Your ole Uncle Chris was born in 1954 – a turbulent time when certain Hokkien expletives (yes, that one) were everyday street talk. At school, we were told only the “good” stories about our forefathers – the hardworking, respectable side. But no one told us about the naughty things they did. That’s where I come in.
On this tour, I’ll share the secrets, the scandals, and yes – how they pulled it off. Not everyone in Chinatown was a good boy, and not every girl was a good girl either. The back lanes and hidden corners were alive with social ills, where rough language was used to curse, provoke, and assert dominance. Some even mistake these vulgar phrases for Singlish today – but trust me, they are far older and far ruder.
Yet, it wasn’t all bad. There were happy days too. By the late 1900s, life had changed. The Peranakans brought colour and joy to the district, ensuring life wasn’t just about toil. Cabarets, opium dens, and entertainers in figure-hugging cheongsams set the tone for sultry nights. All you had to do was take the lift to the 4th floor of The Great Southern Hotel, or slip up the back-alley staircase to Lai Chuen Yuen.
Today, Singapore feels worlds away from those times – yet if you know where to look, the traces are still there. Together, we’ll walk the same streets, uncovering true stories (no fiction here) that are as colourful as they are gritty.
Meeting Point:
Chinatown MRT Station, 9am. Take Exit A, go up the escalator, and meet me between the UOB and POSB teller machines (next to the restrooms).
End Point:
China Street – once the most notorious gambling den in town, home to enough secret societies… and enough swear words to match.
If you’ve ever wanted to see the raw, unvarnished Chinatown – the one your history books never dared to mention – this is the walk for you.
For reservations, contact:
UNCLE CHRIS WALKING TOURS
Chris WK Ng
T: 65 91814298
E: [email protected]
W: www.unclechrisdrivingholidays.com
Note:
• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and No Shows.
• Do not sign up for this tour if you are not sure of your schedule. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule.