ANZA Tours

NOV/DEC

ANZA TOURS

Get out and about and embrace island life with these tours that showcase alternative cultures, festivals and architecture.

Inside the world of HBD

Discover Toa Payoh, one of the first public housing projects in Singapore. Hear about how the Housing Development Board (HDB) came about, visit the HDB Hub, and witness various architectural styles. Afterwards, we’ll head to one of the most popular hawker centres in the area for some local food. Many of the stalls here are so famous that locals from other parts of the red dot will travel just to savour what they consider as “die die must try”!

DATE: Thursday 17 November TIME: 9am – 12.30pm MEET: 8.50am in front of Toa Payoh Library, 6 Toa Payoh Central, 319191. Nearest MRT is Toa Payoh COST: Member $60, non-member $70 NOTES: Please wear comfortable shoes and bring your EZ link card to travel by bus from one place to another

Fort Canning: Ghosts of forgotten Singapore

Come with us to unearth the multi-layered history, mysteries and legends of Fort Canning, a green oasis known to the Malays as Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill) and one of Singapore’s greatest treasures. Travel back 700 years to meet the shadows of the Rajahs of the ancient city of Singapura and hear the story of the hill’s transformation from a royal residence to the seat of colonial government to a military base during WWII. On top of the hill, we’ll learn about the dramatic events which took place in its underground bunker in the days leading up to the Japanese invasion in 1942.

DATE: Saturday 26 November TIME: 9am – 12.30pm MEET: 8.50am at the entrance to Battle Box, 2 Cox Terrace, 179622 COST: Member $50, non-member $60

Eden Hall Charity Event

Eden Hall, the British High Commissioner’s residence in Singapore, is a beautiful house at any time of the year, but in the run up to Christmas it becomes positively breathtaking. Together we’ll embark on a guided tour of the property to discover 100 years of history and marvel at its architecture. Of course, all of this will take place while enjoying some seasonal British-style fare - think mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds will go to a charity of the British High Commissioners’ choice and to ANZA charities.

DATE: Tuesday 1 December TIME: 5pm - 7pm COST: Member $50, non-member $50 NOTES: Attendees are required to have ID or their passport with them

History Through Walls

Let’s explore the 40 murals found in the thoroughfares and side streets of Chinatown, painted by established artists, students and the community. Through their vibrant and lively brush strokes, you’ll understand the heritage of this historical district and the contributions made by early immigrants. On this insightful tour you’ll also hear about what the various animals, objects and shapes in the murals reveal about Chinese beliefs and culture. The fun will end at Chinatown Complex, where you can stay on for an optional lunch.

DATE: Wednesday 7 December TIME: 9.30am – 1pm MEET: 9.20am, Telok Ayer MRT, Exit A, street level COST: Member $55, non-member $65

Chinese New Year

Chinatown is always fascinating, but never more so than during Chinese New Year celebrations. As we wander through the streets, our guide will explain the customs, taboos and traditions of this exciting and colourful holiday alongside the history of the area. We’ll drop by a bakery that makes traditional Chinese cakes, meet sellers of incense and paper money, and visit a clan house and Kuan Yin Temple. The tour will end at Chinatown Complex where you can opt for some shopping or enjoy a meal at the famous Smith Street Noodle Shop (at own expense).

DATE: Tuesday 17 January 2023 TIME: 9.30am – 12.30pm MEET: 9.20am at the pergola in front of Block 3, behind the bus stop and on the corner of Neil and Everton roads. Nearest MRT is Outram Park COST: Member $55, non-member $65

Thaipusam

The legends and rituals of Thaipusam, a Hindu festival, are fascinating. Soak up the atmosphere, music, chanting and clapping as you see how devotees enter a trance-like state and pierce their bodies with metal spikes. Follow the participants on foot and by bus as they carry heavy, richly decorated ‘kavadis’ (semi-circular frames) in a colourful procession from a temple in Serangoon Road for four kilometres to another Hindu temple. After paying their respects to the Gods, devotees have the spikes of the kavadi removed - a captivating sight.

DATE: Sunday 5 February 2023 TIME: 4pm – 7pm MEET: 3.50pm at the entrance to Newton Hawker Centre carpark COST: Member $50, non-member $60