The Red Clogs of Chinatown
Tour Highlights
The Classic Trolley is a truly inventive vehicle that harkens to the past. Styled like those of yesteryears, it is fitted with outstanding features and aesthetics perfectly suited to today’s discerning traveller.
Singapore's oldest Chinese temple, this building was gazetted as a national monument in 1973.
Tourist-chic spot that amalgamates timeless historic charm and new-age retail concepts.
One of the most prominent places of worship for Hindu devotees all over the country.
A Tang-styled Buddhist Temple whose name derives from what Buddhists regard as the sacred Buddha Tooth Relic. Its richly designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art and history tell stories of culture over hundreds of years old.
Food is the cornerstone of Singapore's culture. Try our famous toast and coffee – local style - at a great coffee shop!
Overview
Chinatown and the related stories of early Chinese migrants are the mainstays of this tour. Immerse in the architectural splendor of Singapore’s oldest temple, the Thian Hock Keng Temple, which was completed without the use of a single nail. Built by early Chinese migrants, it is dedicated to Ma Zu, Goddess of the Sea, whom they prayed to for safe passage to this new land.
Next, we hop over to the heart of Chinatown to visit the famous Sri Mariamman Temple. A reflection of our harmonious multi-cultural society, this Hindu temple sits just a block away from a Chinese temple and a mosque.
From there, walk with our guide along the conservation of shophouses’ five-foot way to explore medical halls, wood carving shops and tea houses – each telling a story of its own heritage. Here, you can sample some classic toast – local style – at a great coffee shop.
Finally, hop back onto the trolley for a scenic drive down the Central Business District and Marina Bay before heading back to Suntec Tourist Hub.
This tour is ideal for guests who are curious about Chinatown and would relish a guided exploration of the grounds on foot.
Highlights
Thian Hock Keng Temple – Singapore's oldest Hokkien temple started out as a prayer house located along the shoreline of Telok Ayer Basin, erected by immigrants from the Fujian province for grateful seafarers who had just completed their perilous journey across the sea. In 1842, it was transformed into Thian Hock Keng, which means "Temple of Heavenly Happiness", by skilled craftsmen from China. Today, the immaculately restored building remains true to the original construction.
Sri Mariamman Temple – Built in 1827, Mariamman Kovil or Kling Street Temple, as the Sri Mariamman Temple was popularly known then, was constructed for worship by immigrants from the Nagapatnam and Cuddalore districts of South India. Located in the heart of Chinatown, the temple’s ornamental tower entrance or gopuram, has been a landmark to generations of Hindu worshippers and Singaporeans alike. It is one of the most prominent places of worship for Hindu devotees all over the country.
Chinatown – A visit to Singapore wouldn't be complete without exploring Chinatown, a tourist-chic spot that amalgamates timeless historic charm and new-age retail concepts. Amid a bustling yet quaint atmosphere, expect to see goldsmiths, medical halls and teahouses ply their trades next to popular hipster bars and eateries. Guests will also get to sample delectable toast and coffee – local style – here!
What to Expect
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Sightseeing
The prominent Thian Hock KengTemple was built in traditional southern Chinese architectural style. A masterpiece of stone, tiles and wood, intricate carvings and sculptures of dragons, phoenixes and deities, what’s amazing is that not a single nail was used in the original construction of the temple. This building was gazetted as a national monument in 1973. Visitors can also look out for the colourful broken porcelain on the roof ridges, a Fujian decorating technique.
Now a national monument, the Sri Mariamman Temple, dating back to 1827, is the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore, dedicated to the goddess Mariamman who was known for her power to cure illnesses and diseases. Much of the present structure is believed to be built in 1862-63 by Indian craftsmen who emigrated from South India. When you’re at the temple, look out for its ornate and elaborate detailing. The gopuram’s six tiers are covered with sculptures of deities, mythological beasts and other beings.
Chinatown has developed from a migrant settlement in the 19th century to the vibrant heritage precinct it is today where goldsmiths, medicinal halls and teahouses ply their trades next to popular hipster bars and eateries. Foodies can get a taste of hawker delights such as “char kway teow” (stir-fried noodles) and “bak kwa” (barbecued meat) at Chinatown Food Street while avid shoppers can look forward to purchasing a host of souvenirs along Pagoda Street.
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Experience
Chinatown is a famous ethnic precinct located in the Central region of Singapore. While many cities boast their very own Chinatown, Singapore is the only place you can explore the sights of this enclave on board the beautiful Classic Trolley – styled like those of yesteryears, but fitted with features and aesthetics suited to today’s discerning traveller. A fully-guided sightseeing experience, you’ll get to venture into the nooks and crannies of the city’s famed ethnic quarters and tread the path less taken. Reward yourself with an opportunity to sample coffee and toast found nowhere else in the world on this tour.
Tips:
1. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking to do.
2. Apply sunscreen or bring a visor.
3. Bring an umbrella in case of rain.
4. Don’t forget your camera – plenty of photo-worthy moments await.
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Check-in Information
Start Point: DUCK & HiPPO Tourist Hub (Suntec City #01-330) or Singapore Flyer (#01-06)
Tour Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Departure time: 2:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Admission: $43/A, $33/C (3-12 years old)
For reservations, call +65 6338-6877
