This Christmas morning, join your ole Uncle Chris for a refreshing walk through Singapore’s historic heart – the Civic District. We’ll meet in front of The Arcade, just above Raffles MRT Station, at 9am sharp.

Too often, we hurry past our heritage monuments without giving them a second glance. This tour invites you to slow down – to look closer, listen, and rediscover the stories behind the grand old buildings that helped shape our nation. Think of it as sightseeing with meaning – a leisurely morning filled with history, charm, and a touch of nostalgia.

The Civic District is where modern Singapore was born. Here, beside the Singapore River, stood the earliest administrative, commercial, and social centres of the British settlement. On this walk, we’ll uncover the history behind some of our most iconic landmarks – from the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall to the Asian Civilisations Museum, the National Gallery Singapore, and the Old Supreme Court.

Many assume the Old Supreme Court is ancient, but in truth, it was built only in 1939, at a time when Singapore was grappling with overcrowding and the urgent need for public housing. Its design, with Corinthian columns and a stately dome, reflected British authority and justice – yet, today, it stands as a beautiful relic of a bygone era, gracefully repurposed as part of the National Gallery.

Along the way, we’ll also explore the fascinating differences between Sir Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar, two men whose partnership shaped the destiny of Singapore – but not without tension. Raffles, the visionary idealist, and Farquhar, the practical administrator, clashed over how this fledgling settlement should grow. Their differing visions can still be felt in the very layout of the Civic District itself – where order meets improvisation, and ambition meets adaptability.

This tour will delight both our senior citizens, who may recall the district in its earlier years, and younger explorers seeking a deeper connection to the city’s roots. By the end of our morning walk, you’ll see the familiar in a whole new light – and perhaps gain a new appreciation for how far Singapore has come since those early colonial days.

We’ll aim to finish by 11.30am (or 12pm at the latest) – just in time for a well-earned Christmas lunch.

Meeting Point:
In front of The Arcade, above Raffles MRT Station, at 9am, Thurs, 25th Dec 2025 (Christmas Day).

Come ready to stroll, reflect, and celebrate Singapore’s living history.

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.