Do you want to see a completely different side of Singapore?  Then travel with Explore Singapore on a bus trip through the Kranji countryside.  No high rise buildings to be seen - only peaceful, green farms and small holdings.  First stop will be a farm growing wheatgrass, pea sprouts and various types of mushrooms.  Then we will see a new way of growing vegetables in vertical farming.  Our final stop will be a guided walking tour through the charming Bollywood Farm.  A delicious lunch of produce grown on the farm follows (included in fee), before we head back to the Singapore of today.

Immerse yourself in the exciting history of Fullerton Hotel and Clifford Pier.

Hear about the bustling activities along the Singapore River and how the brisk trade there led to the construction of Fullerton Building. This building became a hotel only at the turn of this century. Did you know that it was once Singapore’s General Post Office? Find out what other government departments were housed there, which of Singapore’s prominent leaders worked there, and how the building was used during World War ll.

The tour will also cover the area around the Fullerton Bay Hotel and Clifford Pier. There you will hear captivating stories of how the forefathers of Singapore first stepped ashore our soil via this pier. You will also learn about events such as speedboat chases at Customs House, and visit the iconic Fullerton Waterboat House, which used to provide water to big ships anchored offshore.

Nestled in a suburban residential area of private houses is a peaceful and tranquil park with lush greenery, pretty arches of bougainvillea and walkways bordered by flowers. Not many people, including Singaporeans, know about this place, and many will be surprised to learn that it is the largest Japanese cemetery outside Japan.

Established in 1891, the Japanese Cemetery Park, was initially used to bury Japanese prostitutes (known as karayuki-san, meaning “women who have gone overseas”) who died destitute in Singapore. Later, after 1920, most of the prostitutes were repatriated by the Japanese government, and, as the Japanese community grew, people from other professions and trades were buried here. These include those involved in agriculture, retail and publishing. In addition, there are remains of World War II casualties and those tried for war crimes.

Over nine hundred tombs can be found here, with styles varying from the very raw and simple to ornate and elaborate, adorned with sculptures of Jizo (Japanese deity) and western Corinthian-styled columns. There are tombs of notable Japanese, with intriguing life stories, such as the sailor who became the first Japanese resident in Singapore. Others include the Supreme Commander of Japanese Forces in South East Asia, the writer of Japan’s first modern novel, and the personal physician of Sun Yat Sen.

This tour will let you discover another little known part of Singapore and learn another aspect of its history.