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Free tour

Heritage and High Society - Discover The Singapore Story

5.00
Excellent(2)
Duration: 3 hours
Languages: English
Guru: Shawn
Registered on 14 February 2026
Guru Avatar Image
Hi, I’m Shawn, a locally born and bred 2nd generation Singaporean, a licensed tourist guide, with a professional background in the banking industry. Let me take you on a journey through Singapore from the inside: our remarkable history, iconic sites, heritage neighbourhoods, UNESCO-recognised food culture, quiet forest trails, and everyday quirks (no, enjoying chewing gum is not illegal in Singapore!). My tours are relaxed, fun, informative, and customised around your interests and pace. Whether you want to immerse yourself in our fascinating culture, have your breath taken away by the spellbinding skyline or sample the amazing local food, I’m your guy!
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Our adventure begins at the iconic Singapore River, once our economic lifeline. From there, we explore the grand architecture of the Civic District:

* Little-known high viewpoint for a superb bird's-eye overview of the Civic District/Marina Bay precinct (you'll love it !)

* The historic Raffles Landing Site

* The quaint The Art House At The Old Parliament

* The magnificent Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall


You will understand:

* How Singapore became a British Crown Colony

* Why the Civic District was the nerve centre of the colony

* How World War II changed the trajectory of the nation


We then skip into modern Singapore at Marina Bay, where glitzy hotels and lifestyle reflect our ambition and reinvention:

* The world-famous Merlion Park

* The breath-taking Marina Bay Sands

* The durian-shaped The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay


Here, you’ll discover:

* Why the Merlion became Singapore’s national icon

* How land reclamation reshaped the coastline

* The vision behind Marina Bay as Asia’s premier waterfront


Finally, we walk into the heart of Chinatown, where early immigrants built their dreams. 

* The improbable Harmony Street

* The infamous Coolie House & Opium Den

* The fascinating Yip Yew Chong mural of everyday life


You will hear stories about:

* The brutal Chinese migration waves

* Back-breaking coolie life

* Religious harmony in a multicultural society


By the end of this walk, you’ll understand how a small trading post became one of the world’s most modern and multicultural cities. If you choose to go on only one walk in Singapore, please consider this one!  


Note: This is a tip-based tour (minimum 4 guests to start). Most guests who enjoyed it tip between S$30 and S$50 per person. Thank you for supporting what I do!


Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:
Clarke Quay MRT Station, Exit E (outside Burger King)
Clarke Quay MRT Station, Exit E (outside Burger King). Look for the friendly-looking guy in spectacles, dangling a large guide badge around his neck :-)
1
Outside visit
Raffles Landing Site
This was where Stamford Raffle landed in 1819 and founded Singapore. The rest is history.
2
Outside visit
Victoria Concert Hall
This was where Singapore's ruling party of 60 years (PAP - People's Action Party) was inaugurated in 1954.
3
Outside visit
Merlion Park
The seat of Singapore's most famous symbol, the Merlion.
Tour map

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Tour reviews

5.00
Excellent(2)
Generic
2
0
0
0
0
By category
Professionalism
5.00
Fun
5.00
Communication
5.00
Quality
5.00
Route
5.00

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Not suitable for bringing pets.

What should I know?

Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 4 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
Heritage and High Society - Discover The Singapore Story
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