The Ultimate Guide to a Singapore: Chinatown and Little India Guided Walking Tour

Singapore is a vibrant and exotic destination located in South East Asia. It has a great cultural mix, with influences that come from Malay, Chinese, Indian and other cultures in the region. As a result, there is a great variety of sights to explore in this beautiful island, including Chinatown and Little India.

To make the most of your cultural experience and make sure you don’t miss a thing, a guided walking tour in Singapore is the perfect way to go. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know in order to plan your once-in-a-lifetime Chinatown and Little India guided walking tour.

What is a Chinatown and Little India Guided Walking Tour?

A Chinatown and Little India guided walking tour is a private, led excursion through the main sights of Singapore’s Chinatown and Little India districts. These areas have retained their colorful cultures, customs and traditions despite the country’s modernism and technological advances.

During the tour, visitors can witness the charm of the oldest and most traditional streets of Singapore. Your guide will lead you to historical and religious sites, authentic shops, traditional Indian and Chinese markets with exotic products, stunning and colorful temples, among other must-see landmarks of Singapore.

What can I expect from this tour?

Most tours last around 3 hours but of course they can be customized to your needs and requests. Private tours are available but if you are travelling in a group, you can join an organized tour with up to 30 people.

You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will explain the history and context behind each of the landmarks you visit. Most guides use modern audio guides to provide an informative tour that is fun and interactive at the same time.

Tours usually start in the morning or afternoon and a typical route includes:

• Chinatown – Visit to the oldest Hindu temple of Singapore with its impressive 7 m tall gopuram (tower) and an interesting walk around its narrow lanes.
• Ghandi Monument – Located in the heart of the old quarters lies a huge memorial dedicated to the Indian political figure.
• Sri Mariamman Temple – This centuries old temple built to honor Mariamman (Mother Goddess) is an architectural jewel.
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – Located upstairs in an old Chinese shophouse is this interesting temple containing a relic of Buddha.
• Chinese Heritage Centre – Found in the outskirts of Chinatown lies this interesting building constructed in 1887 as a headquarters for merchants.
• Thian Hock Keng Temple – This is the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore where visitors can adire both beautiful artefacts and its gardens.
• Mustafa Shopping Center – This is one of the largest shopping centers in the city; here you can find anything from souvenirs to electronic items.
• Jamae Mosque – This is one of the oldest mosques of Singapore located on South Bridge Road.

You will also have some time to shop for some souvenirs or spend some time around cultural sights that strike your interest. The tour also stops at restaurants before ending, so you can have lunch or dinner at some of the most delicious street food places in Singapore.

How much does a Chinatown and Little India Guided Walking Tour cost?

The price usually varies depending on the size of the group and other variables such as restaurants or attractions included. On average, prices range from $20 – $50 per person for organized tours, whereas private tours can range from around $100 – $200 per person.

What are some recommended tours?

If you want to make sure you have an unforgettable experience while visiting Chinatown & Little India in Singapore, we recommend booking one of these three amazing guided walking tours available on GetYourGuide:

• Chinatown & Little India Private Tour
  This 3-hour private tour will offer you an insightful exploration of Singapore’s two districts full of culture. The private guide will help you discover the beauty of Chinatiwon’s traditional shophouses, temples and streets, as well as explore incredible Hindu temples, witness exotic architecture and observe exquisite traditional Indian dances. Prices start at $170 per person.
• Combined Tour: Chinatown & Little India
  Complete your cultural experience in Singapore with this combined itinerary through two of its most vibrant districts: Chinatown and Little India. Your private guide will lead you through an insightful journey around Singapore’s pastel-coloured buildings, local markets with tantalizing aromas, iconic temples and much more! Prices start at $55 per person.
• Chinatown and Little India Dinner Cruise
  Join up for a cruise you won’t forget right after a guided walking tour! You will enjoy a 2-hour dinner cruise with impressive sights of the Marina Bay area alongside a delicious feast of international cuisine. Prices start at $109 per person.

Conclusion

A Chinatown & Little India Guided Walking Tour is one of the most fantastic ways to explore this unique city. Not only will visitors get to observe some staggering historical sites, but they will also get to experience firsthand the sights, sounds and smells of Southeast Asia’s bustling metropolis. Prices for private tours may be higher than organized tours but these can be easily tailored to include any attractions or restaurants that visitors wish to see or eat at during their time in Singapore.

Book your Chinatown & Little India Guided Walking Tour today here, for an experience you’ll never forget!