Planning a trip to Singapore and want an experience that goes beyond the typical tourist spots? This private, fully customizable city tour promises to bring you closer to the real city—guided by locals who know its ins and outs. With a focus on authentic experiences, cultural diversity, and hidden gems, this tour is perfect for travelers eager to see Singapore through a more personal lens.
What we love about this tour is the opportunity to explore Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods with a guide’s insider knowledge, the chance to enjoy local food at renowned hawker centers, and the flexibility to tailor your route based on your interests. Plus, traveling by public transport means you’ll experience the city as locals do, adding to the genuine feeling of this outing. The only consideration is that 7 hours may be a bit packed if you prefer a relaxed pace — but that’s part of the adventure.
This tour is best suited for curious travelers who want an authentic, personalized experience and don’t mind walking or using public transit. It’s ideal for those wanting to dive deeper into Singapore’s multicultural background and explore beyond the usual landmarks.
Key Points
- Customizable Itinerary: You can tweak the stops either beforehand or during the tour, meaning you’re in control of what areas and sights you prioritize.
- Local Guides: Expert hosts provide personalized insights, ensuring you get the inside scoop and avoid tourist traps.
- Authentic Experience: Travel like a local through public transport, enjoy traditional hawker fare, and visit hidden spots seldom seen by visitors.
- Environmental Responsibility: The tour’s carbon footprint is offset, making it a more sustainable choice.
- Private & Intimate: Only your group and guide, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for questions and personal exploration.
- Great Value: For around $305 per person, you receive a full day of tailored sightseeing, local food, and meaningful cultural insights.
Exploring Singapore with a Local’s Perspective
Unlike cookie-cutter city tours, this experience offers a chance to see Singapore through the eyes of someone who calls it home. The private aspect guarantees undivided attention from your guide, who can adjust the day’s focus based on your interests—whether that’s architecture, food, history, or hidden corners.
The tour kicks off at Esplanade Park, a lovely spot by the waterfront. You’ll see the iconic Merlion, the half-fish, half-lion symbol of Singapore, which encapsulates the city’s humble origins as a fishing village. Reviewers like Alfredo mention how the tour provides a wonderful blend of history and personality, noting guides like Jeremy who bring stories alive.
Next, you’ll walk over the Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. Its stunning, wave-like design blends seamlessly with nature, offering a scenic spot for photos and a chance to appreciate Singapore’s commitment to environmentally responsive architecture. Visitors like Lorraine praise how guides like Grayson make each stop meaningful, explaining the significance of the structures and their eco-friendly intent.
Want to see more of Singapore? Here are other city tours we've reviewed
Deep Dive into the Stops and Experiences
Chinatown Street Market is a favorite among travelers for its lively atmosphere and authentic food scene. Here, you’ll meet a local spice maker—a highlight for those interested in the city’s culinary roots. The market itself is a lively mix of old and new, with traditional shops standing next to trendy cafes. Reviewers like Tony recall how their guides shared personal stories and tips, making the experience more than just sightseeing.
Depending on your guide, the tour might include visiting lesser-known spots like a garland maker in Little India or exploring a historic opera house turned boutique hotel. The flexibility allows your guide to craft a route that aligns with your curiosity, making each tour uniquely personal.
Public transport is a key aspect, offering an authentic way to experience Singapore’s bustling streets and diverse neighborhoods. This mode of travel not only reduces the environmental impact but also allows for spontaneous stops and conversations with locals, which travelers like David appreciate—highlighting how guides communicate an “enormous amount of knowledge” about Singapore’s complex history while moving efficiently through the city.
Food and Cultural Highlights
One of the standout features of this tour is the local lunch at a major hawker center. Expect a variety of dishes, from Hainanese chicken rice to laksa, and perhaps a sweet treat or two. Reviewers consistently mention how guides help navigate the bustling food courts, sharing stories behind each dish and pointing out the best stalls.
The tour also visits Henderson Waves, a spectacular bridge surrounded by greenery, often praised for its design and views. This is a perfect spot for photos and catching your breath before heading back into the city’s vibrant streets.
The Itinerary and Personalization
While the basic stops include Esplanade Park, Henderson Waves, and Chinatown, the real magic lies in how your guide customizes the experience. Since the tour is private, you can request to visit specific neighborhoods, explore cultural sites, or even swing by local artisans.
