With this comprehensive things-to-do itinerary in Tiong Bahru’s top attractions and hidden gems, you may explore the hidden alleyways and bustling streets on foot while taking in its heritage and cultural sights. Have fun exploring!

1. MURALS HUNT. These carefully crafted murals echo the familiar stories of life in HDB estates, sending a wave of nostalgia that is sure to strike a chord with many Singaporeans. The street art in Tiong Bahru is an artistic way to explore Singapore’s past across the last four decades. Local artist Yip Yew Chong designed several murals here to capture glimpses of the nation’s bygone days, some even making use of his personal family items. Some murals are the “Bird Corner” mural at Seng Poh Road, which tells the tale of bird singing competitions that were one held every week at Tiong Bahru. Other installations you can find are “Home”, where you can ‘check in’ on a local’s home and “Provision Shop”. To find out more about the backstory of these murals, click here: https://yipyc.com/blog/2016/11/11/the-story-of-ycs-tiong-bahru-murals/

2. EMBARK ON QUAINT LITTLE SHOPS @ TIONG BAHRU TOUR. Seek inspiration by exploring one of Singapore’s oldest housing district with an intriguing mix of old and new. From quaint little shops to hipster cafes and iconic murals, Tiong Bahru is a treasure trove of inspiration. In one of Singapore’s oldest housing district, the charming way where traditional merges with the new makes this an interesting place to spend your time. Let Tribe help you to discover Singapore the artsy way where we visit shops with absolute local flair.

Float into this art trail and understand the Singapore art scene. Appreciate the art deco architecture while learning about Singapore’s housing story. Go mural hunting and visit traditional businesses to discover what life was like in the 1970s. Immerse into dainty books and words of local writers, poets and artists who help uncover more of local lifestyles and mannerisms through the beauty of literature. Do a local food crawl to discover Singaporean’s favourite passion and local flavours. Let this 2.5 hours tour be filled with endless beautiful little things and memories! https://tribe-tours.com/product/quaint-little-shops-tiong-bahru/

3. MONKEY GOD TEMPLE. The Tiong Bahru Qi Tian Gong (齐天宫), more popularly known as the Tiong Bahru Monkey God Temple, was founded in 1920 in a small attap hut located within a taro garden just across Eng Hoon Street. At this temple, you can see more than ten statues of the Monkey God, the oldest of which is almost a century old. The trustees of this Temple claim that this was the very first temple in Singapore dedicated to the worship of the Monkey God. Look out for Uncle Lim, the chatty temple caretaker who’ll tell you all about the Monkey God and its many different incarnations. Visit this unique temple and learn more about its history!

4. PRE-WAR AIR RAID SHELTER. The air raid shelter at Blk 78 Guan Chuan Street occupies an area of 1,500 sqm and it could accommodate up to an estimated 1,600 persons. It is also believed to be the site for the Air Raid Precaution Wardens’ depot. It is is significant because it is the only public housing building by the Singapore Improvement Trust to have been built with an air raid shelter as part of its design and is the last remaining pre-war civilian air raid shelter still in existence today. Visit this iconic location and snap some pictures for memory!

Lastly, end off your exploration in this quaint neighbourhood with 3 must-eats!

1. TIONG BAHRU BAKERY. Couldn’t resist scrumptious viennoiseries and pastries? Be sure to check out Tiong Bahru Bakery –  A Stylish French Bakery in Singapore. Local cafe aficionados will be familiar with this beloved bakery brand, which started as a single bustling cafe in the hip neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru in 2012, and now has several outlets. Its kouign amann pastries are legendary, and its coffee and artisanal breads are hand-crafted with French flour and butter, while boasting local flair and quirky flavours. Head down now to grab some of these French pastries or decent Australian-style brunch!

2. LOO’S HAINANESE CURRY RICE. Operating since 1946, Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice at Tiong Bahru has become an all-time favourite of families generations after generations. The key to Loo’s is their moreish curry which takes three days to prepare.  The first day is spent preparing fresh herbs like blue ginger, tumeric, shallots and lemongrass which have to be peeled and ground into a paste.  The next day, these are then slowly fried to make the rempah which is then used to make the curry sauce on day three. Head down early to choose from dishes such as Dark Soy Sauce Stewed Pork, Crispy Pork Chop, Sambal Sotong, Sambal Prawns, Curry Chicken, Chap Chye (cabbage) and more as many of the popular food items generally get sold out by 1pm or so.

