Despite its location in Southeast Asia, traveling to Singapore often involves big bills. That’s also one reason why the city has ranked most expensive city for expats in the world for four years in a row. Yet, there are a ton of things to do for travelers on a budget in Singapore. I was especially surprised to hear about free walking tours through the city offered by Monster Day Tours. What could there be better than a free tour through one of Asia’s most exciting cities?

MONSTER DAY TOURS

Only established in May 2017, Monster Day Tours offers exciting tours based on the motto “Go Big or Go Home”. Their six dedicated local guides are licensed and passionate about their home of Singapore. Besides their free walking tours in Little India Singapore, they also offer free walking tours in Chinatown, as well as a range of unique paid tours, such as Singapore After Dark, Night Cycle And Chill, or Foodie Express Chinatown, starting at S$39.90.

Monster Day Tours was built upon the simple idea that holidays are meant for having an awesome time soeat, play and party as hard as you possibly can otherwise you might as well stay home.

Our tour guide Dani

FREE WALKING TOURS IN LITTLE INDIA SINGAPORE

The free walking tour in Little India takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in all weathers from 9.30am to 12.00pm. Anyone can join and pre-booking is not required. Simply head to the meeting point before 9:30 in the morning and you’re in! The tour starts just outside Little India MRT Exit E (view meeting point here) and covers exciting places from traditional Indian heritage sites to modern shops.

LITTLE INDIA ROUTE IN DETAIL

1. Little India MRT (Exit E)
2. Former House of Tan Teng Niah
3. Shree Lakshminarayan Temple
4. Foochow Methodist Church
5. HDB Block 668
6. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
7. Komala Villas
8. … SECRET LOCATION …
9. Indian Heritage Centre
10. Haniffa Textiles @ Serangoon Road
11. Little India Arcade

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LITTLE INDIA WALKING TOUR

Little India is one of the oldest and historically significant parts of Singapore. It is located along the Serangoon River, which made it an ideal place for raising cattle. Trade in livestock was also prominent in the area. Eventually, other economic activity developed, and by the turn of the 20th century, the area began to look like an ethnic Indian neighborhood.

Former House of Tan Teng Niah

One of the most iconic buildings in Little India, and possibly the whole of Singapore, the former house of Tan Teng Niah is an excellent example of the mix of cultures in the country. Built in 1900, the former house of Tan Teng Niah is the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India. The house embodies an often overlooked story of the days when Chinese businessmen operated alongside the cattle and rattan businesses in Little India. The house is famous for its colorful facade and a true gem for photographers.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper visit to Little India without its beautiful Hindu Temples. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples, in the heart of Little India and dedicated to the goddess and destroyer of evil, Sri Veeramakaliamman or Kali. Entering is completely free and you are also allowed to take photographs inside. It was fascinating to see the temple becoming alive with the bustling crowds of people praying and playing music inside.

HDB Block 668

Just like on the Chinatown walking tour, our tour guide Dani took us inside an apartment building for perfect views overlooking Little India. This allowed us to get the perfect glimpse of the area and understand how it is made up.

Komala Villas

You know me, I’m a foodie. That’s why I absolutely loved this stop of the walking tour. Komala Vilas opened in 1947 and is one of Singapore’s oldest Indian vegetarian restaurants. Its founder Murugiah Rajoo came to Singapore from his native India with just a suitcase in 1936 and has now four restaurants across Singapore. We were invited to try some Indian pulled tea, as well as delicious Dosai with various dipping sauces.

Little India Street Art

Wandering through Little India, our guide Dani always brought our attention to the many pieces of street art all around. Whether its a colorful sculpture of a cow and its calf representing the livelihood of Little India or the many pieces of wall art reminding locals and visitors of the early beginnings of Little India with its many different professions.

Little India Arcades

The arcades at Little India are the perfect place to do some shopping. Whether you want to pick up flowers for your temple visit or fabric for your saree, you will find it here – for a good price. As a visitor, it’s fascinating to browse all the interesting items they have on offer and maybe pick up a souvenir here and there.

JOIN MONSTER DAY TOURS IN SINGAPORE

Be sure to take part in one of the free walking tours in Little India Singapore to see all of these hidden gems and much more. Traveling alone, it was very refreshing to meet friendly locals and fellow travelers from around the world when joining this tour. I was utterly surprised to learn that the tour company was still so young because of their great professionalism and detailed knowledge. When I’m back in Singapore, I will definitely book a tour with Monster Day Tours again.

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