POSTPONED

Many people have explored Chinatown, Kampong Gelam and Joo Chiat. But few would have heard of Balestier Road, much less know it as a heritage trail. 

 Singaporeans know it as a place to shop for lighting and bathroom equipment and tiling materials as well as good food.  There is also an interesting eclectc mix of traditional shops such as old style bakeries, an old-fashioned metalsmith, a coffee bean/powder shop and karaoke lounges and night clubs of a bygone era. One can also find various  Buddhist and Chinese temples including a very old one with a permanent wayang (opera) stage, 

 The area's past is linked to the first American Consul to Singapore and Dr. Sun Yat Sen the Chinese revolution leader. One of the earliest Malay film studios is also located here.

Another interesting feature is the architecture of the buildings – ranging from art deco to flamboyantly decorated shop-houses and modern condominiums.

Join Explore Singapore! on this heritage walk and discover another facet of Singapore and its history.  

Those of us who have travelled to Indonesia must surely have heard melodic tinkling music welcoming guests to hotels and restaurants everywhere. The music also entertains you whilst you dine or simply relax. It is often played live, so you would probably have seen the musicians seated with their instruments – the gamelan.  

If you have been fascinated by the gamelan and wish to learn something about it, here is a unique opportunity for you to find out! In this workshop you will learn about the differences between Javanese and Balinese gamelan orchestras and about the instruments. You will also be taught to play on the actual instruments.

 In the process you will also learn about the gamelan’s history, traditions and related cultural activities like wayang kulit (Indonesian shadow puppetry) and Javanese dance. Our instructors will open your eyes and ears to the delight of gamelan music and teach you to play at least 2 traditional gamelan songs! Hearing gamelan music after this workshop will never be the same again to you!

Singapore’s government housing programme for its population is one of the nation’s great success stories.  Housing Development Board (HDB) estates are all around us but we know very little about them.  How did the population of Singapore go from living in rural villages (kampongs) to living in high rise apartments while still keeping the community spirit intact?  Come with Explore Singapore! and our guide will explain how this was achieved in such a short time frame.  Then we will tour one of the earliest town centres - Toa Payoh, built in 1966 - on foot. You will see close up how and what makes a lively, self- contained hub which is the nucleus of every HDB estate.

 An optional local lunch will follow for those who would like to join us

Join us on a guided walking tour of Little India, to wander along its charming, shophouse-lined streets, and experience the hustle and bustle of an organic, evolving neighbourhood. Amidst colourful stores and iconic landmarks, learn about the rich and surprising history of this heritage precinct, its past trades and inhabitants, and its enduring relevance. We will walk through Little India’s vibrant streets, stopping at key points of interest, including significant commercial establishments, important places of worship and the Indian Heritage Centre. 

This city exploration will give you fascinating glimpses into early and contemporary Singapore, and help you gain new insights into understanding more about our island state’s diverse Indian communities. Come along to enjoy the myriad sights, smells and even tastes of Little India.

We are sorry this event has been postponed until further notice. Participants who have already registered will be informed of the new date. If you wish to withdraw your registration please log onto your profile and click on 'Event History' and then select  'Cancel' next to the event and we will arrange for a full refund. 

We are sorry this event has been postponed until further notice. Participants who have already registered will be informed of the new date. If you wish to withdraw your registration please log onto your profile and click on 'Event History' and then select  'Cancel' next to the event and we will arrange for a full refund. 

We are sorry this event has been postponed until further notice. Participants who have already registered will be informed of the new date.

For more than two thousand years Chinese people have used a system of medicine which is different from western medicine. It is commonly known as Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM for short. The underlying concepts and theories of TCM treat man’s body, mind and emotions (or spirit) as a single entity, and its practices take a holistic approach in prevention and cure. If you are curious about TCM, join us and you will learn about the basic principles and practices; followed by a visit to a traditional Chinese medical shop where you can see herbal and other exotic medicines.