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Step by step: Early life in Chinatown

sculpture of Chinese coolies

Chinatown shophouses with red tiled roofing

sculpture of Samsui women

Chinese temple deities

Chinatown Complex

Chinatown street mural

Ann Siang Hill

Step by step: Early life in Chinatown

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2025

Royston L.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Singapore

Chinese (Simplified) (Native), English

3 hours

Private tour (only you and Royston L.)

Up to 10 people

You may have been to Chinatown in other countries, but Singapore’s Chinatown has a unique charm that cannot be found anywhere else.

It is where you can trace the footsteps of Singapore's early Chinese immigrants, to experience how they lived and worked.

Join me as we uncover heartfelt stories of street hawkers, coolies and samsui women, enduring hardship to build a life away from home.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

10:00 AM

Meeting Point

Telok Ayer MRT Station Exit B

- You may take the Downtown Line to DT18 Telok Ayer Station, and take the escalator up from Exit B.

10:10 AM

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Pay your respects to the Sea Goddess at this Temple of Heavenly Happiness.

10:40 AM

Ann Siang Hill

Looking for a job and a place to stay? This was where people sought help 200 years ago!

11:10 AM

Maxwell Food Centre

We will have a short break here to sample some of Singapore's most famous local delicacies.

11:40 AM

Pagoda Street

Why is there a Hindu temple on a street lined with Chinese coolie houses and opium dens? Look out for the "pagoda" that this street was named after!

12:00 PM

Chinatown Heritage Centre

Under these beautifully restored shophouses lies the statue of a Samsui woman, who was most well-known for her red head-scarf.

12:20 PM

Smith Street

Sipping tea while enjoying opera, this was the "Broadway of Singapore".

12:40 PM

Sago Lane

The businesses here used to run 24 hours a day, for 7 days a week, but everyone stayed away from this "Street of the Dead".

Ending Point

Chinatown Complex

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

* Guide fee

* Bottled water

What‘s not included

* Public transportation to and from hotel

* Entrance fee for ticketed attractions (SGD20 to visit the galleries at Chinatown Heritage Centre, but this tour won't enter the galleries)

* Food and drinks

* Tips and gratuities

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves quite a bit of walking, please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

* This tour will proceed rain or shine, please bring an umbrella or poncho just in case.

* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Important message from the supplier

My tours usually involve walking and public transportation.

I do not have a driving license, but I can hire a driver and vehicle if necessary (at an additional cost).

Let me know your requirements, and we can work something out!

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

Joined 2025

Royston L.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Royston L.

Nurtured by curiosity, I was a full-time journalist for 12 years, before I became a licensed tour guide.

Born and raised in Singapore, I enjoy uncovering stories from the everyday lives of Singaporeans, offering a fresh perspective on Singapore’s evolving landscape.

A seasoned traveler and a heritage enthusiast, my lively tours are a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary Singapore.

Walk with me as I share heartfelt stories and reflections on Singapore’s suburban charms.