Walking Tours to Explore the Sights of Singapore

Travelling usually requires transportation to get to a specific destination. Many travel agencies offer packages with a private van and a driver in tours for a convenient and hassle-free trip. Even though using transportation is the norm in travelling, it is still possible to create a tour with just a walk or a bicycle ride.

Singapore has a lot of attractions and places worthy of visit. The best thing about this city is that it is pedestrian friendly. Wide sidewalks and pedestrian lanes are installed everywhere allowing people to reach their place of destination through walking. Although sometimes it might get tiring to walk all the time, Singapore has trains, buses and taxis for a faster mode of transportation.

Some travel agencies like Happy Tourist offer walking tours in Singapore to explore its popular sites. Although sitting down on cars might feel relaxing and comfortable during a trip, it also makes someone feel lethargic. The beauty in walking or cycling around is that tourists get to admire the place without having to rush through it. It allows a close experience around their environment, immersing themselves with its natural feel. Even though looking through a window on cars or vans also allows tourists to witness a beautiful sight, it is still different when they set foot on the place.

Happy Tourists’ walking tours offers a city tour around Singapore. Tourists experience  Singapore’s mix culture and at the same time, its modernity. Since most people in this city is predominantly Buddhists, it is suggested to try out the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery Tour in order to understand traditional Buddhism culture and its history. For a more modern setup, it is best to experience a Singapore City Tour. Popular spots such as the Merlion, the Esplanade, the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Financial District and Chinatown can be visited.

A specialized guided walking tour around Chinatown in the morning, and at Marina Bay in the night are also available. A walk around the Chinatown allows tourists to try the different cuisines of the city, and its food culture. Historical sites such as Thian Hock Keng temple, Sri Mariamman Temple can also be visited in this unique town. While the walking night tour at the Marine Bay brings the opportunity to understand the history of Singapore and how it has developed  aorund a river. The tour is wrapped up with a Light Show at the Gardens by the Bay..

It might be fun and exciting to explore new places all over the world, but it also feels intimidating and scary not knowing a single person in a foreign country. There are many possibilities in a traveler’s head on what might happen on the trip. May it be good or bad, it is always recommendable to be prepared at all times. No one wants a ruined vacation trip when it is meant for relaxation—a breather from all the stressful things in life. With this, it is essential to have a reliable partner during like Happy Tours. A travel agency giving assurance on our anxious-driven minds.

Make the Most Out of Your Singapore City Tour

The opportunity of being in Singapore brings forth excitement to the tourist! Savor the experience of Singapore walking tours. It is best to travel with companions.

Actions and Thrills

Taking a Singapore city tour may involve a lot of action and thrill! This is based on the activities that you choose. Bring out your adventurous streak by skydiving, riding in a cinema, and experiencing zipwire! These are certainly for the daring tourist. Be surrounded with wild animals as you explore the Night Safari. Ride a cable car high above the air and look at the splendid city view. For these activities, prepare to shout and scream!

Art and Fashion

Seek incredible finds for art and fashion as you walk in a Singapore tour. This city is simply a delight for fashionistas and art enthusiasts alike! On Orchard Road, feel luxurious with the multitude of foreign brands. Your desire for retail is satisfied as you walk on this street. At Holland Village, the bohemian vibe welcomes you! Homegrown brands also abound for a taste of local products. Savor the experience for your exposure to creativity.

Immerse In Greenery

In this lovely and clean city, the warmth of greenery surrounds you a lot! There are many developed parks for relaxation. At Fort Canning Park, appreciate the past of the city. When you see Gardens by the Bay, be surrounded with the beautiful plants and flowers. Staying at the Singapore Botanic Gardens is also worthwhile. As part of your Singapore city tour, relish the sights of these fabulous places. Make it an enjoyable experience.

Show the Passion

Staying in this international city is filled with happy memories! There are art festivals, sports games, and music to enjoy. For sports, the enthusiast may go to HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens. There is also the Grand Prix Season Singapore. Show off those marvelous dancing steps at the ZoukOut. Prepare to walk a lot in your Singapore tour. It relaxes your body and gives it energy. Exploring the city by foot is a rewarding experience.

