CHAT @ Bugis: The Last Waves of the Hainanese and forgotten Beach

*** This is part of the SGHeritageFest 2026 ***
Welcome to The Forgotten Beach Of Singapore - The Hainanese CHAT!

How does Kopi, Chicken Rice and Kaya Toast comes about? And how does Singapore preserved traditions among the modern skyscrapers?
Step back into a time when Beach Road wasn't a landlocked street, but a literal shoreline where the "last wave" of Chinese migrants—the Hainanese—stepped onto Singapore's soil. Being the last to arrive meant the prime real estate was gone, but the Hainanese didn't just survive; they thrived by mastering the art of hospitality and the love of food. 

On this tour, we trace the aromatic trail of Kopi and Chicken Rice from the shophouses of Middle Road to the grand hallways of the Raffles Hotel where the famed Singapore Sling birthed. We’ll explore why the Hainanese were the culinary geniuses behind Singapore’s most iconic hotel, how they turned domestic service into a cultural legacy. Visit the pristine skyscraper building of the Hainan Association with an antique temple dedicated to not just 1 but 2 Goddess of Sea as we discover the history of the our forgotten shoreline. 

The Hainanese community in Singapore is one of the earliest migrants to Singapore in the early 1820s and formed the fifth major Chinese dialect groups. The earliest Hainanese immigrants formed enclaves and settled mainly in the Beach Road, now a disappeared shoreline of Singapore.

While consistutes only about 6% of today Chinese population in Singapore, the Hainanese significantly influenced the Singaporean cuisine and food culture. From the well known iconic Hainanese Chicken rice, well loved Kaya Toast and the daily dopamine, Kopi, to the traditional Hainanese snacks; are either introduced or shaped and influenced by the Hainanese community. As we venture into the earlier enclaves of the Hainanese area street, we'll discover the origin of these local delicacies including the world famous cocktail, Singapore Sling, founded in Singapore's Raffles Hotel.

Weaving throught the streets, as we photograph new memories; we will visit heritage shops and site that are well - loved and visited by both local and international singers, actors and actresses. If you are in lucky, you may even bump into them during our tour!

One question that many may have in common, due to the uncertainties and struggles in the yesteryears, who do the Hainanese depends on in this foreign land? Singapore Hainan Hwee Kuan, 海南会馆, is one of the oldest and most active clan association in Singapore providing support for the Hainanese people. Today, the modern outlook of the seven storey high Kheng Chiu building with tall clean glass, also houses the Kheng Chiu Tin Hou Kong (琼州天后宫), a Chinese temple dedicated to the Chinese seafaring goddess, Mazu. Explore this historic temple and gain a deeper understanding of its importance. More than just a religious institution, it is also the birth place to many Hainanese entertainments and performances!

Come join us in the fun of exploring the hidden gem of Singapore at a forgotten Singapore's beach, while we get the opportunity to delves into the the vibrant intangible cultural heritage of the Hainanese people.

NOTE:

1. This guided tour will be conducted physically by a Licensed STB Tourist Guide.

2. Limited slots are available, please register early to avoid disappointment.

3. In case of unforeseen circumstances, HeyLadTour reserves the right to change the itinerary at short notice without prior notice to the ticket holder.

4. This guided tour will only proceed when there is a minimum of 4 participants. HeyLadTour reserves all rights to cancel the tour and refund all participants at short notice to the ticket holder.

5. Please note that photographs and videos of attendees may be taken at this event. HeyLadTour may use these photographs and videos for publicity and outreach purposes.

6. In the event that the ticket holder is unable to attend the event, tickets are non-refundable.

7. HeyLadTour shall not be responsbile for any injuries arises during the tour.

8. Participants will receive a confirmation message prior the event, if not please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) is the HeritageSG, a subsidiary of National Heritage Board (NHB)’s signature annual outreach event that celebrates the many facets of Singapore’s diverse heritage and culture. SHF works with individuals, groups and communities to co-create programmes and offerings.

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