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Before Sunrise walking tour
Jet lagged? Can’t sleep? Want to see Singapore in a different light? Wonder who are the morning shift workers who bake your bread and prepare your breakfast?
"As we stroll along, you will find early risers engaging in qigong or tachi in lush green spaces. At the wet market, we will discuss the day's catch with the fishmonger and hear cooking tips from the butcher for various meat cuts. Then we will saunter to the urban park to look for magpie robins while the sky busks in an orange glow ....."
Meeting Point
Ang Mo Kio MRT
- This town is located almost in the centre of Singapore, which allows it easy accessible to other parts of Singapore. This is also a place I call home for the past 22 years. Ang Mo Kio has over 8 "wet" markets and hawker centres, many of which are operated by 2nd generation owners which imbibes a deep sense of tradition.
Early risers exercises
While the sky is still dark, groups of seniors will gather to engage in qigong or tachi and if we are lucky we may see more unique meditation groups in action. I always wonder what motivates them to rise so early to start the day with exercise. Nonetheless, it is a healthy habit that prepares one for a great start for the day ahead.
"Wet" market opens
The "wet" market has a dazzling variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and condiments. We will discuss the catch of the day with the fishmonger and peruse the butcher’s meat cuts. The government stopped building "wet" markets for almost 3 decades so the existing ones are an asset to treasure. When I visit a different country, I can learn so much about the culture from the interactions at the local market.
Kopi at hawker centre
Located just beside the "wet" market, we will pause at the hawker centre for a cup of kopi or soy milk with a fresh roll from the nearby bakery's oven, or if you prefer a freshly made peanut pancake... & more! Observe the fellow diners, are they preparing to start their bus shift? Make a long journey to the factory in the west?
Let's goto school!
Like clock work every weekday morning, children will stream out of the apartment block from all directions and stride towards the school gate. Younger kids are accompanied by a parent or domestic helper. The traffic warden smiles at the kids while his gloved hand pauses the traffic. Another day of discovery and friendship is waiting to start.
Bird spotting at urban park
After waking below the train tracks, we will reach a 50ha urban park to spot magpie robins looking for insects as the morning light glistens through the gentle stream.
Magpie-robins are handsomely dark colours with a white streak across their bodies. They feed on insects and berries and dwell in gardens or forests. Like many other bird species, they are active in the pre-dawn period.
Those who toil in the morning
As the community starts coming to life …parents walk their children to school, the traffic warden pauses the traffic with a wave of his gloved hand and cleaners sweep the verge with their coconut brooms. These are "invisible" labourers who tidy up the detritus of the previous day so that we can start the day with a swept walk without having to sidestep a fallen branch or see an overfilled dustbin. Have you noticed the "invisible" in your neighbourhood?
Breakfast at community dining hall
After strolling through the park, we will step on the cobblestone to cross the stream and join another lively hawker centre community to enjoy a steaming hot bowl of rice or wheat noodles, a dough fritter, stir-fried rice cake and more.
In the community dining room where Indian, Malay and Chinese food can be found, the residents have their rituals and the stall owners know by heart their regulars' favourite dish combinations.
Ending Point
Bishan MRT
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Hawker breakfast & drinks
Transport to and from hotel
Tour Important Information
This tour involves about 3.5km of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and walking attire. Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Please note that for tours starting later than the 6am start time, some of the itinerary may not be covered as described i.e. watching kids stride to school, looking for magpie robins etc
Important message from the supplier
I am happy to make changes to the itinerary (where possible) to cater to your needs. I have 3 children and would love to engage young people on my tours. I am also willing to explore how the tour can be catered to wheelchair users and any other needs.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
