
- Guide
- Guided tour in English
- Start times
- 09:30 · 10:00 · 11:00 · 12:00 · 13:00 · 14:00 · 15:00
Know before you go
- If a booking cannot go ahead, you'll be notified by email at least 2 days before departure.
- The tour involves approximately 3 hours of walking on uneven surfaces and steps. Comfortable, flat shoes are strongly recommended.
- Public transport connections available at the end of the walk.
- Not wheelchair accessible. Not suitable for prams or strollers.
- Not suitable for pets
- Infant seats unavailable, not recommended for infants.
- Wear something light and comfortable in Singapore's sweltering heat! We recommend you to bring a hat, sunnies and sunscreen — anything to combat the heat and humidity of our weather :)
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts.
- 1 day or more before: full refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
Chinatown MRT Exit A
- Address
- 151 New Bridge Rd, Singapore, 059443, SG
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Coordinates
- 1.28392, 103.84349
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 3 hours.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts. 1 day or more before: full refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English
Is hotel pickup included?
No — you make your own way to the meeting point.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at Chinatown MRT Exit A, 151 New Bridge Rd, Singapore, 059443, SG.
Is there a minimum age?
Travellers must be 3 or older.
From AED 187 per person
