Local Tours
getting to know SIngapore in small groups
Joo Chiat and Perankans
MAR
11 Thu
TIME: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm PLACE: 2 Joo Chiat Road taxi stand COST: $75 Member $90 Guest
LIMIT: 15
Nothing beats getting up close and personal with the sights and flavors of Joo Chiat, one of Singapore’s most eclectic and interesting neighborhoods. The Peranakans are undoubtedly one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive communities. In Singapore, the Peranakan culture is a mix of rich traditions resulting from the marriage of early Chinese traders and indigenous women from the Malay Archipelago. Set on former coconut plantations where atap-roofed kampongs once thrived near seaside bungalows and mansions for the wealthy, Joo Chiat is an exciting mélange of culture, flavors and architecture. Explore the Peranakan legacy and meet some of the local characters. Learn about the lovely pre-war architecture demonstrated in row upon row of colorful two-story shop and terrace houses adorned with ornate façades, intricate motifs and ceramic tile.
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Meet You in Rochor
MAR
18 Thu
TIME: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm PLACE: Bras Basah MRT (street level) COST: $55 Member $68 Guest
LIMIT: 14
The Rochor District stretches from Bras Basah, Bugis (BBB) and Waterloo to the Rochor Canal. This area is well-loved for the colorful lives of its former kampongs (villages), the European section of the city and its schools. Urban planners designed this area to be a vibrant showcase of arts, education and heritage. Due to its heritage status, you will find an eclectic mix of uses and types of buildings such as shop houses, standalone religious buildings and schools, as well as commercial buildings and social welfare housing. Discover this picturesque and lively area of Singapore as you visit one of the most religious streets of the city with its temples, church and synagogue. The tour ends at Parkview Square, where you may drop in for a drink at one of the 10 best bars in the world.
Local Designers
MAR
25 Thu
TIME: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm PLACE: Junction of Arab St & Beach Rd COST: $48 Member $60 Guest
LIMIT: 11
Don’t you wish there were more interesting and authentic souvenirs from Singapore besides the usual ‘I Love SG’ t-shirts and Merlion keychains? Well, look no further! Join this tour to meet three of Singapore’s most popular designers for lifestyle products, hear about their design journey and take the opportunity to do some shopping at the same time. Ranging from beautiful to quirky and definitely original, their products represent Singapore’s multiracial culture and history in fun, wacky and colorful ways. After meeting the first designer, we will have a short refreshment stop at a café (at own cost) before continuing to the other two. Please note: As this is a walking tour and we will be boarding a bus, please wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella, water, cash and your EZ Link card.
AWA Magazine - Mar/Apr 2021
