“Modern Asia has not developed in a vacuum but has evolved through sustained interactions with the West, which has had a constant presence in our collective consciousness. This shared experience of the world unites us as Asians. The history of dealing with the West, with our neighbours and with ourselves, is manifested in the myriad forms of our architecture. The history of modern architecture in Asia is the history of how Asians have become modern.”

The impact of Bauhaus on architecture and housing in Singapore is noteworthy but relatively unknown outside academic circles.

To shed light on Bauhaus' innovative concepts and their role in Singapore's social and urban evolution, we are inviting you to embark on a walking tour led by a renowned professor and an expert on the subject, which will deepen participants' comprehension of Bauhaus' ground-breaking ideas and its enduring influence in the Singapore context.

Do you know that Singapore had a theme park way back in the 1930s? Yes, the Haw Par Villa was Singapore’s first theme park constructed in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, the Tiger Balm King.  He wanted a park to showcase Chinese folklore, legends, history and Confucian ideology. Literal and graphic, leaving nothing to imagination, the park’s original collection of colourful statues and giant tableaux immortalise Chinese moral values and cultural heritage.

 In its heydays from the 1950s to 70s, it was one of the top attractions for both Singaporeans and tourists. Later, the rapid development of other attractions led to its falling out of favour and gradual decline. Thankfully in recent years it has been revived and the park has been designated a historic site by the National Heritage Board.

If you have not seen it, let Explore Singapore! take you there to discover the meanings behind some of the more than 1000 sculptures and dioramas set within a surreal landscape in this 8.5hectare theme park.  Experience a part of old Singapore which is unique, bizarre and fascinating. fascinating, and listen to the intriguing stories behind the park and the illustrious Aw brothers on our guided tour. (Note: the tour does not include the Courts of Hell)

Those of us who have travelled to Indonesia must surely have heard melodic tinkling music welcoming guests in 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 an unique opportunity for you to find out! In this workshop you will learn about the gamelan’s history, traditions and related cultural activities like wayang kulit (Indonesian shadow puppetry) and dance.  You will be introduced to the instruments in different types of gamelan orchestras – Javanese, Balinese and Sundanese and be taught to play on the actual instruments!

Our instructors will open your eyes and ears to the delight of gamelan music. Hearing gamelan music after this workshop will never be the same again to you!

Take a walk with Explore Singapore! through the streets of Little India and see how Singapore’s Indian community prepares for Deepavali – the vibrant and unique festival of light.  FOM docent Abha Kaul will share with us the meaning of Deepavali, explaining the customs and traditions associated with this festival, which Hindus consider one of the most important to celebrate. Why is it called the festival of light?  What are the stories surrounding Deepavali or Diwali?  Not only is this a very festive and auspicious time but one which is associated with wonderful food.  Enjoy a light lunch together to conclude the programme (included in fee).

The first Jews to settle in Singapore were of Arab-speaking Sephardic Jews from Iraq. They migrated to Singapore after Raffles established it as a trading post in 1819.  The first synagogue, a two-storey shophouse, in the Boat Quay area was established in the 1840s. Sadly, the building on Synagogue Street is no longer standing. However, it was replaced by two magnificent synagogues, both National Monuments, on Waterloo Street and Oxley Rise. Our tour will cover the Maghain Aboth synagogue in Waterloo Street and the more newly established Jews of Singapore Museum.

We begin our tour at the Jews of Singapore Museum, which opened in 2021, and traces the 200-year history of the Jews here. You will find out why the early Jews made Singapore their home and learn about prominent members of the Jewish community. You will also learn about Jewish rites and festivals.

Next door, at the Maghain Aboth Synagogue which was built in 1878. It is Asia’s second-largest and South East Asia’s oldest synagogue. You will get to see the amazing collection of elaborately decorated Torah scrolls in the Ark and admire its architecture.

By the end of the tour, you will have gained insights into a close-knit community which has, despite its small size, contributed significantly to Singapore’s development.

We will end the morning with lunch (optional at own cost) at the kosher café and shop at the kosher supermarket in the building.

The area of Bishan, located in the northernmost part of the Central Region of Singapore, consists of Government HDB housing and private residences, retail/shopping malls and some light industries. It has a fascinating history of nearly 200 years not known to many young Singaporeans and most foreigners.

All of Bishan today sits on what was once a huge cemetery of nearly 400 acres established by the Cantonese and Hakka immigrants in the 1820s.  Within the cemetery was a village with a thriving community with its own school, market and cinema.  During WW2 a fierce battle between the British and Japanese was fought in the cemetery. 

In the late 1970s the government acquired the land for development, the graves were exhumed, and the remains moved to a new columbarium specially built for that purpose. 

Join our Explore Singapore! tour for a visit to the columbarium and its temples as well as its heritage gallery where you will learn about the history of Bishan and see this unique “condo for the dead”. 

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