ANZA Tours

18/02/2025

WWll Southern Front Tour - Bukit Chandu and Fort Siloso

Learning the heroic events as well as the struggles to defend Keppel Harbour and the southern front of Singapore from Japanese invasion.

The tour started at the newly renovated museum: Reflections at Bukit Chandu which was the base for the Malay Regiment and its fateful stand against the Japanese at the Battle of Pasir Panjang in 1942.
The bungalow was originally built for the senior British staff of the o***m packing plant. There is also a display of how the packing plant operated.
Everyone really enjoyed this stop as no one had been there before.

Next stop Fort Siloso for a look around before walking along the skywalk, which gave everyone great views and the weather was perfect. The tour continued all the way around the fort before finishing at the Coastal trail. The 15th of February Sunday tour was the 83rd anniversary of the fall of Singapore - an opportunity to honour those who fought

12/02/2025

ANZA Tours experienced a unique tour yesterday - the Hindi Thaipusam Festival. This is a fascinating experience - watching how devotees enter a trance like state before having their bodies pierced by metal spikes and hooks. The participants then start a colourful and noisy procession, from one temple to another, all the while carrying heavy, richly decorated ‘kavadis’.

Thank you to our guide Charlotte Chu for guiding us through this truly special experience.

27/11/2024

Another wonderful ANZA Tour this morning, this time exploring Parliament House.

We began the tour with a video that gave us a background to the historical development and establishment of Singapore’s parliamentary system of government. Our fab guide then took us on a tour of the impressive building. We walked the corridors of legislative power, stopping along the way to view portraits of past Speakers of Parliament. We also saw the original wig and ceremonial gown worn by the first Speaker of Parliament.

The highlight of the tour was attending the Parliamentary Chamber where we sat in the Public Gallery from where we could see the seating arrangement and layout.

We will all be back next year to observe Parliament when it is next in session.

We are not slowing down for Xmas yet - we still have three more great tours before the Tours Team goes on holidays. Join us!

04/10/2024

Another wonderful tour this week as we explored the sights of Jalan Besar.

Some of the highlights included the temple, fantastic coffee at , the beautiful shophouses and Petain Building and the many hardware stores.

Thank you once again to for helping us discover more of Singapore.

01/10/2024

12/09/2024

Join us for our upcoming tours!

Saturday September 28 -> 4.00pm - 7.00pm “Triad Trails: Hidden Alleys and Hidden Stories”

Wednesday October 2 -> 10.00am - 12.30pm “Exploring Jalan Besar”

Tuesday October 8 -> 9.30am - 12.00pm “See You In Court”

17/04/2024

You can’t live in Singapore without being impressed with the HDB’s!

Our tour around Toa Payoh explored the history of Singapore housing and took in the HDB Hub and the Livingspace Museum.

We loved seeing the the ‘My Nice Home’ model flats - there were some beautifully staged and designed model homes there.

We finished at the Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre - sampling lotus buns, rice dumplings and thunder tea rice.

Another terrific morning with our guide Charlotte Chu and ANZA Tours!

23/03/2024

Dive into Kampong Glam’s Ramadan Food Bazaar and Islamic heritage with guide Sarah Lev from .

Explore the blend of Bugis, Malays, Arabs, and South Indians, visiting landmarks like the Hajja Fatimah Mosque and Sultan Mosque.

During Ramadan, witness the vibrant “Raikan Cahaya” bazaar, offering delectable treats like kebabs and nasi lemak. Discover specialty shops for non-alcoholic perfumes and pilgrimage essentials.

Immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Kampong Glam.

Date: 26 March 2024
Time: 17:30 – 20:30
Meeting Point: Lavender MRT

Limited spots available!

Photo: Ahboy

26/01/2024

Recently recognised in the inaugural edition of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023: come and join us on a heritage tour of Capella Singapore! 