Exposure to Culture

Be immersed in the local culture during your vacation. An abundance of galleries, museums, and theatres is impressive for the die-hard fan! On a public street, appreciate wonderful wall art. When you go to the Civic District, it is a source of inspiration for creative talent. At the National Gallery of Singapore, prepare to be regaled with significant art collections. Famous artists also have their pieces displayed. Your Singapore city tour may be complete with a cultural exposure.

Eat Succulent Food

As you wander for good food in this city, it is best to eat local cuisine. Since you are here, try the hawker centres and feel like a local. Chinatown Complex Food Centre is simply the place to be for the real hawker experience. There are at least 260 food merchants who await your taste. When you want fine dining, look for restaurants with the Michelin stars. Also, remember to eat noodles and chicken rice.

These are only some expectations when you experience a Singapore city tour. Make the most out of it.

3 Singapore City Tours For Your Pleasure

Going on vacation in Singapore guarantees a fun-filled trip! There are tours to participate in. Choose the one that suits your time.

Singapore Walking Tours

Go on a free Singapore walking tour and explore Chinatown on a Saturday morning. For 45 minutes, you can start at High Street Centre. The last stop is Chinatown where the adventure ends. By taking this tour, you can listen to a licensed guide. A week before the tour, online registration is done. Since there is no charge, relish it with a group. Take this in good weather only. This tour is Pay As You Wish Walking Tour.

Stay for awhile on Chinatown Food Street. Walk on its narrow pathways. Eat traditional Singaporean food like Hainanese Chicken, satay, and noodles. Buy souvenirs for your family and friends. Go to the boutiques that are aplenty. There are antiques and crafts and many other things. On Club Street, the nightlife is abuzz with wine bars. For a cultural experience, there are Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and 1827 Sri Mariamman Temple.

While you have a Singapore walking tour, these temples fill your historical knowledge. The Buddha Temple has four floors. Upon entering, there is a high ceiling and a captivating main hall. There are also the drum tower and bell tower. On the fourth floor, the highlight is the holy relic kept in the gold stupa. Going up to the roof lets you see a huge prayer wheel on a pagoda. This structure was based on Buddhist mandala.

Upon seeing the Sri Mariamman Temple, you can be amased with the colorful exterior decoration. Known as the oldest shrine, Tamil Hindus come here for worship. They give respect to Goddess Mariamman. She is recognised as the deity of protection and disease. A Penang Indian trader, Naraina Pillai, created this place. Back then, it became a refuge for immigrants. They belonged to the South Indian Tamil Hindu group.

Remember to visit the Red Dot Design Museum. Change your perspective in seeing everyday things. On display are innovative items and gadgets. At least an hour is advisable for this activity. In this tiny gallery, there are huge and varied designs.

Fill your night with an interesting activity. Buy the Guided Walking Tour Around Marina Bay at night worth S$19. With a small group, it is relaxing to go sightseeing. Explore Singapore River, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, and Light Show at the Gardens by the Bay among others. Also, enjoy the sights of Parliament Houses, Merlion Park, and Helix Bridge. At the Esplanade, be immersed in the culture. For two hours, be captivated by the beauty of the city.

Singapore City Tour

Another great activity to take part in is the Singapore city tour. This is a whole day tour for your group’s convenience. It is customised to allow your group to see the marvelous city. Be ready to be immersed in Singaporean culture. The sight of the Merlion is very historical and pleasant. At the Esplanade, savor the entertainment hub of the city. The architectural marvel of Marina Bay Sands is to behold in all of its splendor.

Remember that these tours are for your historical knowledge and leisure. Make use of the trip to enjoy the city!

Walking Around Chinatown On A Trip

I have always been stressed of heavy workloads and alienating nature of work. I have lost the interest in the things I used to enjoy doing like lying in bed, turning up the air conditioning system, wrap myself in comforters and enjoy a TV series in a very dark room. I also used to love being along, with a book and a cup of hot chocolate but lately, I really literally lost interest that I would just like to disappear from the surface of the world. I just go by the routine of waking up lethargic, dragging myself off the bed, prepare for work, finish then go home and sleep.

