Glass bottles, horses, vermicelli, swordfish and a sacred sabre. How do they feature in the collective memories of people of Redhill, or Bukit Merah, today one of Singapore’s largest public housing estate? Sixty years ago, burial grounds and kampongs (villages) gave way to state-of-the-art factories and an urban “village” of art deco flats. None of that is set to remain, though two new “villages” that have emerged in recent years are testament to Redhill’s relentless versatility. At the sites of three local temples - one intact, one recently refurbished and one destroyed without a trace - each dating back to over a century, our community heritage guide will reflect on Redhill’s struggles between reclamation and relevance. 

Join Explore Singapore! to discover another part of Singapore you probably do not know.

Today the district of Tiong Bahru is a trendy, hipster enclave. But do you know that it was one of the first areas to be redeveloped by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) way back in the 1930s? These iconic blocks of Art Deco flats with rounded balconies, some looking like an aeroplane or boat, tell of days gone by. Let Explore Singapore take you on a guided walking tour, listen to the stories of the past, and discover many different facets of early Singapore. Discover what is both above and below the ground, all in this one small area!

Registration will open 6 weeks before the tour.

This tour is for FOM Members only.

Singapore is known as a City in a Garden. From the first national tree-planting campaign launched by the Prime Minister in 1963 to the present green and lush landscape, thousands of trees have been planted and transplanted. The government’s Garden City vision was officially formulated in 1967. The aim was to turn Singapore into a city with abundant greenery and a clean environment for all to enjoy and today we see the results of that vision all around us.

Would you like to learn more about the trees in the heart of the city from Empress Place to Chijmes? Walk with Explore Singapore and appreciate the work behind planning and maintaining the treescape along the riverbank and around the Esplanade Park. By the end of the walk you will be able to identify, and know something about the trees that you have passed many times but may not really noticed before.  

Few people have heard of Balestier Road or know that it is a heritage trail. Singaporeans shop here for lighting, bathroom equipment, as well as good food. However, it also has an eclectic mix of shops such as old-style bakeries, a coffee-bean/powder shop, karaoke lounges and night clubs from a bygone era. Balestier has a rich history with links to the first American Consul to Singapore and Dr Sun Yat Sen. It is also home to one of the earliest Malay film studios and various temples including one with a permanent wayang (opera) stage. Architecture here ranges from art deco to flamboyantly decorated shophouses to modern condominiums. Join us on this heritage walk and discover another facet of Singapore and its history.  

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.

Registration opens 25 January 2021

Want to find out more about our programmes? Click here to download a PDF .