AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
Unique things to do in Singapore
Book unforgettable activities hosted by locals on Airbnb.
Top-rated activities
Everyday Street Art + Street Food Walk
#1 Airbnb Experience in Singapore with 300+ five star reviews!!!
In this trail, we will discover the diversity of food of the main ethnic groups in Singapore. And while any foodie tour can take you on a hawker trail, we’ll let you in on the secrets behind the best stalls. The group size is intentionally kept intimate (no more than 6) as our food stops are small businesses specially handpicked to reflect artisanal techniques - not the ones typically visited by commercial tours. I don't do this everyday as well as I respect the market and do not want to turn it into a tourist trap. More than tasting, you will also get a full palate education on the herbs & spices that are used in the traditional culinary kitchens of this region.
In between eating stops, we take a breath to explore some terrific street art and walk through atmospheric alleys. This is the ultimate feast for the stomach and eyes!
Notes :
- Vegetarian-friendly.Just let me know in advance!
- Fully customizable (eg. gluten free, vegan, stroller/wheelchair friendly) private tours in the afternoon, evenings or any time you want. Great for corporates and teambuilding!
- Love the environment! I do not use plastic and minimise the waste in this experience.
Hollywood was here! Experience what Jada Smith and family ate during their Singapore visit!
Learn to play MAHJONG in a local home
We will teach you the basics of Mahjong (the game seen on Crazy Rich Asians!), and you will then learn by experiencing and playing on your own, with guidance.
Do not worry if you do not know how to read Chinese characters, the mahjong tiles are very pictorial and a guide sheet will be provided for you to use as reference in identifying the tiles. You will also get to recognise some Chinese characters (especially the numbers) along the way!
At the end of the session, you will understand the scene from Crazy Rich Asians like a pro.
IMPORTANT!
A minimum of 2 sign ups per session is required. If there are insufficient sign ups, you will be notified 1-2 days in advance for alternative arrangements. This is not a gambling event, no money is involved except for the fees paid.
If you are really keen and there is no availability at the moment, write in to me and we can see how we can make it happen! Private or corporate booking at your location available too. View more pictures and information on Instagram @mahjonglah
As featured on the largest Singapore-based Chinese-language newspaper, LianHe ZaoBao, Channel 8 news, Mothership, Hype & Stuff and other online platforms.
Check out video feature at http://bit.ly/mahjonglahvideo and http://bit.ly/mahjonglahch8
Read about the experience at http://bit.ly/mahjongfeature1
Social Impact Cultural Cooking Class
You will get to dive deep into Singapore’s food culture as well as a hands-on experience to cook up family recipes passed down through many generations.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour, which is a sumptuous 3-course local meal that you will whip up using fresh ingredients, and hear intricate stories of how your local hosts (all of them stay-at-home mums) overcome personal struggles and overwhelming odds to return to the workforce to put their talents to good use.
[ Regular Weekly Menu Schedule from July 2022 ]
Mondays -> Nasi Lemak, Sambal Prawn & Kueh Dadar
Tuesdays -> Chicken Curry, Roti Jala & Kueh Ubi Kayu
Wednesdays -> Nyonya Laksa, Fried Spring Rolls & Hoon Kueh
Thursdays ->Egg Fried Rice, Sweet & Sour Chicken & Green Bean Soup
Fridays -> Char Kway Teow, Nyonya Popiah & Sago Gula Melaka
Saturdays -> Chicken Curry, Roti Jala & Kueh Ubi Kayu
Sundays -> Nyonya Laksa, Fried Spring Rolls & Hoon Kueh
Other things to note:
Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.
This activity is only suitable for anyone aged 7 and above.
Please also note that our premises are not wheelchair-accessible, as it is located in the second storey of a conservation shophouse.
A stroll in historical Kampong Glam
Join me for a 3hr walking tour of the colourful Kampong Glam. Explore the historic streets, admire the conserved shophouses and we will walk through some of the best spots in the area.
We will meet at a convenient location i.e. MRT station. We will then make our way on foot to to wander down the narrow streets of Arab Street, Bussorah Street, Baghdad, Kandahar and Muscat Streets, learn about neighborhood history and discover the remnants of the indigenous culture here, the Malay and middle-eastern folk traditions and goods.
We will spot traditional businesses that have been around for generations, admire the Sultan Mosque and the former Royal Palace (palace closes every Monday, entry fee of $6 applies if you wish to explore inside). We will make stops to enjoy local tea, and snacks such as lemper or onde-onde.
We will also visit the hippest street in town, Haji Lane, a selfie-craze street in Singapore, with it’s bohemian and latin vibecolourful shop houses and street arts. If you are into street arts Kampong Glam will be perfect for you.