I just woke up one day crying an could barely go to work. My boss was too considerate to let me get a vacation and even urged me to get out and get some sun more often. He told me about Happy Tourist, and did not even give me a chance but booked me a trip already! At this point, I have very little care about anything so I just went with the flow. Happy Tourist, apparently to my late protest, is a provider of cycling and walking tours in Singapore that allows intimate exploration to your environment while keeping your body, soul and spirit in shape.

What my boss got for me is a Chinatown walking tour around Singapore. I hate walking! Here are their packages:

Pay as you wish walking tour

With licensed tour guides, the tourist becomes immersed with the Singaporean environment on Saturday mornings for free! For 45 minutes, you get to sightsee along Chinatown. While free, it requires a sort of online registration a week before the tour date.

Guided walking tour around Marina Bay at night

Now, despite my being introverted, this is what I think I will appreciate since I really love anything dark, and hate anything warm and sunny. Along with a private small group, you get to walk around Marina Bay and enjoy the relaxing and glorious sights of Singapore River, Parliament Houses, Fullerton Hotel, Merlion Park, Esplanade, Helix Bridge, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Light Show at the Gardens by the Bay. I heard you also get to know the history of the administrative area of Singapore.

Guided walking tour around Chinatown in the morning

Now, this is what my boss has booked me. To my surprise, it was not really bad – it was great, even! We get to see Singapore River, Parliament House, and Chinatown. I frequently pass by these places but now, it is actually nice to actually get to know them by heart. Plus, walking actually feels good. We were also told of the history behind each place. I got to sift through the traditional tea shops, bakery shops, traditional medical shops, and Chinatown market. I have always known the Chinese have a rich culture, but it is only during those walking tours that I get to appreciate them.

Those Chinatown walking tours was very refreshing and reinvigorating. I was very glad I got to try it. Because of that experience, I kind of feel better in mind, and in a body.

Exploring the Undiscovered with the Help of Singapore Guided Tours

Singapore is a beautiful landscape of rich culture and eye-catching landmarks. Exploring it alone can be a thrilling adventure. But the country is still full of undiscovered treasures that can only be explored with the help of guided tours.

Lone exploration is defined by self-discovery with the nose for curiosity. It’s an exciting adventure to learn new places and people all by yourself, but it can also take a lot of time. If you need a little guidance with your exploration, why don’t you try out a few walking tours around Singapore?

There are a few benefits to using a guided tour around an unexplored country. What makes guided tours a journey itself?

1. Get to know new people

One of the first discoveries you’ll make on a guided tour isn’t the country itself, but the people you’ll be with. Tours are usually accompanied with a small to medium group off tourists. This is a chance to not only to explore the country but to discover new people whom you might be friends with.

People come and go, and some acquaintances may end even as the tour soon ends. But the tour wouldn’t be wholly engaging if it wasn’t attended by a few good people such as yourself.

2. Know the country further with the aid of facts

Guided tours are led by certified instructors. These tour guides will assist you and other tourists in exploring the country, one way or another. A part of this discovery is learning about a landmark’s history and origin, or the town’s people.

The instructor usually gives factual information about a certain place with a short but important detail. If these little facts caught your curiosity, then maybe you’ll dig deeper into the country’s culture. If not, then at least you learned a thing or two with some fun facts from the tour guide.

3. You’ll never get lost

Let’s say your out for a night walk in an unexplored part of Singapore. You’re scared, frightened, and you might be lost. Even though Singapore is one of the safest places in the world, the danger is everywhere.

Now picture the same scenario but with a guided tour. You’re on a night tour with a few friends. You’re completely safe with no possible way of getting lost unless on purpose. The difference between traveling alone and with a tour guide is the safety provided.

Unless you want to get lost on purpose, having a tour guide by your back is the perfect way to never run adrift.