The Capella Culturist will take us on an enthralling journey around the hotel grounds as they share with us some of the resort’s stories and colonial past. We will see the two restored colonial buildings that date back to the 1880’s, from which the hotel extends into gardens and grounds framed by the sea. Inspired by these buildings, architect Lord Norman Foster of Fosters + Partners, designed the resort to sit in harmony with surrounding nature, while combining old-world colonial charm with contemporary chic. 

After our tour we will enjoy a sumptuous morning tea in The Living Room, a place that once used to be the Officers’ Mess of the Royal Artillery, where the British officers had their meals and held parties. 

A special experience not to be missed. 

Date: Monday 5th February 2024 
Time : 09:30am - 11:30am 
Meet: 09:20 Capella Hotel  
Cost: $55 ANZA Member, $65 Non-Member 
Fitness Level: Medium - Some walking in the heat required, plenty of rest stops available 

Note that this tour is now full, but please send us a DM if you are interested in coming along and we will let you know if there are any late cancellations.    

10/01/2024

Join us for this informative tour combining the unique street art of Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong () and the history of Chinatown🎨 

Our tour will begin with a visit to the Thian Hock Keng Temple. We will then follow the artist’s trail of murals spanning from 2016 until 2023, depicting customs and traditions as well as real people and family members (not to mention his cat). Our guide, Sarah Lev, will share with us the stories related to each mural.  

We will continue towards South Bridge Road to see more murals such as the Cantonese Opera and the Paper Mask Puppet Seller, before we continue through the narrow streets of Chinatown to see his Chinatown home mural and his recent Clog maker mural. 

Yip Yew Chong was born and raised in this neighbourhood and worked as an accountant for many years while pursuing his artistic career as a street artist in his free time.  

Date: Wednesday 31st January 2024 
Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm 
Meet:  09:50am Telok Ayer Street, the nearest MRT station is Tanjong Pagar or Telok Ayer stations. 
Cost: $40 ANZA Member, $45 Non-Member 
Fitness Level: High - Substantial walking/exertion required in the heat. Expect to be on your feet for most of this tour. Infrequent rest stops 

To register go to our profile and click on the link or visit www.anza.org.sg/tours   

08/11/2023

The Bukit Brown Cemetery walk was an immersive journey through time, brimming with captivating history and enchanting stories that whisked us away into the past.

As we strolled among the tombstones, we were mesmerised by the anecdotes of prominent Singapore residents and Chinese pioneers laid to rest here. Along the way, we delved into the astonishing traditions of the era, providing us with a unique window into Singapore's vibrant culture. These are just a few of the highlights from our tour, and now, let's take a look at the feedback we received!

💁🏻‍♀️: The best by far was a climb to the highest point of the cemetery. Elsa had us all captivated with the story of the Ong Clan and their commitment to the 24 stories of Filial Pierty.
🙋🏼‍♀️: The stories were at times disturbing but very funny for all the mothers among us. I encourage everyone to google the 24 stories on how to be a good son or daughter in law!
🙆🏾‍♀️: The 24 stories were very entertaining from sons having to taste their father’s poo to see if their medicine was working to wives breast feeding their mother in laws🤮.

To join our future tours, visit www.anza.org.sg/tours or our profile and register a spot!

29/06/2023

When art imitates life or is it the other way around? 🎨

This image is part of Yip Yew Chong's wonderful mural in Little India he is well known for his incredible storytelling through art. Yip Yew Chong has certainly established an inedible mark on the cityscape🌆

Where else have you seen 's work?

If you see one don't forget to snap a photo and share the magic with the world! ✨📷

27/06/2023

The best part of travelling - making memories and friends on the way! 😊

This lovely lot ventured into Little India and it's throngs of colour, energy and came away with a truer understanding of the areas' roots and historical significance in multi-cultural Singapore.

ANZA Tous offers an array of tours and unique experiences - you don't have to be a ANZA member to join in! We welcome ALL nationalities - all you need is a love to explore and a good pair of walking shoes and you're good to go!

Have you signed up to a tour?! . .

20/06/2023

After the rain ☔ India seems to come alive with vibrant colours 🌈 and bustling energy!