3. JIAN BO SHUI KUEH. Talk about Tiong Bahru Food Centre, and one of the must-visit stalls would be Jian Bo Shui Kueh. For tourists, the “Shui Kueh” or more commonly known as “Chwee Kueh” is a hawker dish of steamed rice cakes topped with chye poh (preserved radish) and accompanying chilli sauce. You can also find Jian Bo as kiosks in malls such as Nex, Century Square, and Seletar Mall. But it hits different to savour this at its original stall, make your way down to try this now!

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The word ‘kampong’ means “compound in Malay, while “glam” refers to the long-leaved paperbark tree, commonly found in the area and used for boat-making, medicine and even as a seasoning for food. The district has a history that dates back to Singapore’s colonial era, when Sir Stamford Raffles allocated the area to the Malay, Arab and Bugis communities. Since then, the area has evolved into a haunt for hip travellers and connoisseurs of culture alike.

With this comprehensive things-to-do itinerary in Kampong Glam’s top attractions and hidden gems, you may explore the hidden alleyways and bustling streets on foot while taking in its heritage and cultural sights. Have fun exploring!

1. HAJI LANE. Besides being a foodie paradise, Kampong Glam is home to both traditional tradesmen and trendy modern retail. Make a beeline for Haji Lane to lose yourself in a world of multi-coloured street art and hip boutiques. You’ll find uniquely Singaporean trinkets at Craft Assembly, home décor and elegant accessories at Hygge and beautifully crafted jewellery at the Silver Triangle. Visit various cool boutiques, bars, cafes and restaurants that rank high on the hip factor – and let’s not forget the street art. While you’re there, remember to take some insta worthy pictures too!

2. EMBARK ON #INSTAWALK: BUGIS, WATERLOO, KAMPONG GLAM TOUR. Get your smartphone ready and join us on Singapore’s first and only Instagram tour! Instagram-worthy shots are the rage for generating interest in new places discovered. A great Insta shot becomes a massive draw for locals and travellers alike and can transform a place, destination, food find, or street into cult status. This was the inspiration behind our #Instawalks series where our walks are carefully crafted to seek out hidden nooks and crannies and uncover gems unbeknownst to the average Joe. Join us in discovering Singapore in a novel and fun way together with our friendly influencers as they generously share tips, and unknown spots to capture the finest shots of SG now! https://tribe-tours.com/product/instagram-tour-bugis/

3. GELAM GALLERY. With new dustbins, renovated drain covers and freshly painted walls, the back lanes of Muscat Street have been rejuvenated for the first outdoor gallery in Singapore, Gelam Gallery! Using the walls at the back of the shophouses as canvases, the nondescript back lanes of Muscat Street that were once used only for delivery and refuse disposal have been given a transformational makeover. This extraordinary outdoor gallery will showcase murals and framed works of more than 30 artists from different backgrounds, newly graduated students from NAFA and LASALLE College of the Arts, and experienced local and foreign artists. Here is a guide for all the 32 wall arts around, explore them now! https://www.theadmin.sg/gelam-gallery

4. EMBARK ON INSTAHUNT @ HAJI LANE QUEST. Want to solve some puzzles while exploring the area? Up your excitement factor by embarking on this self-guided quest! Download the Questeon app and search for “Instahunt @ Haji Lane”. Discover various hidden gems like the Vintage Camera Museum, Bhai Sarbat and more, at your own pace and time! A great activity idea with your friends and partners!

With such a variety of bars, restaurants, cafes and food stops, end off your exploration with 3 must-eats!

1. ALATURKA TURKISH & MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT. Alaturka is a friendly restaurant in the heart of Bussorah Street that is renowned for its authentic Turkish cuisine. For 15 years, they have been serving high-quality interpretations of classic dishes as well as tasty new ventures into uncharted territories of Turkish food. They were also awarded the Michelin Guide Singapore Bib Gourmand in 2016 and continue to work hard to bring Singapore an authentic taste of Turkey coupled with exemplary hospitality and ambience. If you would like to try some authentic Turkish cuisine, head down now!

2. SINGAPORE ZAM ZAM. Established in 1908, Singapore Zam Zam is one of the most popular Indian-Muslim restaurants in Singapore. Opens 7 days a week, this place is famous for perfecting Nasi biryani, Murtabak, Roti prata and many other dishes for over a century! The restaurant is located right across the street from Sultan Mosque, on the corner of Arab Street and Bridge Road, just a short walk from the Bugis area of Singapore. It is one of those restaurants that looks like it’s really small from the bottom floor but go up the flight of stairs to the right, and there’s an entire upstairs with multiple dining rooms and about 30 extra tables in an air-conditioned environment.

