Tour operator
Singapore DUCKtours
One-hour land-and-water sightseeing tour aboard a refurbished amphibious vehicle, splashing into Marina Bay after a drive through the Civic District.
The Original Singapore Walks
Award-winning narrated heritage walks run since 2003 by Journeys, exploring themes such as Little India, colonial history and the Changi war trails.
At a glance
- Type
- Heritage walking tours
- Area
- Citywide, Singapore
- Official site
- singaporewalks.com
Good to know
- Expert guides
- Themed walks
Why we recommend it
The Original Singapore Walks were launched in 2003 by Journeys, a Singapore travel company that specialises in heritage-based tours, and they have since won several Singapore Tourism Awards. The idea is simple: small groups explore a neighbourhood or theme on foot with a guide who knows its history in depth, so you come away understanding how the city's districts grew and who lived in them.
Each walk focuses on a theme. Routes have covered the colonial Civic District, Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Gelam, as well as military history, including the Second World War sites around Changi, and more unusual subjects such as the Haw Par Villa theme park with its dramatic sculptures from Chinese mythology. The guides use stories, old photographs and local anecdotes to bring the streets to life, and they point out details, such as shophouse decoration, temple symbolism and wartime traces, that are easy to miss when exploring alone.
These are well-researched walks rather than quick photo stops, so expect plenty of storytelling and allow two to three hours for most of them. Walks generally meet at MRT stations, which makes them easy to slot into a day of sightseeing, and they run on set days according to the theme, so check the schedule on the website before you plan your itinerary. Walks do not run on public holidays.
The walks suit first-time visitors who want context for what they are seeing, history enthusiasts and returning travellers keen to look beyond the main sights. Older children who enjoy stories will cope well, but very young children may find the length tiring. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and an umbrella, and bring sun protection, as much of each route is outdoors in the heat.
The company is based in Singapore, and walks should be booked in advance. A morning walk is the most comfortable option in the tropical climate, and it leaves the afternoon free to revisit places that caught your interest, such as a museum or temple passed along the way. Combining a Chinatown or Little India walk early in a trip is a good way to understand the city before exploring on your own.
The Original Singapore Walks FAQs
Who runs The Original Singapore Walks?
Journeys, a Singapore heritage tour specialist that launched the walks in 2003.
Where do walks start?
Walks generally meet at MRT stations; the meeting point is given for each walk.
How long are the walks?
Most last two to three hours.
Do walks run every day?
Each theme runs on set days, and walks do not run on public holidays.
What themes are covered?
Neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Gelam, colonial and military history, and places such as Haw Par Villa.
Do I need to book?
Yes, check the schedule and book in advance.
Is it suitable for children?
Older children who enjoy stories cope well; very young children may find the length tiring.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, sun protection and an umbrella.