4. Handling local issues

If you’re alone tourist, you might run into unexpected problems that require local knowledge. Whether you’re tricked into buying an expensive but counterfeit product, or maybe scammed by some local tricksters, being alone can be hard to solve local problems. Having a tour guide by your side is a safe way to avoid local issues.

In the end, exploration is a preference. If you want to travel alone and get lost in the experience, then a thrilling adventure is your style. If you a guide with friends to back you up, it’s perfectly fine too. Just remember that every journey is yours to decide.

Singapore at a Glance: The Reasons to Join a Walking Tour

Singapore prides itself as one of the most visited cities in the world, attracting 14.47 million in the past year – and it shouldn’t be a surprise with the wealth of tourist attractions it has to offer and a myriad of different cuisines to spoil you with.

But, of all the ways to uncover the beauty of this paradise, nothing beats a walking tour in Singapore that will introduce you to the city-state’s culture and give you a taste of its delicious food. There are hundreds of walking and food tours offered in Singapore. So on your visit to the city, here are the reasons why you need to consider joining one.

Organization

A walking tour provider handles all the nitty-gritty of planning a tour. So, apart from making sure your camera has a full battery and your essentials are packed, all you have to do is turn up to the assembly point.

Your tour guide will take care of the rest by making sure that the itinerary is well planned out. In this way, you’ll not miss any of the attraction and at the same time, there will be enough breaks in between.

Safety

Aside from convenience, a guided tour will also bring a sense of safety during the trip. It eliminates the feeling of uneasiness of being uncertain about where to go next or how to act within a particular place.

It particularly holds true in countries where you aren’t fluent in the local language. The presence of the tour guide will also give you a sense of assurance that you’re with a local who understands the city’s culture.

Advice from the locals

As mentioned, tour guides are, more often than not, natives of the city. So, they not only know the best recommendations to offer you but also stories and bits of history behind each tourist sites, too.

They will be happy to offer you insider tips about the places you’ll visit, things to avoid as well as the best local eats you can try. By the end of the tour, you will gain an in-depth knowledge that will make you appreciate Singapore more.

Meeting new people

Although there are perks from traveling alone, it can also get lonely once in a while. Joining walking tours opens up opportunities to meet fellow travelers particularly when you’re not with people you already know.

In fact, venturing into the unknown can inspire friendship that lasts even long after your travel and you go in separate ways. After all, what could be a better conversation starter than sharing your experience in a new city?

We could go on listing a few more benefits of booking a walking tour. But, we’re confident that these reasons are enough to enlist yourself on a walking tour the next time you’re traveling to Singapore.

Five Singapore Walking Tours For My Pleasure

Being on vacation in Singapore was a great reward! I took walking tours to enjoy the city. The guide was very patient in responding to our queries about the place.

Pay As You Wish Walking Tour

During my short vacation here, I want to make my morning complete with a walking tour in Singapore. I feel that it is refreshing to see the sights by walking. It shall also serve as my exercise for 45 minutes. On a Saturday morning, I took the Pay As You Wish Walking Tour. I met the group and guide on High Street Centre. We ended at Chinatown where delicious good food awaited.

Guided Walking Tour Around Marina Bay (Night)

I looked forward to the Guided Walking Tour Around Marina Bay at night. With a private small group, we went to famous places. This Singaporean walking tour is very relaxing. More of the administrative part of the city was seen. At the Esplanade, we listened to musical performances. I marveled at the architecture of the Marina Bay Sands and Helix Bridge. For the last stop, the Gardens by the Bay proved worthwhile since we watched the light show. We ended after two hours.

Guided Walking Tour Around Chinatown (Morning)

Moving on to Chinatown for the morning walking tour in Singapore, I was excited! Along the way, I saw the Parliament House and the Singapore River. Historical places such as Sri Mariamman Temple and Thian Hock Keng Temple reminded me of their past. In Chinatown, there were many traditional shops where I bought souvenirs. I also sipped traditional tea and went to the traditional market.

