Join us for a fascinating walk along South Bridge Road, a 1.6-kilometre journey through the heart of Chinatown during its bustling heyday. Though it may seem like a long stretch, this is a leisurely tour packed with history, culture, and stories from Singapore’s early colonial years.

Meet me at 9am on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, at Maxwell MRT (Exit 2). We’ll start at street level near the iconic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

This tour will introduce you to the harsh realities faced by our forefathers, who had limited career choices. From becoming a coolie, rickshaw puller, gangster, smuggler, secret society member, or hawker, they often found themselves choosing between tough options, with little relief in sight. Few men dared to become policemen, as they were vastly outnumbered by gangsters. In fact, the police force had to rely on external recruits, notably the Sikhs, to maintain law and order. Given the number of unskilled, illiterate, and hungry men, policing was no easy task.

Life in early Chinatown was a struggle, with men far outnumbering women – at one point, by a staggering 14 to 1. It wasn’t until later, when the British realised the population imbalance, that more women were brought in. But even then, women faced limited career options.

Aside from becoming noble “majie” (amahs) or “samsui” women, many were drawn into the vice industry, some by choice, but many by unfortunate circumstances.

Poverty often forced families to sell their daughters, leading them into lives of hardship. Matchmakers sometimes played a noble role, saving girls from brothels by arranging marriages to wealthy men — though these men often already had multiple wives, concubines, or mistresses.

This tour offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the people who built Chinatown, overcoming tremendous odds and hardship. We’ll uncover the untold stories of survival and resilience that shaped the neighbourhood.

So, come and explore Chinatown’s rich history with us. Meet at Maxwell MRT, 9am, Sunday, 3rd Nov, and step into the past on this unforgettable tour of South Bridge Road.

For reservations, contact:
UNCLE CHRIS WALKING TOURS
Chris WK Ng
T: 65 91814298
E: [email protected]
W: www.unclechrisdrivingholidays.com

Note:
• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour.
• 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. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule.