Indie Singapore

19/11/2024

Food has always been at the heart of what we do—not just as something to savor, but as a way to tell stories, celebrate culture, and open doors to understanding Singapore on a deeper level.

When we first started our food tours, the goal was simple: share the places we loved and the dishes we felt connected to. What we didn’t expect was how those meals would spark bigger conversations—about heritage, identity, and even the policies that shape and protect our hawker culture.

It was still surreal to be sharing a panel with incredible voices at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council - GSTC Conference that was held at Sentosa last week.

We talked about sustainable food heritage in tourism. To be able to hear the perspective from the Chairman of the Chinatown hawker association, leaders in the field of sustainability and international policymakers is refreshing and really inspirational.

Honestly, preparing for the panel was a little daunting (we are not sure how we can contribute to the conversation), but it’s also a reminder of how far Indie Singapore has come from those early days of walking tours and food trails. We’re grateful for every guest who’s joined us on this adventure, for every review that shared our story with others, and for the partners and friends (like Singapore Tourism Board ) who’ve helped us grow along the way.

I had the incredible honor to be part of the “Food Heritage in Tourism” panel at . Representing our company and sharing our passion for…

17/10/2024

Rain or shine, our tours continue!

It had been raining a fair bit over the last few days. Despite the seasonal downpour, we're committed to giving our guests the best experience possible. This is especially so since we had some really meaningful and heartwarming requests over the last few days (stories to follow in a later post... Hopefully)

It’s been heartwarming to see everyone’s adventurous spirit as they explore Singapore’s rich history and culture with us—even under umbrellas.

While we push forward in all weather conditions, rest assured that your safety and comfort are always top priorities. We’ll do everything we can to ensure you're both safe and enjoying the moment.

Sometimes the best memories are made when we embrace the unexpected!

05/09/2024

Our tour goes on rain or shine!

Thanks so much to our gungho guests who braved the rain with .

That being said, even our hardiest guides know when the weather is too much to bear.

When that happens, we keep calm and drink tea!

One of life's greatest pleasures is to be in the presence of good company, with a warm drink in hand, as the rain pours down outside.

09/08/2024

"We, the citizens of Singapore,
Pledge ourselves as one united people
Regardless of race, language or religion"

The powerful opening words from our pledge take on extra weight every year during the period of Singapore's National Day. We feel an immense pride in showcasing Singapore’s unwavering commitment to these ideals.

It’s only with the privilege of curating and guiding our tours, that we get to uncover more stories of our young nation. Through that, we’ve come to truly appreciate how difficult it must have been to walk the talk. Building a united, multicultural nation wasn’t easy, but it’s the very foundation of why we love our home.

At Indie Singapore, we’re honored to tell the stories of this remarkable commitment, from the vibrant neighborhoods where different cultures converge, to the lesser-known histories that bind us together as one people. Each tour we offer is a celebration of our shared heritage and values, showcasing the beauty of our diversity and the strength of our unity.

Majulah Singapura!

16/07/2024

Has it really been 10 years???

We are incredibly honoured to announce that Indie Singapore has been awarded the Traveler's Choice Award for 2024, marking a decade of recognition! This accolade places us among the top 10% of things to do worldwide—something we would not have imagined when we started our journey with small group Free Walking Tours. We wanted to provide an alternative for independent travelers who did not want to go for more commercial tours. We made use of this to unveil different facets of the Singapore Story.

Something must have clicked as we started growing organically. As we explored, we found even more parts of our vibrant city that we fell in love with. We take great joy in uncovering and sharing the stories behind our rich culture.

TripAdvisor has played a significant role in our story. In 2017, we achieved our first major milestone by becoming #1 on the list of "Things to do in Singapore". This recognition was a pivotal moment for us, giving us the confidence to expand our offerings.

Today, our tours span a wide range, from the historical and cultural to the culinary and artistic; we bring you on trains and onto dragonboats on the water. Through it all, our small group Free Walking Tours remain the backbone of Indie Singapore, staying true to our roots of more intimate experiences.

More than anything, we owe our success to our wonderful guests and supporters, especially those who have joined us on multiple tours and taken the time to write such beautiful, heartfelt reviews. Your words and enthusiasm fuel our passion every day.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing guides who have stood by us through thick and thin (and through extinction level events like COVID), making each tour an unforgettable experience.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to many more years of exploring and celebrating the hidden gems of Singapore together!

28/06/2024

Last month, we had the immense privilege of being part of the , a celebration we've proudly contributed to since 2020. This festival is a beautiful tribute to our short yet incredibly rich history, shining a spotlight on Singapore's lesser-known cultural heritage.

In line with this year's theme, "Built Heritage," we curated two unique tours:

1. **Inclusivity and Diversity Tour**: In collaboration with the , we explored the vibrant diversity along Middle Road, highlighting the cultural mosaic that makes Singapore so special.

2. **Old School Tour**: We took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, focusing on the former school buildings within the district. It was a heartwarming experience to revisit the roots of our education system.

We're overjoyed with the amazing feedback from our guests and are honored to be recognized by the with a certificate of appreciation. The cool tote bag filled with nostalgic childhood keepsakes was the cherry on top!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on these tours and to all our partners and supporters. Your enthusiasm and love for our heritage keep us inspired.



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This post highlights Indie Singapore's involvement in the festival, showcases the unique tours, and encourages engagement by inviting followers to join future tours.

27/06/2024

Beautiful photos of our 4 weekends of !

I am sure our participants will agree, it was super cool to have this rare opportunity to be paddling in the Marina Bay Singapore in the darkness of night. We are awed by our gorgeous skyline every single time.

