Chinatown: South Bridge Road Walking Tour

At a glance, South Bridge Road may look and sound like a very long road. In reality, it is all but 1.6 kilometer long. So, this is a leisurely walk along Chinatown’s epicenter during its heydays. This is a rare tour that will get us acquainted with the choice of career our fore-fathers had during the early colonial years.

From being a coolie, rickshaw puller, a gangster, a smuggler, a secret society member or a hawker, the choice was like having to choose between a hard rock and another harder rock. Not many wanted to be a policeman – you will be severely outnumbered by the gangsters. They had to pull in external sources (notably the Sikhs) to keep law and order.

With most men being unskilled, illiterate and hungry, it is easy to tell the police didn’t have it easy. Life was indeed a struggle. Due to the chaotic emigration and immigration cacophony, there was a time when men outnumbered women 14 to 1. The women finally came – albeit much later - but only when the British folks realized the population was way too lobsided. So, what kind of career can our ladies choose?

Other from being a noble lady like being a majie (amah), or samsui woman, there weren’t many other choices. Through the smugglers and shrewd hoodlums, many were lured into the vice industry, albeit, some did come in by choice. Poverty also forced some parents to sell their daughters into obscurity. It was a sad world. Noble match-makers were known to save some girls from the brothel industry – by marrying them off to some wealthy men, many whom already had multiple wives (read - concubines & mistresses).

We meet, 9am at Maxwell MRT on the 3rd November (SUNDAY). Upon exiting Maxwell MRT, take EXIT 2 and meet me at street level. You should see the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at your left (in front of you).

Note:

• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour. Tipping guide as follows: $20 for a satisfactory guide, $20+ for a guide who exceeds expectations, and $30 for an outstanding guide.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and no-shows.
• Call or message Uncle Chris at +65 91814298 for corporate, private, or student bookings.

Do not sign up for this tour if you are not sure of your schedule. Please understand this method of booking platform can only perform its best with your full sincerity. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule. We look forward to your graciousness and generosity!

Host or Publisher Uncle Chris Walking Tours