Singapore has many fascinating aspects that make it an exotic tourist destination. Its heritage trail is one of them. People generally choose a heritage trail to link distinct sites and monuments that highlight the culture of a specific period. A walk along the heritage trails of Singapore promises to offer a lot more to tourists.
If you are planning for walk through Singapore’s heritage trails, the first thing you must consider is its weather. The weather of the country remains hot and humid, which can make walking a challenge for you. You can overcome it by taking a guided heritage tour in Singapore
So, what can you expect while walking along a Singapore heritage trail? From history to heritage and mouthwatering cuisines, it has a lot on offer for visitors. Here are the top heritage trails in Singapore that you should check out for an invaluable experience.
Balestier
If you prefer easy to moderate walks and wish to explore a heritage trail within a shorter duration of time, Balestier is the ideal choice for it. You can complete it in 9,000 steps within just three hours. It abounds with food points. Thus, you can enjoy mouthwatering cuisines.
You can begin exploring Balestier from the Sun Yat-Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Next, you can pay a visit to Balestier market, which is popular for snacks and cold drinks. If you have a liking for banana fritters, Boon Pisang Goreng is the best place for it.
Other places that you should take a look at while walking along Balestier are Goh Chor Tua Pek Kong Temple, Shaw Brothers film studio, Sing Hon Looong Bakery, Art Deco apartment blocks, and Whampoa Food Market.
Queenstown
This heritage trail in Singapore entails as many as 40 points. To visit all of them, you would need to spend at least six hours. You may need an even greater duration of time if you decide to stop for a while in one of the points. With all ends considered, you can safely say that the exploration along this trail would last for at least eight hours. When walking along the trail, you are likely to encounter some hilly areas. Plus, you may also need to do some stair climbing.
As the first satellite town in Singapore, Queenstown has a vibrant character. This is evident in its five mini-trails and sundry shops and eateries with vintage charm.
Queenstown would leave you spoiled for choice with its long list of tourist spots. From history to culture and food points, it has a variety of spots. These include Commonwealth Crescent Neighborhood Centre, Ridout Tea Garden, VIP block, Shuang Long Shan Wu Shu Ancestral Hall, Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Sri Muneeswaran Temple, Hang Jebat Mosque, Queensway Shopping Centre, Tiong Bhee Temple, Butterfly block, and more. Together, these spots make it one of the best heritage trails to take walking tours in Singapore.
Kampong Glam
Walking along the Kampong Glam trail in Singapore is simple and easy. It involves 4,350 steps that are likely to take about an hour and 10 minutes. There are many places to see and things to do in Kampong Glam. It is replete with shops and eateries. If you are a foodie or a passionate shopper, this place will keep you busy throughout the afternoon.
For those who are interested in the history and cultural heritage of Malaysia, the Malay Heritage Centre is a must-visit tourist destination. Other key attractions include Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, Sultan Mosque, Arab Street, and Haji Lane.
Pasir Ris
As fascinating as the size of Pasir Ris is, walking around can be equally challenging. The best part about walking the heritage trail is Pasir Ris Park wherein exploring the wildlife will give you an invaluable experience. Sakya Tenphel Ling is another key attraction of Pasir Ris. It is an ancient Tibetan temple. If you have an interest in history, you wouldn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to explore it. However, the temple may or may not be open for visitors owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Depending on the themes, this historic trail has three sub-trails. These include the history of playgrounds, architecture, and coastal heritage.
Sungei Tampines has a wooden bridge near car park B, which is the ultimate destination for those who are fond of watching birds. The birds that can be seen are parakeets, chitter, herons, and hornbills. The interior of the park is equally fascinating. The sight of the interiors of the park is equally fascinating. It is replete with mangrove trees that are submerged in water. You can spot macaques, crabs, and spy kingfishers here.
In addition, the neighbourhood of Pasir Ris also has many other key attractions. These include Pasir Street 11 in which you can see HDB flats, the Bumboat Playground, Loyand Tua Kong Temple, and Elias Mall. On average, you would need a duration of three and half hours to finish walking along this trail. However, this duration may be more or less based on your preferences. However, this duration may be longer or shorter, based on your preferences.
FAQs
1. What is the weather like in Singapore?
Singapore is hot and humid year-round. This can make walking challenging, so consider a guided tour or explore during cooler hours.
2.Should I take a guided heritage tour?
Guided tours can be a great option, especially if you’re short on time or want in-depth information about the sites. However, self-guided tours offer more flexibility.
3. What are some things to bring on a heritage trail walk?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and an umbrella or raincoat (in case of sudden showers).
4. How long is the Balestier trail?
The Balestier trail is a shorter option, taking about 3 hours and covering 9,000 steps.
5. What is there to eat along the Balestier trail?
The Balestier trail is known for its food options. Be sure to try the banana fritters at Boon Pisang Goreng and explore the Whampoa Food Market.
6. How long does the Queenstown trail take?
The Queenstown trail is a longer option, taking at least 8 hours to complete all 40 points. It also includes some hilly areas and stairs.
7. How long is the Kampong Glam trail?
The Kampong Glam trail is a shorter and easier walk, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes and covering 4,350 steps.
8. What are some things to do in Kampong Glam?
Kampong Glam is a great area for shopping and eating. Visit the Malay Heritage Centre. Explore the shops on Arab Street and Haji Lane.
9.How long is the Pasir Ris trail?
The Pasir Ris trail takes about 3.5 hours to complete. But this can vary depending on your pace and how many stops you make.
10. What are some highlights of the Pasir Ris trail?
Pasir Ris offers a chance to explore nature and history. See wildlife at Pasir Ris Park, visit the Sakya Tenphel Ling Tibetan temple, or learn about the area’s heritage at the sub-trails, focusing on playgrounds, architecture, and coastal heritage.
Conclusion
If the idea of sightseeing in Singapore excites you, you will get many opportunities for it while walking through Singapore’s heritage trails. Apply for Singapore tourist visa to explore one of the above trails and more importantly, do not forget to stop by the above-mentioned key points for an invaluable experience.