This flexibility, combined with the guide’s knowledge, ensures you get a personalized journey. Reviewers like Jeremy and Richard go beyond the surface, sharing stories and tips that enrich the experience, making it more than just sightseeing.
Practical Details and Value
Priced at $305.86 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering its duration and depth. The inclusion of public transport, a local snack, and a private guide makes it a comprehensive package for those wanting to avoid crowded group tours without sacrificing quality.
The fact that it’s offset for CO2 emissions adds a layer of eco-consciousness, appealing to environmentally aware travelers. It’s also handy that the tour starts at 8 Raffles Ave, near public transportation, making logistics straightforward.
Keep in mind, the tour lasts about 7 hours, which is ideal for a full day of exploration but might be intense for those with limited energy or mobility. Travelers should have moderate physical fitness to comfortably walk and use public transport throughout.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Singapore
Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re someone who prefers a personalized, local-led experience over cookie-cutter itineraries, this tour suits you perfectly. It’s ideal for culture lovers, foodies, and travelers eager to see Singapore’s hidden gems and authentic neighborhoods. The flexibility to customize means you can focus more on your interests, whether that’s architecture, food, or history.
It’s especially good for visitors who want to avoid tourist crowds and gain insight into everyday life from locals. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a solo explorer, the private aspect guarantees a more relaxed and engaging experience.
Final Thoughts
This Full Coverage Singapore Private City Tour offers a genuine, well-rounded window into the city’s soul. The guides’ deep local knowledge and the flexibility to customize your route make it a standout choice for travelers seeking more than surface-level sights. The combination of scenic stops, cultural insight, and authentic food makes it a rewarding way to spend a day in Singapore.
While the price might seem high at first glance, the personalized approach, local transport, and insider access deliver significant value. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Singapore’s diversity and history without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
If you’re after a meaningful, tailored experience that pairs scenic views with cultural discovery, this tour is a compelling option. Just be ready for a day on your feet and a bit of planning to make it truly your own.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for someone with limited mobility?
Yes, but travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Expect walking and using public transport, so it’s best for those comfortable with that level of activity.
Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. The tour is private, and guides can adjust the stops either before or during the experience to match your interests.
What is included in the price?
You get a private tour with a local guide, public transport, a local snack, and CO2 offsetting. The tour is exclusive to your group.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Extra food and drinks outside the included snack aren’t included. Also, guest pick-up and drop-off aren’t part of the package.
How long in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 42 days ahead, so it’s wise to plan early, especially during peak times.
What’s the meeting point and ending location?
The tour starts at 8 Raffles Ave and finishes at the Henderson Waves, near Bukit Merah. You’ll be guided to the nearest MRT station for easy access afterward.
If you’re after a personalized, local-led exploration of Singapore, the Full Coverage City Tour hits all the right notes. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that balances iconic sights with hidden treasures, all wrapped in the warmth of local hospitality.
More City Tours in Singapore
- 7 Seater Airport / City Transfer Singapore
- Singapore Half Day City Tour w Skypark and Gardens By The Bay
- Singapore Beach City Cycling Tour
- Off the Beaten Track in Singapore: Private City Tour
- Full Coverage Singapore PRIVATE City Tour With Locals (B-Corp certified)
- Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam City Highlights Tour
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Singapore
- Singapore River Cruise Tour with E-Tickets
- Singapore River Cruise E-Ticket
- Kayak Sailing in Singapore, Mangrove, Kelong & Pulau Ubin, Seafood Meal Included
- Romantic Private Sunset Dinner Cruise with a 3-course meal
- Marina Bay Cruise Centre or SCC to Changi Airport Transfer
- Twilight Magic Singapore River Cruise and 2 Light Show
More Tour Reviews in Singapore
Still browsing? Here are more Singapore experiences we've covered recently
- Singapore Round Ketam Kayaking Adventure in Pulau Ubin
- Michelin Premium Food Tour with Hawker Centre & Chinatown Tour
- Singapore Madame Tussauds Admission E-Ticket
- Singapore: Private Customized Night Tour with driver
- Public Housing – Into the HDB Heartlands
- 7 Seater Airport / City Transfer Singapore
- The Race & Religion Tour
- Private Singapore Departure Transfer: Hotel to Changi Airport
- Singapore Flyer Tickets with Time Capsule
- Small Group: Singapore Street Food & Night Tour
- Private Tour: Tioman Island (Sribuat) Reef Snorkel & Summit Hike from Singapore
- Private Car Tour for Singapore Highlights and Hidden Gems