Telok Ayer Heritage Walk

Singapore’s land reclamation projects are well known throughout the world. It didn’t start in 1965. Serious land reclamation projects began back in the 1800s. Current day Raffles Place was once upon a time a hill. It was promptly excavated as landfills to shore up the riverbank at Singapore River.

Scandal Point, at current day Padang, was flattened to shore up the sides of Queen Elizabeth Walk – famously known to our “Senior Citizens & Pioneers” as “Gor Chang Chew Kar” (say it in Hokkien) – meaning “beneath the 5 trees”. Yes, indeed, there were 5 trees during our younger days. The trees have since passed.

Over at Telok Ayer, it was one big massive project. Telok Ayer was a street just next to the sea. Many of our ancestors landed on Singapore’s shores right here at Telok Ayer. This effectively means all the land and roads beyond Telok Ayer were once upon a time, the sea.

We meet at Raffles MRT (in front of The Arcade) and trace the route of how the streets curve in the direction of the cove that was once Telok Ayer beach. We meet at 9am, 9th November 2025, and hope to be done by 11am, maybe 11.30am.

Together, we explore the careers our ancestors had and also the history that was a carry-over from China, or elsewhere. Afterall, we are a nation of immigrants with multi-faceted culture and heritage.

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.
• Private Bookings Available: $38 per pax (Min 5 paxs), $48 per pax (Min 2 paxs), $88 (one pax)
• Corporate bookings: $588 per tour (max 38 paxs)
• Students’ rate: Call Uncle Chris at +65 91814298

• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and no-shows.

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!

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