If time permits and guests still have the energy, we can tour Bugis Market, the largest street market in Singapore and you can also temples near there. Perhaps try durians? The favourite fruit of Singapore :). While tour is about 2.5 hrs it can be expanded, give and take.
Cheers!
Live like a Local
Live like a Singaporean in the Heartlands!
The 'heartlands' of Singapore, an endearing term coined by a local politician, loosely comprise of the areas of Singapore beyond the central tourist areas and Central Business District.
Our Residential areas comprises of private and largely public housing, They reflect the every day lives of local Singaporean residents.
Go beyond the purpose-built tourist attractions of the city-centre. Come with us to explore a typical 'HDB' suburb, and understand how a typical Singaporean goes through his daily life in the HDB 'Heartlands'.
The chosen Heartlands is Toa Payoh Town - located in the Central part of Singapore's map.
See how we live in public housing high-rise flats, eat in a local 'kopitiam' or coffee stall, bargain away at a 'wet' market, visit a local community centre to learn where the young and elderly spend their free time.
Note: Depending on the time of the day, the experiences may vary slightly (i.e wet market is not open on Mondays and in the afternoons)
Other things to note
- Availability for this experience is rare as it is unavailable on Public Holidays, Sundays & Mondays. Also our stop is specially curated on this unique experience so they are not always open.
- Experience will start punctually as this is a group experience and there's lots to cover.
All activities near Singapore
Everyday Street Art + Street Food Walk
#1 Airbnb Experience in Singapore with 300+ five star reviews!!!
In this trail, we will discover the diversity of food of the main ethnic groups in Singapore. And while any foodie tour can take you on a hawker trail, we’ll let you in on the secrets behind the best stalls. The group size is intentionally kept intimate (no more than 6) as our food stops are small businesses specially handpicked to reflect artisanal techniques - not the ones typically visited by commercial tours. I don't do this everyday as well as I respect the market and do not want to turn it into a tourist trap. More than tasting, you will also get a full palate education on the herbs & spices that are used in the traditional culinary kitchens of this region.
In between eating stops, we take a breath to explore some terrific street art and walk through atmospheric alleys. This is the ultimate feast for the stomach and eyes!
Notes :
- Vegetarian-friendly.Just let me know in advance!
- Fully customizable (eg. gluten free, vegan, stroller/wheelchair friendly) private tours in the afternoon, evenings or any time you want. Great for corporates and teambuilding!
- Love the environment! I do not use plastic and minimise the waste in this experience.
Hollywood was here! Experience what Jada Smith and family ate during their Singapore visit!
Eat like a local on a food tour
Learn about the history of food in Modern Singapore, from it’s founding in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles through to the present day. You will enjoy 10+ foodie tastings in 6 hours across 4 districts of Singapore.
Start your food tour in the East Coast Area of Singapore. Learn about the early Chinese immigrants to Singapore. The focus will be on food but we will also talk about the types of jobs that they had, how they lived and who they married.
In this district, we will enjoy a selection of Singapore’s favourite foods with Chinese and Peranakan heritage including Kaya Toast and Kopi, Bak Chang, Kuehs and Laksa.
Next, we travel to the Old Airport Road Hawker Centre, a firm favourite amongst Singaporeans. Here we try two of three distinctly Singaporean dishes, Hokkien Mee, Rojak and Carrot Cake.
Our next stop is Kampong Glam, the centre of the Malay community. We will discuss the history of the district and we will try the most popular local foods from the Malay and Arabic communities.
Our fourth stop is Little India. We will discover why the Indian community choose to settle in this district and will be trying some popular Indian dishes including Dosa, Sweets and Masala Mi
Learn to play MAHJONG in a local home
We will teach you the basics of Mahjong (the game seen on Crazy Rich Asians!), and you will then learn by experiencing and playing on your own, with guidance.
Do not worry if you do not know how to read Chinese characters, the mahjong tiles are very pictorial and a guide sheet will be provided for you to use as reference in identifying the tiles. You will also get to recognise some Chinese characters (especially the numbers) along the way!
At the end of the session, you will understand the scene from Crazy Rich Asians like a pro.
IMPORTANT!
A minimum of 2 sign ups per session is required. If there are insufficient sign ups, you will be notified 1-2 days in advance for alternative arrangements. This is not a gambling event, no money is involved except for the fees paid.
If you are really keen and there is no availability at the moment, write in to me and we can see how we can make it happen! Private or corporate booking at your location available too. View more pictures and information on Instagram @mahjonglah
As featured on the largest Singapore-based Chinese-language newspaper, LianHe ZaoBao, Channel 8 news, Mothership, Hype & Stuff and other online platforms.
