The History of Singapore's Chinatown
Singapore's Chinatown dates back to 1821. It was designated by Sir Stamford Raffles as a settlement for Chinese immigrants, quickly becoming a bustling enclave of culture, family, and commerce.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
Always private. It's just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Make your stay in Singapore complete with these things to do





Cancel and get a refund up to 7 days before
Easily reschedule your booking
Fast, secure checkout in your currency
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Grayson’s trip took us beyond tasting Singapore’s incredible food - we also got to understand more of the history, culture and context of what we could see around us. We visited parts of the city that we would not have otherwise seen, which made the tour feel authentic, not merely a tourist trail of eateries. Each taste came with a detailed backstory which made it even more enjoyable. There were a couple of absolute standout dishes that we kept talking about for days afterwards. Grayson’s tour has given us the confidence to explore a bit deeper on our next trip - and to revisit some of our new favourites! Thank you Grayson for the wonderful memories."
"My daughter and I joined Roy for his food tour. He went above and beyond to make sure that we had a good experience, taking care to select foods and experiences that were tailored to our needs. In addition, we were able to learn about the history of Singapore, the different cultures that exist in Singapore and current day life including use of buses and the metro as we went from place to place sampling a variety of food and drink. Would highly recommend spending the afternoon with Roy!"
"Everyone coming to SINGAPORE for a Hawker tour should make sure they connect with William for that experience. He is both knowledgeable and attentive and our tour time just floated by . My wife and I were able to experience 2 Michelin starred stalls in one location and several other dishes in another location. Overall one of the best highlights of our stay in Singapore with a big shoutout to William!!!"
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Singapore with locals










Our locals will give you the best experiences that Singapore has to offer


Step into the vibrant heart of Singapore's Chinatown! It’s more than a place; it’s a living storybook of culture and flavor. Let's explore Chinatown together. Your unforgettable private tour awaits!
Singapore's Chinatown dates back to 1821. It was designated by Sir Stamford Raffles as a settlement for Chinese immigrants, quickly becoming a bustling enclave of culture, family, and commerce.
Experience a beautiful fusion in Chinatown. Ancient temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple stand beside trendy bars and art galleries. It's a cultural feast for the senses only found in Chinatown.
Taste your way through Chinatown! From Michelin-starred street food to traditional desserts, it's a foodie paradise. Let a local guide you to the best Hainanese chicken rice and satay stalls.
The colorful, ornate shophouses are an icon of Chinatown. These historic buildings, with their unique mix of Baroque and Victorian architecture, tell stories of a bygone era. A must-see on any tour!
Did you know a Hindu temple sits in the heart of Chinatown? The Sri Mariamman Temple, alongside the Thian Hock Keng Temple, showcases the incredible multicultural harmony of Singapore.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You'll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You're choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that's okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You'll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You're choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that's okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Don't just see Chinatown, truly experience it with a local expert by your side. Skip the tourist traps and discover hidden stories, secret food spots, and authentic culture. Your personalized Singapore adventure is just a click away. Book your private Chinatown tour now!
"A great food tour with William who provided us with an amazing amount of information about the culture, customs, history & the food of Singapore. He was extremely well prepared & conscious of our needs. He followed up with text messages providing further information about the food & other topics. He had a lovely manner & we all enjoyed our three hour tour."
"Tricia led us on a food tour but it was much more than that! We learned about the history, little known facts and where the best food was. We followed her food recommendations during our remaining time in Singapore and loved them! She stayed with us longer than the allotted time of the tour and we could have listened to her stories all evening. "
"We had a great time exploring the Chinatown hawker center and going on a walking tour of the local area. Ron coordinated everything in advance and was easy to connect with. The food tour and explanation of the hawker centers was great and we really enjoyed strolling the local neighborhood and background and anecdotes Ron provided. Highly recommend your next food tour with Ron!"
"Went on the food tour our first day in Singapore. Ron was great especially with our kids who were jet lagged and hadn’t slept in a while. We went to 3 different locations and got amazing food. The kids wanted to go back to little India the next day to eat again. Ron was very informative and gave us lots of good tips. "
"My family of four recently took a hawker tour in China Town with William. Our group included 2 adults and 2 children aged 4 and 3 years old. We decided to do our tour in the morning when there would be less crowding to accomodate our stroller. We had the opportunity to eat breakfast and lunch in the center before heading home. William was excellent throughout the experience. He easily accomodated our slower pace and made sure that there was a treat for the children every time we ate. When the children had finished he would take them for a walk and to take pictures with different fruits (they were fans of the giant coconuts) while my partner and I continued to eat. At the end of our tour William let each of our children pick out a small trinket from a local shop. All-in-all the experience was perfect. William took care of and had already thought out everything. He had wet wipes, disinfectant, made multiple bathroom stops, carried cash, and the list goes on and on. Though our trip is over my daughter still yell's thank you in Mandarin Chinese at random people, which William taught her, and my son has added Grandpa William to his nightly prayers. If you have little ones I highly recommend a tour with William and do not be afraid of going on the tour first thing in the morning as the crowds are much more manageable."
"Adam made these two days in the heart of Singapore unforgettable—a lively and varied adventure. My trip was extended by a day at the last minute, and he was incredibly responsive in rearranging everything. He adapts very easily, knows the best places to visit, the local specialties to try, the routes to avoid the crowds, and tips for avoiding the heat or rain. Plus, he’s an outstanding photographer! If you’re looking for a great guide who’s knowledgeable, kind, punctual, funny, flexible, and versatile, don’t hesitate!"
"My friends and I want to wish a hardy thank you to William. Not only did he provide an excellent tour of hawker stalls, he anticipated our needs by providing water, hand sanitizer, and offering bathroom breaks before we even asked. He listened to my requests prior to the tour and accommodated as possible. We had a fabulous time and would call William again if we are ever back in Singapore! "
The best stories aren't found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Chinatown with a private, personalized experience led by a local.




Discover experiences based on your interest