Step into the heartlands of Singapore and discover a side of the city few tourists experience. Explore Toa Payoh, Bishan, and Ang Mo Kio, towns rich in history, heritage, and vibrant local life. Unlike typical tours, this immersive journey connects you to authentic Singaporean living through iconic landmarks, bustling hawker centres, and community spaces.
Perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this tour blends history, culture, and the daily rhythm of locals.
Highlights: Interconnected Storytelling: See how these towns evolved from kampongs to modern hubs.
Immersive Local Experience: Commute by public transport, visit markets, and interact with residents.
Heritage Meets Modernity: Learn how heartlands balance history with urban living.
Distinct Features: Visit the Dragon Playground, zig-zag HDB blocks, and enjoy curated food tastings.
Highlights: Dragon Playground: Begin your journey at this iconic heritage playground, a symbol of Singapore’s early urban planning. Learn about the origins of Toa Payoh as the first planned HDB town and its role in shaping Singapore’s public housing model. Toa Payoh Town Park: Take a leisurely stroll through this charming park, a popular spot for wedding photos in the 1970s. Hear stories of how the park became a community hub for early residents. HDB Hub: Visit the headquarters of Singapore’s Housing and Development Board and gain insights into how public housing transformed Singapore’s landscape. Wet Market & Kopitiam Visit: Immerse yourself in local life by exploring a bustling wet market and stopping at a kopitiam (coffee shop). Try traditional kopi (coffee) or teh tarik (pulled tea) and observe locals going about their daily routines.
Highlights: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park: Walk through one of Singapore’s largest urban parks, featuring lush greenery and a beautifully designed waterway that replaced a concrete canal. Learn about Bishan’s transformation from a cemetery to a thriving residential town. Catholic High School & Kampong Roots: Hear stories of Bishan’s early days as a kampong (village) and its connection to Singapore’s Catholic settlers. Local Eats: Stop at a hawker stall or bakery to sample traditional snacks like curry puffs or pandan cake, offering a taste of Singapore’s culinary heritage.
Highlights: Ang Mo Kio Town Garden East: Enjoy panoramic views from this elevated garden and learn about the town’s development as Singapore modernized. Zig-Zag HDB Blocks: Explore unique architectural designs that reflect the evolving needs of Singapore’s residents. These blocks are unlike any others in the city and tell a story of creative urban planning. Void Deck Culture: Visit a void deck (community space under HDB flats) and learn about its significance as a place for socializing, celebrations, and daily activities. Ang Mo Kio Hawker Centre: End the tour at a bustling hawker centre, where you’ll enjoy a curated tasting session of quintessential dishes like chicken rice, char kway teow, rojak, and more. Interact with hawkers to hear their stories and gain insights into Singapore’s food culture.
You will make your own way to the meeting points