Check out video feature at http://bit.ly/mahjonglahvideo and http://bit.ly/mahjonglahch8
Read about the experience at http://bit.ly/mahjongfeature1
Savour Authentic Singapore Street Eats
If there is one thing Singaporeans love, it is food.
Singapore is a diverse nation whose food culture is a melting pot of flavours and aromas. I will bring you to the different cultural enclaves to try the tastiest of local foods, including but not limited to Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Peranakan and Indonesian cuisines.
✨ Taste a wide array of street food with expenses covered
Between 8-10 local food and snacks, guaranteed a full tummy by the end of the experience
✨ Allow your senses to take over in this multi-sensorial tasting tour
Let your sights, sounds, taste and touch senses be tingled as we walk through local heritage sites and street art while tasting authentic Singaporean food
✨ Experience a tour uniquely tailored to you
The experience will be customised to your dietary needs and preferences
✨ Hear the Singaporean Story from a true local
Understand the Singaporean way of life, past and present
Capture beautiful memories at unique photo spots
✨ Suitable for all types of travellers
Child-friendly, solo travellers friendly, couples and groups are welcomed too!
Note: Minimum 2 pax for a tour to commence. For a single individual, do send me a message to enquire dates before booking!
Social Impact Cultural Cooking Class
You will get to dive deep into Singapore’s food culture as well as a hands-on experience to cook up family recipes passed down through many generations.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour, which is a sumptuous 3-course local meal that you will whip up using fresh ingredients, and hear intricate stories of how your local hosts (all of them stay-at-home mums) overcome personal struggles and overwhelming odds to return to the workforce to put their talents to good use.
[ Regular Weekly Menu Schedule from July 2022 ]
Mondays -> Nasi Lemak, Sambal Prawn & Kueh Dadar
Tuesdays -> Chicken Curry, Roti Jala & Kueh Ubi Kayu
Wednesdays -> Nyonya Laksa, Fried Spring Rolls & Hoon Kueh
Thursdays ->Egg Fried Rice, Sweet & Sour Chicken & Green Bean Soup
Fridays -> Char Kway Teow, Nyonya Popiah & Sago Gula Melaka
Saturdays -> Chicken Curry, Roti Jala & Kueh Ubi Kayu
Sundays -> Nyonya Laksa, Fried Spring Rolls & Hoon Kueh
Other things to note:
Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.
This activity is only suitable for anyone aged 7 and above.
Please also note that our premises are not wheelchair-accessible, as it is located in the second storey of a conservation shophouse.
Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay Photo Shoot by Locals
The entire activity will take 2 hours where we will go to three different trademark locations of Singapore to capture stunning photos.
1) Merlion
I will guide you to pose in natural lighting and control exposure, aperture and shutter speed to capture the perfect shot.
2) Helix Bridge / Marina Bay Sands
We will frame shots under shade to make use of natural lighting to brighten up your photos. Framing is important with large buildings such as the Marina Bay Sands in the background.
3) Gardens by the Bay
I will demonstrate the use of wide-angle photography and fitting your subject as well as your landscape into the photo. Fitting large objects such as the Supertrees can be daunting but if you know the tricks it is not too difficult.
Not only will you get a glimpse of photography, but you'll also be able to get some lovely photos at these locations. At the end of the entire experience, all RAW photos will be sent via G-Drive. You can select up to 25 photos per person to be edited and it'll be sent to you via the drive once completed.
*Late Policy: Please be mindful of others in the experience and be on time. If you’re the only guests I will wait for 30 minutes.
*Note
Be sure to be in comfortable shoes, you may bring water with you if required. All you need to bring along is yourself and your smiles.
**Drone Shots
Drone shots are available as an add-on. Inquire for info.
Private & Customisable Tour with a Local
The purpose of this tour is to provide you with a glimpse into different aspects of Singapore and with a local perspective of life here.
We will start off the tour with:
1. Local-style breakfast at one of the most popular retro-ambience cafés in town
2. A trip to the cultural sights - including Chinatown and Kampong Glam
3. Civic District
4. Lunch at a local restaurant or hawker centre
5. Trip to historical sights - National Museum and Battlebox
6. Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands (including an optional trip to the ArtScience Museum)
On top of this, high-quality photos can be provided as an additional service, as I can bring along my mirrorless camera to capture memories for your party.
- - -
Note: Let me know if you have any specific preferences or would like to modify the itinerary.
Garden by the bay portrait photography
Have you always dreamed of taking a photoshoot in all the most beautiful places in Singapore?
I will take you to the most insta grammable places in Singapore!
I'll take your photos with my Canon camera. (You will have 100% of the photos)
I can also take pictures and short video with your phone if you'd like.
I will guide you to take pictures from different angles. I will help you to get your photogenic side and you will have great photos of yourself in Singapore.