3. BAKES BY NY. With 4 outlets islandwide, Bakes by NY has just opened its newest outlet at Sultan Gate in Kampong Glam. Besides its central location, the new outlet also sells exclusive items. You can’t head to any Bakes by NY’s outlets without trying their stuffed donuts! From nutella to salted caramel, ondeh-ondeh, Biscoff and more, their donuts are chewy with generous amounts of filling. The highlight of this new outlet is none other than their Drip Donuts! These are small morsels of donuts dripped with your choice of sauces – from dark chocolate to matcha, dulce de leche (caramelised milk), white chocolate, crushed cornflakes and more. This will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth cravings and is a great way to end your meal!

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With this comprehensive things-to-do itinerary in Little Indias’s top attractions and hidden gems, you may explore the hidden alleyways and bustling streets on foot while taking in its heritage and cultural sights. Have fun exploring!

1. SRI VEERAMAKALIAMMAN TEMPLE. Step into one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples, dedicated to the goddess and destroyer of evil, Sri Veeramakaliamman or Kali. This distinctive landmark has fascinating stories to tell of colonial Singapore. From its earliest days, it was linked with early migrant workers from India, who would have worshipped the goddess to feel safe in a new foreign land. During the Japanese air raids in World War II, many people sought physical refuge at the temple as well as prayed for Kali’s protection. As luck—or fate—would have it, the temple and all its statues escaped the bombings unscathed. With its colourful and intricate statues and detailing, the temple remains one of the most spectacular places of worship in Singapore.

2. EMBARK ON SPICE OF LIFE TOUR. Get your taste buds going and let us learn from our Little India resident experts. We’re on a gastronomical adventure to Spice up your life in Little India’s vibrant hub of flavors. Join us on this walking food tour of Little India to demystify spices, be dazzled by the colourful ingredients that go into Indian dishes, eat to our hearts content and gain a wealth of knowledge about the amazing cuisine and culture here! https://tribe-tours.com/product/spice-of-life-little-india/

3. WALL MURALS. Stroll along streets and back alleys and your eyes will be drawn to extravagant murals showcasing Singapore’s colourful past. With murals such as ‘Working Class Hero‘, ‘A Ride through Race Course Road‘, ‘Madan Mogra, Jasmine of the City‘ and many more, a must visit is the ‘Traditional Trades of Little India’ by Psyfool. This mural depicts some of the traditional trades that were commonly practiced by Indians in the Serangoon area. Try to spot some! Hint: a parrot astrologer who used parrots to pick fortunes, a flower garland vendor who made fragrant flower chains, a dhobi (washerman), a milk delivery man and a kacang putih seller. Fun fact: Did you know that Dhoby Ghaut was actually named after the dhobis – washermen and women? Now you know!

4. FORMER HOUSE OF TAN TENG NIAH. Built in 1900, this is the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India. It embodies an often overlooked story of the days when small Chinese industries operated alongside the cattle and rattan businesses at Little India. Tan Teng Niah was a towkay (Chinese businessman of good standing) who owned several sweet-making factories along Serangoon Road that used sugarcane to produce sweets. Visit this colourful villa and take a look at the five-foot way and richly carved pintu pagar (Malay for “swinging wooden half doors”). Remember to take some pictures for the gram while you’re there too!

5. EMBARK ON THE DOLL TOUR. Are you daring enough to take on the challenge to help the Ferryman free the spirit of The Doll? A policeman from the netherworld, aka The Ferryman, needs your help to locate the scattered body parts of the Japanese doll. Only with the parts as a whole, can the spirit of the doll be freed. You must work fast by following the clues, stories and instructions given by the Ferryman as he communicates with the spirits around us. The body parts have been disguised as ingredients, food, artefacts etc, and you will need to perform tasks to get them. If you’re a brave soul, gather your squad and join us today! https://tribe-tours.com/product/the-doll-little-india/

Last but foremost, fill your tummy with these top 3 must-eats to end your exploration!

1. BANANA LEAF APOLO. This is no stranger to the Indian food scene in Singapore. A hotspot for Indian cuisine lovers, offering a mix of North and South Indian fare. They believe in serving all their dishes on banana leaves, a traditional way of serving food in India. Their signature Apolo Fish Head Curry is a must-order, served with a large fish head swimming in a pool of robust curry gravy. Plant-based diners, you don’t have to feel left out, with the Vegetable Fried Rice that makes for a substantial main.

2. INDIAN EXPRESS. Need some spice? Drop by Indian Express. It’s Michelin-starred Song of India’s second concept space. Meat eaters, go all in with the tandoori mix grill platter that’s topped with a big fat lamb chop, fish, chicken tikka, kebabs and a bowl of lip-smacking mint chutney. If you’re going with a vegetarian friend, be sure to order the masala chaat fries or the Punjabi samosas and double down on Indian street food!

