Splendour of Colonial Singapore Walking Tour with Lunch
Description
On this walking tour, we cast our minds back more than 200 years to a time when Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles of the British East India Company arrived in Singapore, started a British trading post in 1819, became part of the Straits Settlements in 1826, and eventually a separate colony of the British crown in 1867. We’ll visit well-preserved structures from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, and stately neo-classical style buildings, which have all been restored to showcase the splendour of Colonial Singapore. We pay tribute to our former colonial masters who left behind their legacy of careful town planning, sound legal system, good education system, solid infrastructure, impressive architecture, etc, which have certainly played a significant part in the development of modern Singapore. At about midday, we’ll kick back and enjoy lunch by the Singapore River at Boat Quay, before we resume our tour of the Civic District and Old European Town.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our story begins with how the British started their trading post in Singapore in 1819, where the early European settlers built their homes, and how the first Anglican church came to be constructed in 1836.
We explore the 2 colonial buildings which now make up the National Gallery Singapore, namely the Former Municipal Building (later renamed City Hall Building) and the Former Supreme Court Building. Step into the chamber where Lord Louis Mountbatten accepted the surrender of the Japanese on 12 September 1945, the holding cells of the former Supreme Court, etc.
Discover the hidden gems in the oldest surviving building in Singapore, dating from 1827.
Discover how 2 buildings, one formerly the Town Hall and the other the Memorial Hall for Queen Victoria, built more than 40 years apart, were amalgamated to form one. We also take a look at the original bronze statue of Sir Stamford Raffles and learn about its association with football!
Formerly the Government Offices of Colonial Singapore.
Cross the oldest surviving suspension bridge in Singapore, and learn about what life was like along the Singapore River about 200 years ago.
Formerly the General Post Office, the building now houses The Fullerton Hotel, a luxurious 5-star hotel with a heritage gallery well worth visiting.
Stop for a 3-course lunch at a riverside restaurant. Non-vegetarian and vegetarian options are available.
Ever wonder what it's like inside the maximum security building with the spaceship-like structure on top? Come explore with us.
Iconic neoclassical style colonial building with its rainbow-coloured windows.
Visit the oldest surviving fire station in Singapore. Come face-to-face with an antique horse-drawn fire truck, and climb aboard a vintage fire engine.
Step inside the oldest church in Singapore, dating back to 1835, and learn more about significant contributions made by the Armenian community to Singapore.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(92)
Ping's tour was excellent. She was informative, knowledgeable and shared both facts and anecdotes that were interesting. The locations chosen to focus on were varied and demonstrated Singapore's history well. Ping took time to answer everyone's questions well and we did not feel rushed on the tour at all. The tour size was good ( we had 11 in our group). I would thoroughly recommend this tour.
Fun facts. Fun locations fun picture spots whole learning about country and government I recommend this tour with Ping she is wonderful
Excellent. Ping (our guide) was charming, approachable and very knowledgeable. She made the whole tour interesting and relatable, taking us to some places that we would not have found if we had been independent tourists.
I couldn't fault this tour- really well researched and explained, lots of interesting information and we went into buildings that told the story of Singapore which are free for the public to go into but as a tourist you'd never know it! Ping finds plenty of seated areas either in shade or air-con to tell the story, so you never feel too hot or tired. I wish I'd done this tour the first time I came to Singapore!
The tour was very well organised by our tour guide Ping. She is very knowledgeable about Singapore and its history, and we learnt so much during our time together. I would highly recommend her tour, and we will definitely book her other tour options when we are back in Singapore.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour—it was informative, engaging, and a lot of fun from start to finish. It provided an excellent overview of Singapore’s colonial history and gave me a much deeper appreciation for how the country’s past has shaped the vibrant city it is today. Ping was an outstanding guide. Her extensive knowledge, engaging storytelling, personal anecdotes, and thoughtfully curated stops brought the history to life and made the experience truly memorable. She struck the perfect balance between education and entertainment, and the time flew by. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Singapore, especially if it’s your first visit. It’s a fantastic way to gain historical context, discover places you might otherwise miss, and better appreciate everything you’ll see during the rest of your stay.
A fabulous tour with very a knowledgeable guide Ping. Lots of history about Singapore’s early development and culture. A delicious lunch too. Thank you Ping it was a very memorable experience. We highly recommend.
Ping was an amazing tour guide; excellent historian, great story teller, and very passionate about the history of her country. She took special time to keep us shaded and keep the tour very interesting throughout.
Excellent walking tour, very informative guide named Ping who was able to answer many diverse questions from our group. Food good very enjoyable!
Ping was an outstanding guide. She remembered everyone’s names, came prepared with wet wipes and umbrellas, was energetic and enthusiastic and knew her subject backwards. She answered every question the group asked unhesitatingly and comprehensively. The route was well planned to make the most of shade and air-con. I learned heaps and am so pleased we did this tour.