More than that, we are very honoured to be part of the 50th anniversary celebration for PAssion Wave as well as the 10th edition of i Light Singapore

Thank you everyone for giving us one of the best jobs in the world!

06/06/2024

More photos from our amazing Night Dragonboat tour of the Marina Bay with PAssion Wave . There are still very limited slots for Glow PAddle on 8, 16 and 23 June!

Sign up link here:
https://www.pa.gov.sg/our-programmes/passion-wave/50th-anniversary-celebrations/

30/04/2024

We're delighted to announce our participation in the esteemed 2024, a celebration of our nation's rich cultural legacy and built heritage!

This year, we're offering three distinctive ways to delve into the theme of "built heritage," each promising a memorable and enriching experience:

1) Immerse yourself in history with a specially curated edition of our "History Wanderers" kayaking tour! Along with our partners at .passionwave , we will be exploring Singapore's iconic landmarks from a unique perspective—seeing them from the Kallang Basin and the Marina Bay

2) Join us for an exclusive "Inclusivity/Diversity" tour, crafted in collaboration with . Discover the vibrant precinct, a melting pot of cultures and diversity. Gain exclusive access to one of the area's historic guild houses, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our shared heritage.

3) Embark on a nostalgic journey with our "Old School" tour! Explore former school buildings in the downtown area and witness their transformation over the years. From educational institutions to community/commercial spaces, experience the evolution of our built heritage

Find out more and sign up here:
https://linktr.ee/Indiesingapore

Secure your spot now and be part of this immersive celebration of Singapore's heritage!

22/04/2024

Happy Earth Day!

Today, as we celebrate our beautiful planet, we're reminded of the importance of sustainable living and preserving our natural resources.

On this special occasion, we're thrilled to announce Season 3 of our History Wanderers tour! Join us alongside our awesome partners, .passionwave as we kayak on the Marina Bay Reservoir. We will delve into the heart of Singapore's sustainability efforts and uncover the secrets of our waterways.

This season, we will be hosting some special formats of this tour!

Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to watch this space for updates!

10/04/2024

Eid Mubarak!

To our dear friends celebrating the festival, we wish you Selamat Hari Raya Puasa, and a heartfelt Eid Mubarak! As the Ramadan season comes to a close, we hope it has been a time of blessings, reflection, and cherished moments with loved ones.

While we celebrate this joyous occasion, we are proud to have been able to share about the essence of the Ramadan season in multi-culture Singapore. Strolling through Kampong Glam during this month took on additional weight and significance for us. We were happy to show off the Ramadan Bazaars, but even prouder to be able to talk about the significance of fasting to our friends from all around the world.

18/03/2024

Thanks to (and also ), we had the incredible honor of adding a tiny piece of excerpt to the pages of —a publication that holds a special place in each of our wanderlust-filled hearts.

Nestled among our own well-loved Lonely Planet guides are notes scribbled in haste, folded pages marking hidden gems, and ticket stubs from places we still hold dear. As we gathered around those familiar guides, we couldn't help but smile at the memories they hold. The dog-eared corners, the coffee stains from late-night planning sessions, and the post-it notes filled with insider tips—all treasures that tell the tales of our travels.

Fast forward to today, we sincerely hope that every tour we create is infused with the same passion and authenticity that filled the pages of our Lonely Planets. Our aim is to help all our guests uncover the hidden gems, savoring the local flavors, and connecting with the heart and soul of Singapore

Shout out to our friends at and for being such awesome partners on

21/02/2024

1400 five-star reviews on ... and some extra!! (we lost count for a while during )

A heartfelt Thank You to all our incredible guests who have shared their experiences. Your feedback is fuel for us to make our tours better and better.

We are most heartened by the loyalty of our returning guests, who have joined us for multiple tours and back-to-back adventures. Your trust in Indie Singapore is a great testament to the work we do.

Special thanks also to our friends and partners who have been integral to our journey. We wouldn't have been able to do what we do without you.

as we plan for more exciting offerings in 2024!

Ready for your next adventure? Whether you seek the hidden gems of Singapore on our fun , crave curated experiences tailored to your interests, or desire a mouthwatering exploration of local cuisine, Indie Singapore has it all.

There is something for everyone, regardless of budget or preference. Don't wait any longer—book your Indie Singapore experience today and join our vibrant community of explorers!

Https://Indiesingapore.com

11/01/2024

We are one week into 2024, and what a whirlwind week it has been.

We were only just able to take a step back from the euphoria and hype of the new year, slow down and reflect on our journey.

This past year, as we stepped out of the shadows of COVID, we were able to start realizing some of our aspirations.

Collaborating with new partners, we curated experiences that surpassed our wildest imaginations. We are also super thankful for long time collaborators who have been trusting us to come up with the weirdest tours.

We were able to look beyond survival in 2023. We proudly aligned ourselves with national organizations and projects that resonate with our values— National Heritage Board for Singapore Night Festival and Singapore Heritage Festival, DesignSingapore for National Design Week, PAssion Wave for our ongoing History Wanderer and the Special Sunset Paddle, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment for GoGreenSG, and Singapore Tourism Board for their support in some of our more unique endeavors. In doing so, we became not only witnesses but active participants in the cultural tapestry of our nation.

Recognition began to find its way to our doorstep, as we had the honor of hosting ministers and dignitaries on our tours.

We also had plenty of fun (and met some of our culinary heroes) with The World's 50 Best Restaurants and The World's 50 Best Bars !

To our partners, guests, family and friends, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your support has been the wind beneath our wings, propelling us toward new horizons.

Here's to a year of boundless possibilities and shared triumphs.