3. MOGHUL SWEET SHOP. Fair warning if you have a sweet tooth! This sweet shop at Little India Arcade is probably the Indian version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. It serves a variety of authentic North Indian sweets including gulab jamun, motichoor ladoo, and dodah burfis, just to name a few. It’s a grab ‘n go kinda spot so you can take away all you want. Best to go during off-peak hours (especially before or after the lunch crowd) to avoid snaking queues.

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With this comprehensive things-to-do itinerary in Katong’s top attractions and hidden gems, you may explore the hidden alleyways and bustling streets on foot while taking in its heritage and cultural sights. Have fun exploring!

1. WALL MURALS. There are various murals scattered around the heart of Katong. Most of them are a result of the Katong Joo Chiat Art Circuit (KJC Art Circuit) organised by The Admin SG and commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board to revitalise this area. One of the must-visit mural is High Tide by Helen Le Chatelier with poems by Christina Chia to reflect the flooding that once plagues this area. In the past, residents had to contend with flooding in their homes and schools whenever the nearby Geylang River brimmed over during high tide or the rainy season. Tanjong Katong flooded six to ten times a year, and this continued until 1993 when the river was deepened. Follow the poems along the wall to uncover the hidden story behind this fascinating mural and take some pictures!

Discover more interesting murals here! https://www.theadmin.sg/murals-for-kjc

2. EMBARK ON EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH JOO CHIAT TOUR. Are your taste buds ready for a bursting experience in Singapore’s treasure trove of great hidden food gems? Led by the one and only true blue Katong boy Peranakan Anthony, dive deep into Joo Chiat as he takes you on a wonderful journey that will have you engaging your senses, especially your taste buds! Make no mistake, this is an eating tour. So come hungry! There will be a sampling of good ol’ Joo Chiat favourites like Vadai, Laksa, Tau Kwa Pau and more. Come join Anthony as he shares his neighbourhood favourites with you now! https://tribe-tours.com/product/eat-your-way-through-joo-chiat/

3. KIM CHOO KUEH CHANG. A Peranakan treasure that has been around since 1945, Kim Choo Kueh Chang’s third-generation custodians are dedicated to preserving their grandma’s recipes and the art of wrapping the well-loved triangular rice dumplings, which remain cult favourites today. They still operate out of their original location at Joo Chiat Place and are an integral part of the neighbourhood’s identity. They are so popular with locals and tourists alike that they also manage a Singapore Visitor Centre for the precinct of Katong & Joo Chiat. The mission is to share the Peranakan culture and its rich food heritage with all who are willing. Visit now and purchase some flavourful and tasty rice dumplings.

4. SRI SENPAGA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of prosperity (also known as Vinayagar), the temple is a brilliant example of Dravidian architecture. Historically, it is said that in the 1850s, a statue of lord Ganesha was found by the side of a pond. The statue stood in the shade of a champak tree, known as Senpaga in Tamil. With the help of a group of Indian workers nearby, a modest abode was created for the Vinayagar statue which later came to be known as the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple. With a combination of religious significance, historical importance and sheer visual delight, this temple is a must-visit for any traveller.

5. EMBARK ON A MATRIARCH OF RUMAH KATONG TOUR. Discover Katong and Joo Chiat through Qing Qing, a Matriarch with a story to tell. Hear her stories about the unique Peranakan culture, get exclusive access into a Peranakan House to learn inspirations behind her own family house, the material culture of Kebaya, Kerosang and beaded shoes, and the delectable food from classics like Nyonya Zhang, Ayam Buah Keluak to Laksa. She is also excited to share with you her favourite establishments around Katong/Joo Chiat frequented with her husband and family. Interested to find out more? Book here now! https://tribe-tours.com/product/matriarch-of-rumah-katong/

Last but not least, you can’t leave the country’s best foodie destination without these top 3 must-eats!

1. 328 KATONG LASKA. What started out as a family business years back has morphed into six branches around Singapore, and four in shopping malls. The defining characteristics of Katong Laksa are the thick rice vermicelli noodles and the coconut-rich laksa gravy. Combine these with plump shrimps, fish cakes and fresh clams (or cockles), enhanced with the aroma of curry leaves, and you get a bowl of internationally renowned Katong Laksa. Head down to try out some!

2. CHIN MEE CHIN CONFECTIONERY. Tradition meets modernity. Chin Mee Chin is a beloved institution for generations of folks who grew up in Katong. This is where you can get a taste of the old-styled coffee and bakes, and take a step down memory lane. They remain committed to its founding glory of classic pastries, historic ambience and traditional comforts, with a determination to maintain a lasting legacy for the future to come. Indulge in a hearty cup of Kopi with Kaya Toast today.

3. TOK TOK INDONESIAN RESTAURANT. A fan of Indonesian cuisine? Then this is for you! A family dining concept, Tok Tok Indonesian Restaurant serves an extensive range of mouth-watering authentic Indonesian cuisine. With great passion, they crafted an array of much-loved Indonesian favourites and heart-warming dishes that uses only the original family recipes to bring out a nostalgic taste of Indonesia to your home. Delight yourself with their signature dishes such as Batagor, Ayam Bakar Betutu, Dendeng Sambal Bali, Nasi Goreng Kambing, Soto Betawi and many more.

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With this comprehensive things-to-do itinerary in Chinatown’s top attractions and hidden gems, you may explore the alleyways and streets on foot while taking in its sights. Have fun exploring!

1. CHINATOWN STREET MARKET. The majority of the stalls on this street are open during the day from around 10 am until it starts to close at around 8 or 9 pm, but some stay open a bit later, especially those selling snacks and beverages. The stores and booths take up entire streets throughout Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Lane, Smith Street, and Temple Street, with hundreds of vendors offering everything from clothing to home goods, electronics to handicrafts. The hanging red lanterns and colonial architecture provide a clear glimpse of Singaporean culture and are exactly what you would anticipate from Chinatown!

2. EMBARK ON A CHINATOWN MURDERS TOUR. A serial killer is on the loose, and the whole nation is gripped with fear. Do you want to be the Sherlock Holmes of Chinatown in our immersive mystery game tour? Come join us to find the killer by solving a series of puzzles around Chinatown here! https://tribe-tours.com/product/niu-che-shui-murders-outdoor-escape-room-game-tour/

3. BARBER CHAIR 3D FLOOR STICKER MURAL. In the past, Chinatown’s alleyways were frequently occupied by street barbers, most of whom worked out of improvised shelters with wooden board walls and roofs or awnings. These traditional street barbers encountered fierce competition from hair salons as lifestyles changed. Except for a few odd stalls, there are hardly any street barbers left today. Visit this mural to relieve the past and take some pictures!

4. THIAN HOCK KENG TEMPLE. Visit Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple, built in 1839 with the support of prominent members of the Hokkien community. When there, be sure to admire the impressive building in the classic southern Chinese style and look out for the intricate carvings and sculptures of dragons, phoenixes, and deities, as well as the vibrant broken porcelain on the roof ridges, a Fujian decoration method. Fun fact! Not a single nail was used during the temple’s initial construction. Isn’t it fascinating?

5. YIP YEW CHONG MURALS. Yip Yew Chong is well known for his murals around Chinatown and other spaces that feature past scenes. He draws inspiration from his own childhood and everyday life experiences, and the neighbourhood has become his canvas on which he puts down his memories. Visit his various murals in multiple areas, such as Smith Street and Temple Street; we promise you will be wow-ed!

6. EMBARK ON A HAWKERWALK: OLD SCHOOL SNACKS TOUR. Explore off-the-beaten-path, find hidden gems and meet the locals! We will bring you up, close and personal with the last of our hawkers making these traditional snacks, where you will gain a deeper appreciation of the grit and sweat hawkers put in to deliver the everyday dishes we enjoy. Book here now! https://tribe-tours.com/product/hawker-tour-hawkerwalk/

And lastly, you can’t leave Chinatown without trying out these 3 must-eats!

1. TONG HENG. A famed bakery known for its dedication to handcrafted traditional pastries. They set out with a simple mission – to share the love for traditional pastries, such as their trademarked diamond-shaped egg tarts, with the world. Modernised yet still handmade with passion, their iconic pastries are some of the most well-loved in Singapore.

2. LIAN HE BEN JI CLAYPOT. Located within Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre lies a Michelin Bib Gourmand satisfying one-dish meal with 43 years of experience. The claypot rice comes with 3 options: Assorted, Preserved meat and Chicken. Each and every order is made from scratch, which unfortunately also results in longer waiting times. Hence, we recommend you to call and book in advance before heading down to prevent getting disappointed!

3. MEI HEONG YUEN DESSERT. Visit one of Singapore’s oldest dessert shops serving a mix of traditional and modern desserts! They have over 50 dessert selections and specialize in different varieties of pastes, steamed egg pudding, and snow ice. Perfect place for rounding up a satisfying meal!

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