A quaint little estate that used to be a huge cemetery until the Singapore Improvement Trust decided to develop it into a housing precinct in the 1920s. Presently, a favourite and unique habitat of a generation that prefers life outside of the social norm.
Let your guide takes you on a tour down memory lane, immerse in nostalgia and the peculiar Art Deco architecture that is one of its kind.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Tiong Bahru Community Centre
- Tiong Bahru Community Centre at big Tiong Bahru signboard in front of office, street level (refer to photo for meeting point). 67A Eu Chin St, Singapore 169715
Art Deco Flat - Aeroplane flat and more
Tiong Bahru, one of Singapore's most iconic neighborhoods, holds significant historical value as one of the largest public housing projects undertaken by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT). Established by the colonial government to address severe overcrowding in the city.
The pre-war architecture, employing a modified form of the "Streamline Moderne" architecture style, features designed to resemble cars, train, ocean liners and aeroplanes with sweeping, streamlined and aerodynamic lines.
Yip Yew Chong's Street Murals
Yip Yew Chong is a well-known artist recognized for his nostalgic murals that capture Singapore's culture, both past and present. His murals, which often depict everyday life and historical scenes, can be found in various neighborhoods, including Tiong Bahru. These works of art serve as a visual narrative of Singapore's rich heritage, bringing the past to life in a way that resonates with both locals and visitors.
Tiong Bahru Monkey God Temple
Qi Tian Gong, also known as Tiong Bahru Monkey God Temple was founded in 1920 in a small attap hut before it was moved to its current location in 1938.
The temple today housed more than 10 statues of the Monkey God, the oldest of which is almost a century old.
Bird Singing Corner
For many years, the junction in Tiong Bahru became a well-known landmark due to the presence of a prominent bird corner beside a coffeeshop called Wah Heng. The idea for the bird corner originated when the owner of Wah Heng noticed that a pet shop across the road was attracting large crowds by displaying bird cages outside, drawing visitors who wanted to see and hear the birds.
In the early 1980s, inspired by this, the owner of Wah Heng installed a metal structure outside his coffeeshop to allow bird owners to hang their bird cages while they sipped coffee and chatted. The corner became very popular among bird owners and became a distinctive feature in Tiong Bahru.
Graves in the City
Graves of Tan Tock Seng, Chua Seah Neo & Wuing Neo (Will point out from opposite side of the road)
Tan Tock Seng, one of Singapore's early pioneers and a philanthropist, passed away in 1850. His son, Tan Kim Ching, acquired land in 1877 as a family burial plot, where several members of the family were laid to rest. Kim Ching's wife, Chua Seah Neo, was buried there upon her passing in 1882. It is believed that Tan Tock Seng's remains were exhumed and re-interred in this spot around the same time. Additionally, Tan Tock Seng's granddaughter-in-law, Wuing Neo, was also buried in this family plot.
Seng Poh Garden & Dancing Girl Sculpture
In 1972, a landscaped garden at Seng Poh road was planed. Chng Jit Koon, a former resident and Member of Parliament for Tiong Bahru, visited his old estate and was concerned about the need for more attention to green spaces in the area. Eager to improve the environment, he enlisted the help of Lim Nang Seng, a renowned Sarawak-born sculptor was commissioned and created the Dancing Girl sculpture seen in the garden.
Tiong Bahru Wet Market & Food Centre
The first wet market in Tiong Bahru, established in 1945, was a makeshift setup housed in two converted shophouses along Tiong Poh Road. This early market quickly became a bustling hub for vendors selling fresh produce and itinerant hawkers offering a variety of goods.
A proper facility, named Seng Poh Market was finally completed and opened on 21 January 1951. Over the last 50 years, the market remained largely unchanged, yet it grew in popularity, becoming a beloved eating spot for people from all over Singapore.
Seng Poh Market shut down in 2004 for a complete overhaul. When the market reopened after renovations, it was renamed Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre. The upgraded facility featured modern amenities while preserving the market's legacy as a popular food destination.
**Note : If tours fall on a Monday, there will be no wet market visit, and only the food centre tour will be conducted, as wet markets are closed on Mondays.
End of tour.
Ending Point
Tiong Bahru Wet market
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
1) Singapore Tourist Guide Licensed, English Speaking, Nature Guide.
2) A taste of local coffee or tea and light snacks.
Transport from/to hotel not provided.
Personal expenses.
Accident Insurance coverage/liability.
What to bring:
-Poncho or Umbrella
-Cap/hat
-Water
-Self medication
*This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is wheelchair accessible.
Hey! I am Richard, your fully licensed tourist guide here in Singapore.
I started as a volunteer guide with the Sisters' Island Marine Park while working in the corporate world. In 2018, after working in the financial sector for more than 20 years, I took the plunge and listened to my heart to pursue this interest and passion as a full time role.
A nature enthusiast at core - I specialize as a nature guide in 2019 which strong focus in the marine environment and offshore islands. Though I am not a scientist by practice, I put in alot effort into researching marine creatures and share my practical experiences with professionals in this field. I am also a part of several conservation teams in intertidal surveys to safeguard our marine environment.
I am also well informed in the country's heritage, history and offshore islands. As a local, I will bring you off the beaten track and explore the hidden treasures of Singapore with you!
I am open to cutomized tours to suit your needs.
Singapore Tourist Guide licensed in - English & Nature.
$200/ per group