Singapore tours for locals
International travel will still likely be a ways off, but there’s always a silver lining. While hotels and attractions help soothe our WFH-weary souls, Singapore tours serve up a secret side of Singapore for locals to satisfy our wanderlust instead.
From getting all touristy splashing through the Singapore River, to venturing into a spooky WWII battlefield in the darkness, there’s so much to see and do with these 7 Singapore tours that are ideal for locals and tourists alike.
Check out our articles for things to do:
1. Tour the roads and rivers of the CBD in an amphibious vehicle
Image credit: Singapore Duck Tours
You might have waved back at cheery tourists on a Singapore River boat tour during one of your post-meal strolls, but here’s your chance to try that experience yourself – on a WWII-era military vehicle no less.
Singapore DUCKtours, named affectionately after their decommissioned DUKW amphibious vehicles, bring you on a 60-minute cruise along our city’s roads and waters. Make a splash near Kallang and whizz past the Merlion, MBS and the Esplanade, before waddling back next to the Singapore Flyer.
Tickets: Adult $41 | Child $30
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-330 Suntec Shopping Mall, Singapore 038983
Tour hours: Hourly | 9PM-6:30PM, Daily
Telephone: 6338 6877
Website
2. Check out traditional trades like kopi roasting & paper house making
Image credit: KlookÂ
Beneath the gleam and glamour of Singapore’s sleek skyscrapers today are centuries-old trades that have been passed down from generation to generation. Singapore’s Disappearing Trade Tour lets you revisit traditional trades from the 1950s and 1980s that might very well disappear in the near future.
Image credit: KlookÂ
Find out how the coffee beans for our potent kopitiam kopi are traditionally roasted, and see how intricate paper prayer houses are made. You know, the ones we often see burnt as offerings during the 7th month period.
Tickets: $93 per pax
Address: Meet up at Newton Food Centre, Newton, 500 Clemenceau Avenue North, Singapore 229495
Tour hours: Tues & Fri | 9AM-1PM
Telephone: 3158 3270 (Klook Singapore hotline)
Website
3. Tour hidden spots in Little India, Chinatown & Kampong Glam
Image adapted from: Monster Day Tours
Charming, quaint corners right next to our city centre like Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam are important parts of our history – ethnic enclaves created during colonial times. Where they served to separate different races centuries ago, they’re the perfect place to start better appreciating our diverse culture and heritage.Â
This 55th National Day, Monster Tours has a tour series including: a ‘Journey of the Senses’ Little India Walk, ‘Struggles of Our Forefathers’ Chinatown Walk and ‘Royalty meets Trendy’ Kampong Glam Walk. Each package includes $35 worth of free gifts and discounts, and you’ll also get to have a fifth guest tag along free for every four registrations.
Tickets: From $70 per pax
Address: Blk 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #03-04/05, Singapore 139951
Tour hours: Mon-Sun | 9:30AM, 12PM, 2:30PM and 5PMÂ
Telephone: 8749 7346
Website
4. Go on a photowalk to Lazarus Island for a unique view of the city
Image credit: SPIN
Apart from the mainland, Singapore has 64 other islands, both natural and man-made. But most locals have likely not set foot on any of them apart from Sentosa, Pulau Ubin, and for our botak men in green, Pulau Tekong. At $40 per pax, photography enthusiasts can get a tour of Lazarus Island to check it off their list, and to also gain access to a unique view of our splendid skyline.
Conducted by Singapore Photography & Imaging Network, founder Wilson Wong and his assistants will be on hand to guide budding photographers on everything from light painting, wildlife and drone photography. Come sunset, you can frame up a memorable sunset view of the Singapore skyline, and even get a shot at astrophotography if the weather permits.
Tickets: $40 per pax inclusive of ferry
Address: Meet up at Marina South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Dr, Singapore 018988
Tour hours: 15th August 2020, Sat | 2:30PM – 10PM
WebsiteÂ
The Lazarus Island Photowalk has ended, but you can island hop between St. John’s, Kusu and Lazarus Islands. You can also stay tuned to updates on SPIN’s Peatix page.
5. Venture into spooky graveyards and battlefields on a ghost tour
Image credit: @klook
If you’re a fan of horror movies and love a good scare, set your spine tingling with The Creepy Tales of Singapore Ghost Tour. Lit candles and ghost-detecting instruments in hand, wander around tombstones and mausoleums in the Pasir Panjang area while being regaled with legends and stories.Â
Over the course of 3 hours, you’ll also get to see a WWII battlefield on a secluded hill, along with a Japanese laboratory that has a long history of massacres. Spooky!
Tickets: $105 (U.P. $150)
Address: Meet up at Haw Par Villa MRT Station Exit A
Tour hours: Wed-Sun | 7:30PM – 10:30PM
Telephone: 3158 3270 (Klook Singapore hotline)
WebsiteÂ
6. Explore a local gin distillery with a tasting session
Image credit: Brass Lion Distillery
Gin’s an alcohol-favourite, and here’s how you can gain a better appreciation for this aromatic, botanical tipple. Local gin-maker, Brass Lion Distillery, is offering a distillery tour that includes a gin tasting flight every weekend for booze lovers and wannabe connoisseurs alike.Â
The distillery has also recently launched a private gin experience for up to five participants which includes a cocktail-making session – perfect for a fun activity with your drinking kaki.
Tickets: Distillery Tour with gin tasting ($45) | Private Gin experience for up to 5 pax ($500)
Address: 40 Alexandra Terrace, Singapore 119933
Tour hours: Sat & Sun | 3PM
Email: drink@brassliondistillery.comÂ
Website
7. Appreciate our unique wildlife with a Pulau Hantu intertidal walk
Image credit: Ulu Singapore – Guided Nature Walks
An hour by boat from the bustle of the city, Pulau Hantu’s thick mangroves and wide intertidal zone make for a rich habitat home to unique wildlife like sea cucumbers and anemones.Â
To reconnect with nature, sign up for the Intertidal Walk at Pulau Hantu where you will have the chance to spot unique soft corals, sea slugs and even clownfish!
Tickets: $90 per pax inclusive of boat ride
Address: Meet up at Marina South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Dr, Singapore 018988
Tour hours: 22nd August 2020, Sat | 5:15AM
Website
The Intertidal Walk at Pulau Hantu has ended, but you can explore upcoming events on Ulu Singapore’s Peatix page.
Singapore tours for locals
With the pause in the usual swathes of tourists flocking our attractions, it’s the perfect time for us Singaporeans to go sightseeing in our own backyard. From getting spooked by spirits to getting a healthy tasting flight of spirits, these tours in Singapore suited for locals will be sure to delight and amaze even the history buffs among us.
Check out our other articles on secret and hidden facts in Singapore:
- Singapore buildings with design secrets
- Mediacorp secrets revealed by local celebrities
- Airline secrets exposed by an ex-SIA stewardess
Cover image credit: Kim Guan Guan, Klook
This article was first published on 7th August 2020, last updated by Ian Ling on 20th October 2020.
