Singapore · HISTORY & WARTIME TRAILS
35 reviewed
The island wears its history quietly, and the right guide brings it back. These are the best history and wartime tours, from colonial-era walks to the Fall of Singapore trail, with what ground each covers, how long it takes, and which suit a serious history buff versus a first-timer.
Cycle through Singapore’s river, Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Marina Bay plus the F1 pit route on full-sized bikes in 4 hours.
“Fantastic tour, learnt so much about Singapore. Tay was extremely knowledgable whilst making the cycle trip great fun.”
A 4-hour night tour of Singapore’s colonial sights, ending with an included Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar.
“The pick up was punctual and basically the tour drove around the city for us to enjoy the evening sights. We stopped for an hour at a bazaar which was entirely too long. The dinner was the worst I have ever encountered on a Viator tour. All the food was prepared and put on serving platters at least an hour before we arrived. The restaurant was filthy and we were the only patrons. Some of the choices were less than desirable as well. We have used Viator for many of our trips and were totally baffled with the choice of restaurants especially that we, later in the trip had the…”
A 16 km Singapore bike ride with a licensed guide, river and WWII stories, Chinatown snack and drink, plus Marina Bay and F1 sights.
“Jackie was a very knowledgeable guide. He was patient and understanding with the group which had varying experience of cycling. Great sense of humour too. Took safety seriously and was clear with his advice and instructions. Most importantly the tour was fabulous and we got to see and learn so much.”
Private Singapore walking food tour with 9 tastings across Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, plus a river cruise ticket.
“Excellent tour with Marcus! He was very knowledgeable and we had many interesting conversations about Singapore with him. The food was delicious, just the right amount. Perfect combination of food and history of Singapore. Would definitely recommend.”
Evening small-group walk in downtown Singapore with bumboat cruise, chicken rice hawker dinner, and a tea tasting with take-home souvenir.
“Pam did a fabulous job explaining the history of Singapore and show us the sights and sounds of the area. The food was great, the boat ride fun and the tea ceremony were very interesting. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.”
A 3.5-hour Chinatown walk with temples, tea, and soy sauce chicken lunch, led by Ping. Rain-ready poncho included.
“Our guide Ping was kind and knowledgeable guiding us through Chinatown. We loved the history and the comparison to the modern day. Lunch was in an old town eatery keeping with the family tradition. Highly recommend taking the tour”
Private Singapore morning tour of fading crafts: Chinatown snacks, Bedok kopi roasting, Ang Mo Kio paper offerings, and classic bread.
“We loved this tour!! Stefan was incredibly knowledgeable and could answer any question thrown at him. The transportation was a small air conditioned bus which was very comfortable. Every location was so interesting especially tRead more”
Fort Canning Hill graves and battles tour in Singapore. Small-group 2.5 hours with an English guide. Mobile ticket.
“This was a fantastic tour. Our guide Sui Sui was great and we certainly leant a lot about Singapore's history, not just Fort Canning. This tour doesn't get into the Battlebox but we booked this direct (it's free) for a 12-1pm slot so we could go straight in after the tour finished.”
A 3.5-hour guided walk through colonial Singapore with a 3-course riverside lunch at Boat Quay, led by expert guide Ping.
“Sensational Ping was very professional, knowledgeable and spoke good English”
Singapore WWII battlefield half-day tour with hotel pickup, air-conditioned van, Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison sites, and Changi Beach.
“Our present is based upon what so many endured and did in the past. These, so young, so few, uphold a benchmark for us to aspire. Walking through the Kranji War Memorial is a moving experience upon which we should all reflect. A great tour guide provides a broad historical commentary honing it back into the local context. He will even assist you locate your family ancestor if they are known to rest here. Young people from many countries @ faiths from across the world rest here. The tour continues across the northern part of Singapore Island visiting WW2 historical locations providing photo opportunities. Mini-bus pick-up and return to hotel…”
Private 4.5-hour Singapore history walk with bumboat cruise, chicken rice dinner, and a tea ceremony with Imperial tea and souvenir.
“We had a great day with our guide Su Ling. We learned a great deal about the city and she helped us plan the rest of our time in Singapore.”
Explore Singapore’s Chinatown through shop-house galleries, QR-code stories, and self-paced exhibits. Timed entry, one visit slot, great value.
“I took a weekend off to visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre. I was able to see the older looks of the shop houses and the exhibition in CHC. I truly enjoy my time here.”
Walk Colonial Singapore’s civic core with a guide, then enjoy a 3-course lunch by the Singapore River at Boat Quay.
“This was an informative tour visiting places not readily thought of by tourists, good insight into the development and history of Singapore, friendly knowledgeable guide, very well organised.”
Walk Fort Canning’s hill of legends on a 2.5-hour tour linking ancient graves, colonial cemeteries, fort gates, gardens, and battle stories.
“Tour guide Wei Wei was absolutely fabulous. So much interesting history in such a small area of Singapore.”
Singapore’s Chinatown walking tour with skyline views, temple stops, included snacks and lunch, and iconic old shops for $55.51.
“The knowledge of our guide Ping. She was absolutely amazing! We got to visit temples and learn about the history of Singapore!”