During our guided walk last week of Little India Appetite and Art tour, a group of us ventured out with empty tummies and a sense of adventure to discover the sights, tastes and sounds of Little India and it did not disappoint 😊

We were so delighted that Dave .davidlau – resident ANZA photographer 📸 join us to help capture the morning – here is just one of his photos of the group marvelling at a mural by local artist, Psyfool*.

The mural brings alive the traditional trades commonly practices by Indians in the Serangoon area.  These included garland making, parrot astrology and laundering.    You can find this piece, part of the  Artwalk Little India 2016 in 8 Belilios Lane. 

I will be dropping a few of .davidlau images here – let me know what is your favourite? ♥

*Psyfools mural was organised with and Singapore Tourism Board with Little India Shopkeepers and

16/06/2023

We walked in the footsteps of Singapore's past with novel as our guidebook 📙

Recently, ANZA Tours immersed into the story "The Red Thread" by Dawn Farnham, .  The novel is a historical fiction set in 1830 with many of the settings and people based on personalities of the time.  Familiar faces become new again as we followed the two protagonist's journeys.  From the Chinese immigrants south of the Singapore river to the European settlers arriving on the north side, snippets of their time still exist in today.

Indeed it was like taking a step in time and experiencing the rich culture of Singapore!

We love feedback, and a regular tour participant, Mandy  said "The book tour by ANZA and tour guide Charlotte was a real treat.. on our tour we explored places that provide a window into the book and the stories contained within it.  I can't wait to read the book!"

All our tours are curated by our volunteer ANZA tours team, we try to create interesting, unique tours that will delight anyone who has interest with history, heritage and hidden gems. 

Join us for an upcoming tour soon?

Photo credits:



 

14/06/2023

Join us for a leisurely stroll 👣 through the colourful streets of Joo Chiat!

Discover the Malay influences toward the Northern end of the road, also take a look at the rich Peranakan heritage, enjoy the colorful shophouses, modern, quirky shops and local eats. Joo Chiat is a truly unique and an authentic side of Singapore you will not want to miss!

It's only a small group and super casual (no professional guide) but you will get an insiders view of this vibrant area. We will finish at The Red House for a coffee (at own cost) and chit chat at the end of the tour.

Hurry only 5 places for this outing!

Date: Wednesday 5 July 2023
Time : 10.00am - 11:30 am
Meet: 9.45am, Joo Chiat Complex, 1 Joo Chiat Rd 420001, nearest MRT Paya Lebar

$20 ANZA Member, $25 Non-Member

Book via the visiting our profile or www.anza.org.sg/tours

08/06/2023

Follow in the footsteps of Rachel Chu and Henry Young with our Crazy Rich Asians guided tour in Singapore!

You've watched the film and read the books, now do the guided tour of the Crazy Rich Asians! Get a glimpse of the opulence and grandeur world of the crazy Singaporean elite which inspired Kevin Kwan's book and subsequent movie adaption.

Some highlights will be

🌟Learn more about Pek Lin's house
🌟 Visit the glamourous wedding venue .sg

By the end of the tour you will learn of Singapore's unique culture and heritage and see and experience some of the most extravagant Crazy Rich Asian spots in town. And more importantly, live and breath the life of a Crazy Rich Asian just for a few hours 😂 👑 💰 💍

$75 ANZA Member / $85 for Non-Member (includes coach). Sign up from the link in the bio!

07/06/2023

New tours out now! Come join us!

We have some great new tour offerings for July, August and September. Tours include:

🏡 A Joo Chiat meander

🥕A trip to the Dragon Kiln and Bollywood Veges

🌸 A lunch and self-guided tour of the Peranakan Museum

💕 A new-comers orientation tour to help you find your feet

🐐 A visit to some of Singapore’s local farms

Tour costs range from $20 - $130 pp and are open to ANZA members and non-members. Take a look at our website: https://anza.org.sg/tours for more information or check our link in the profile to sign up.

So get your walking shoes on and join us - which tour do you have your 👀 on?