Post Congress Tours

Post Congress tours can be booked directly with the tour operator:

1. Singapore Food and Peranakan Culture Tour

Date: Saturday, 24 August 2013
Time: 09.30 - 17:30
Price per Person: S$ 162.00

Follow your nose … and our expert guide. Uncover some of the best-kept secrets of the Katong district, home to the highest concentration of award-winning dishes on the island. Trace its transformation from an idyllic seaside village and plantation area to the vibrant and charming residential enclave it is today. With its rich mix of Malay, Eurasian, Chinese Peranakan, Ceylonese, Jewish, Arabic and Indian heritage, you’re in for a treat. Be introduced to best in the food businesses who uphold the highest standards in kopi tiams (local coffee shops), chic eateries, old-style confectioneries and bakeries. Along the way discover a treasure trove of local traditions, religions and architecture. Come on this tour where wars are fought everyday ... all over food, of course!

We will start the day with a small Singapore-style breakfast at a local kopi-tiam.  This will be followed by visiting the gorgeous PeranakanMuseum to discover the unique hybrid culture born out the union of local Malay and Chinese communities – found only this region.  Marvel at their exquisite jewellery, clothing and home décor.  Next learn to make and roll the delicious popiah (traditional spring roll) from the colourful owner of the shop, and sample your handiwork.  Next stop will be the Eurasian Community House for a look at their unique heritage and a bite of their special suji (semolina) cake. We continue with our food adventure at the famous Katong Laksa café, considered by most Singaporeans, one of the best on this island. We will also walk or drive to the many architectural gems of this district, including the Singapore Eclectic Style shop houses.  We will end the day with a demonstration of Peranakan dumpling weaving and beading session with a Peranakan heritage expert.

Note: A full Peranakan lunch will be served at a restaurant in the area.

What's included:

• Guided tour by specialised Heritage Guide
• Admission to Peranakan Museum
• Lunch
• Food and beverage at various stops

2. Full day Battlefield Tour

Date: Sunday 25 August 2013
Time: 09.30 - 17.30
Price per Persons: S$ 98.00

Singaporewas a critical factor in the British defence strategy during World War II – a strategy that the British spent twenty years planning.  Called ‘Gibraltar of the East’ - Singapore, however, fell to the Japanese Imperial Forces in just seven days.  Intricate strategies, subtle plots, great follies, explosive action - we take you through the intense fire of battle and the fog of war that led to Singapore’s fall in WWII. Is it really the story of ‘a navy that never was, of defenders in the dark and of guns pointed in the wrong direction’? Should Percival really bear the brunt of it all? Get to know them on this full day Battlefield Tour – the British, Australian, Indian and Malayan defenders and uncover the realities shrouded in seductive myths and deceptive propaganda.

We will start with a drive through the historic Civic District where monuments like the Civilian War Memorial and the Indian National Army Monument stand.  Next we will visit the Battle Box, site of the original underground bunkers that served as the Malayan HQ, followed by the oldFord Factory where the momentous British surrender to the Japanese was made – the largest capitulation of British forces in history.  Then we will head to the north-western sector to see the actual invasion and battle sites.  Finally, we will visit the Kranji War Cemetery and uncover stories behind the names carved in stone – of the thousands of brave souls who gave up their lives in the name of freedom.

Note: A lunch stop will made at a local café, where you can choose from a variety of dishes at your own cost.

What's included:

• Guided tour by specialised Heritage Guide
• Admission to the Battle Box, Fort Canning Hill
• Admission to Memories of Old Ford Factory