Tours

MAY/JUN

ANZA TOURS

Go cultural and historical with ANZA’s eclectic selection of tours happening around Singapore over the next few months.

Vesak Day

Vesak is considered the most holy day observed traditionally by Buddhists in this part of the world. Informally known as “Buddha’s Birthday”, it encompasses the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. On this tour, we’ll visit different temples as they prepare to celebrate the holiest date in the Buddhist calendar. See intricate architectural designs, elaborate Chinese decorations, and wonderful statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. We’ll then discover the largest pure white marble statue of the Buddha outside of Myanmar and head to a small and colourful Tibetan temple. Please note, shoulders and knees must be covered and shoes will need to be slipped on and off.

DATE: Tuesday 10 May TIME: 9am – 1pm MEET: 8.50am entrance at Newton Food Centre by the carpark COST: Members $80, non-members $90

Peranakan Tile Tour

Join us to hear Victor Lim, Singapore’s leading tile aficionado, share all he knows about the history and creation of Peranakan tiles. His passion for tiles led him to research the making and restoration technology, and he turned his hobby into a thriving business. Victor began collecting rare tiles by painstakingly salvaging them from old shophouses in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in the 70s and 80s. Today, he has a collection of over 30,000. After the talk there’ll be time to peruse his shop and enjoy an optional coffee or tea in Chinatown.

DATE: Wednesday 18 May TIME: 1pm – 2pm MEET: 1.50pm, Chinatown MRT Exit A COST: Members $15, non-members $20

Coney Island & Punggol by Bike

Let us guide you around the beautiful natural surroundings and beaches of Coney Island and the waterways of Punggol. We’ll hop on some bikes and tour this natural landscape, learning about DATE: Thursday 26 May its history and conservation TIME: 9.30am – 12pm - Coney Island is a world MEET: 9.20am at Punggol MRT away from downtown ground floor lobby Singapore. We’ll then COST: Members $20, noncycle onto the Punggol members $25 barrage, traversing the wetlands and the built lakes and gardens of Punggol Waterway Park. Refreshments at a waterfront cafe (at own expense) will fuel us back to the MRT.

Tanjong Pagar Walk

On this walking tour, learn about the heritage of Tanjong Pagar, considered in early 19th-century history to be one of the most important areas of Singapore. We’ll visit places of worship and marvel at the awardwinning architecture of some of the new buildings. Hear about the macabre practice of ‘ghost marriages’ alongside stories behind Singapore’s National Flower. We’ll end the session near to the famous Maxwell Hawker Centre in Chinatown. Please remember to dress conservatively and to bring your own umbrellas and water bottles. DATE: Thursday 9 June TIME: 9.30am – 12.30pm MEET: Tanjong Pagar MRT, in front of the ticket gate, after tapping out COST: Members $50, nonmembers $60 DATE: Tuesday 28 June 2022 TIME: 10am – 12.30pm MEET: Marina Bay station (NS Line) MRT Exit B COST: Members $40, nonmembers $45

Arts in Kampong Gelam

Walk with us as we discover public art, colourful street murals, trendy shops and art galleries in Kampong Gelam, a unique area named after the Gelam tree. Learn about local Islamic traditions and stop by the surrounding shops selling special perfumes and items for the pilgrimage to Mecca (the Haj). We’ll explore the boutiques on vibrant Haji Lane and see the recently painted large scale murals on Bali Lane before continuing to the Parkview Hotel for a special exhibit in the private museum. Lunch on Bali Lane or at Bugis Junction will be at your own cost. DATE: Wednesday 22 June TIME: 9.30am – 12.30pm MEET: Lavender MRT Exit A COST: Members $45, nonmembers $55

Unique Green Architecture in the CBD

Discover the unique architecture in the central business district of Singapore and learn how this island became a “City in a Garden”. Our guide Sarah will share what defines a green building and the architects and landscape designers behind the various iconic, award-winning buildings we’ll visit. Starting with Marina One, an integrated commercial and residential complex, we’ll then continue to the Oasia Hotel which looks like a giant living tree! We’ll also stop to marvel at the iconic ParkRoyal Hotel Pickering with its lush, terraced greenery.