Private Singapore City Tour with Local Guide & Hidden Gems

Summary

Discover Singapore’s Icons & Secret Corners on a Private Tour

You’ll see Singapore through a local’s eyes—iconic sights like Merlion Park and Chinatown mixed with hidden bridges and real food stops. This private tour lets you skip crowds, ask questions, and discover stories you won’t find in any guidebook.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air felt thick and warm as we wandered through Esplanade Park, dodging joggers and the odd uncle practicing tai chi. Our guide, Mei Lin, pointed out the old Merlion spot—funny how it used to face a car park before they moved it to the waterfront. You can still hear the splash of water from the new Merlion Park if you listen closely. The half-lion, half-fish statue is everywhere in souvenirs, but seeing it up close by the bay just hits different.

Crossing Henderson Waves was a surprise highlight. I’d seen photos online but didn’t expect the wooden curves to feel so peaceful above all that city noise. There’s this faint smell of rain on wood—Singapore’s humidity always brings it out—and you get these quick glimpses of monkeys darting through the trees below if you’re lucky. Mei Lin told us locals come here for sunrise runs or late-night walks when it cools down.

Lunchtime meant squeezing into Chinatown’s hawker centre, where every stall had its own regulars and chatter in Hokkien or Mandarin. We met Mr Tan, who’s been grinding spices for decades—his hands smelled like star anise and pepper even after washing them. Tried his laksa (spicy but not too much), then wandered past old shophouses now filled with indie coffee spots and tiny art galleries. If you ask your guide for recommendations, they’ll point out which stalls are family-run or which kopi shop does the best kaya toast.

The route changes depending on your guide—sometimes you’ll swing by Little India for fresh flower garlands or catch a glimpse of Sri Mariamman Temple’s colorful towers peeking over shophouses. Other times you might end up at Mt. Faber Park for city views or pop into the ArtScience Museum if there’s time (and energy). It never feels rushed; there’s always room to pause for an ice-cold sugarcane juice or just watch boats drift along the Singapore River.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Iconic Singapore Sights

• Walk Esplanade Park and Merlion
• Cross Henderson Waves Bridge
• Meet spice maker and lunch at Hawker centre
• Optional visit: ArtScience Museum
• Optional visit: Raffles' Landing Site
• Optional visit: Merlion Park
• Optional visit: Sri Mariamman Temple
• Optional visit: Singapore River
• Optional visit: ArtScience Museum
• Optional visit: Singapore Chinatown
• Optional visit: Little India
• Optional visit: Mt. Faber Park
• Optional visit: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes! Strollers are welcome and routes can be adjusted for little ones’ needs.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll walk at a relaxed pace with breaks; public transport is used between some stops.

Can we choose which attractions to visit?

Your guide will suggest highlights but can tailor parts of the route based on your interests.

Are meals included?

A local snack is included; lunch at a hawker centre is at your own expense so you can pick what you like.

What’s included

This private tour includes your own local expert as guide, all public transport during the tour, a tasty local snack along the way, and carbon offsetting for your trip. You’ll skip tourist crowds thanks to insider tips—and support small businesses while exploring Singapore at your own pace.