While staying at Chinatown, I felt like a local eating their dishes. For two hours, I experienced the warm morning Singaporean weather. Finally, we ended at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

Chinatown Food Tour

I joined the Chinatown Food Tour as part of the Chinatown walking tour in Singapore. Being with a small group, I enjoyed eating local cuisine. Food tasting can be done on a Tuesday from 10.30am-12.30pm only. I was happy that Chinatown Food Street is improved. Food from hawker stalls is famous to have a bite of. I ate fried rice, braised pork knuckle, dim sum, roast duck, and fried oyster.

Fortunately, as a renovated place, there is a cool glass canopy shelter already. Only people can stay in it. Thus, I experienced human traffic in buying food. Also, I had a taste of fresh frog porridge, Odeon beef noodles, bbq chicken wings, and satay. I felt like a real Singaporean trying to adapt to their hawker style.

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery Tour

Being with a small group, I was mesmerized with the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery. The guide explained the architecture and past of this place. For each step I took, there was an interesting story behind it. I immersed myself in Buddhist ways. Also, the peacefulness of this place was relaxing. This Singaporean walking tour was very interesting and tiring.

Certainly, sightseeing in Singapore by walking was a different adventure. I am grateful for knowing more about this awesome city.

How I Spent My Last Day in Singapore with a City Tour

September marks the start of the fall season. It’s also the time of traveling for me – and for the last eight years I’ve been flying abroad, I embarked on the longest flight I’ve ever been in.

As the regional international head of operations of our advertising agency, it is part of my job to travel overseas to preside over the rolling out of new training programs in our satellite offices in several Southeast Asian destinations.

For this year, it was Singapore.

It wasn’t my first time in this fascinating country. Back in 2016, I first set foot in Singapore and my only regret is that I didn’t have the luxury of time to tour around the metropolis. So, to make up for the missed opportunity, I booked a round trip ticket with the return date two days later after my last appointment. It will give me one whole day to discover the country’s culture, nature and modernity, I thought to myself.

So, what to do with a day trip to Singapore?

Since the company already arranged and paid for my accommodation and airfares, the only thing I will have to worry about is my itinerary for a day of leisure in Singapore. To be honest, I never thought of anything fancy, just as long as I get to explore the most famous destinations in the city and create as many memories as I can in a day.

In the midst of my research and planning, my friend who’s recently been in the country advised me to just book a Singapore city tour package instead. He then recommended me Resource Travel, a travel agency in Singapore, whom he said arranged his family’s walking tours.

Because I really have no idea which travel agency to hire, I accepted his offer. I booked a private full-day overview tour of Singapore which set me back for S$590 (US$809). It was quite on the pricier side, but I could have saved more if I have a companion with me.

I arrived in Singapore on a Tuesday morning of September 11 and have just survived 21 hours of travel from New York to Singapore. I went through the first three days jumping from one meeting to another, one seminar to another.

I’ve never anticipated the days to pass by my entire life as much as I did at that point until finally, it was over. I concluded my day having dinner with our long-time client and a sip or two of wine.

It was September 14 and the first thing I noticed while waiting for the private vehicle that will pick me up outside my hotel was the extreme humidity.  It was a relief to finally get on the car and by 9 am, I am already driving around the Civic District, driving around museums, protected parks and memorial spaces within it. We also passed by the Padang, the famous open playing field; the historic Parliament House as well as the National Gallery.

But, what really impressed me is the Merlion Park and the breathtaking views of Marina Bay. I didn’t pass the chance to take as much photos of the merlion which symbolizes the tourism in Singapore.

Then, I went on to wander around the streets of Chinatown to see, first-hand, the well-preserved shop houses before moving on to Little India. I bought a batch of incense sticks and some souvenirs to bring home.

We made a stop at Kampong Glam, a well-known destination with its bazaars and market before proceeding to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the country’s first UNESCO world heritage site. Finally, I concluded the day with a visit to Marina Bay Sands. I spent the last hour at the Marina Skating Rink, before going for dinner at the food court.

After a day of activities, I was finally transferred back to my hotel, ready for my flight the next day. I knew to myself that a day tour in the city wouldn’t even scratch its surface. But, really, just a small portion of Singapore has already blown me away.