This photoshoot will allow you to have the best photos of the most emblematic and chic place in Singapore.
Therefore, we will do portraits photos, tourist photos, and some fun photos, so you will go home with a great mix of photos!
This private and exclusive photoshoot is designed to be a unique experience for you, either individually or in groups, making sure you feel as comfortable as possible.
In case you want to have a photoshoot in different area in Singapore, please let me know earlier.
Feel free to check out my IG account @stephnlee and let me know if you have any question.
Civic district tour with a former political aide
You will gain from my unique perspective as a former political aide to a lawmaker and embark on your tour at Raffles Place and Boat Quay, the birthplace of Singapore’s commercial life, where I will explain the commercial history of Singapore.
Around the Singapore River, I will take you to historically significant landmarks such as the Fullerton Hotel, Cavenagh Bridge, statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, the Arts House, and explain how these places played their part in political development and social life in the early days.
Head over to the Padang and I will continue my narrative from several vantage points with commanding views of the Singapore Cricket Club, Former Supreme Court, National Gallery, Singapore Recreation Club, and St Andrew's Cathedral.
Visit military monuments commemorating victims of the two world wars – Lim Bo Seng Memorial, The Cenotaph, and War Memorial Park, where I will describe Singapore’s roles and experience in the wars, and the importance of these structures.
End the tour upstream of the Singapore River at Clarke Quay, and visit the Central Fire Station, Parliament House, and Old Hill Street Police Station enroute, where you will learn more about how Singapore is governed and administered.
Tour starts and ends on time. Please try not to be late for the benefit of other guests, and wear a pair of good walking shoes!
Vegan/Vegetarian walking food tour in Singapore
As a vegetarian who loves food, it is often tough to find places while travelling. I would love to take you on a guided food tour with a variety of vegan and vegetarian options while I share more about Singapore's amazing customs and culture.
You'll taste your way through a hidden part of Singapore, and enjoy unique local vegan dishes that are loved by Singaporeans.
I will take your around the Bugis area, share about our Singaporean culture, walk around a Buddhist monastery and an Indian temple and dig into a lot of food.
We will be eating the following:
Vegan Laksa
Famous Singaporean Chicken rice (vegan friendly)
Kimchi Soup (vegan friendly)
Local desserts (vegan friendly)
Come join me! You will get great understanding about our food culture, great food, and fun.
You will start your journey with fresh cold pressed orange juice :)
Mindfulness Night Walk through the Heart of Singapore City
Mindfulness Night Walk across the Heart of Singapore City
Is it possible to walk through the bustling heart of Singapore City, covering key Singapore’s history, culture and architecture within 2 hours yet coming out refreshed and seeing Singapore in a different light.
We believe you can.
As long you stay focused.
Let go of any preconceived ideas or impressions of ‘your’ Singapore.
And be conscious of every step you take.
Your steps will take you through a grand mosque, a timeless bazaar, a Time Out coolest street, an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage food center, an ancient Chinese Temple, a powerful Hindu Temple, a calm Catholic Church, a peaceful Jewish synagogue, an interactive museum, a buzzing city university, a sacred hill, a refreshing spice garden, a World War Two bunker, a sacred Tomb, a lost city, a historical river, a vibrant night spot, an ancient bridge, a colonial civic district, a super modern Court, a quiet parliament house, an inspiring National Gallery, a colonial city square, a world class business district, a tourism icon and the bay of future Singapore.
Within these 2 mindful hours, you will be guided to be acutely aware of the sights, sounds, touch, smell, taste of those spaces we have mentioned.
You will experience, for the first time, the true Singapore. And your true Self.
Public Housing - Into the HDB Heartlands
* Toa Payoh Bus Interchange
Witness first hand Toa Payoh’s role as a key transport node and its design as an integrated transport hub.
* HDB Gallery
The newly updated HDB Gallery at the HDB Hub tells the fascinating story of the government agency tasked to provide housing for millions since pre-independence.
* My Nice Home Gallery
The My Nice Home Gallery is an initiative by the HDB to provide showrooms for typical HDB flats to inspire creative interior design ideas and give the public a sense of how HDB flat units look like.
* HDB Hub
This is where public housing heaven is made, as prospective HDB flat owners choose their units. It’s also where resale transactions take place. HDB Hub is essentially HDB central.
* Heartland Mall
Get to see how HDB heartlanders eat, shop, play and relax in this very typical HDB town centre.
* HDB Atrium
Witness community activities and exhibitions that are regularly held in this communal space for residents in the area.
Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks
Meetup point: 107 Eunos Ave 3 Singapore 409837. The building is called StoreFriendly Centre and our unit is #02-03 on level 2.
Overview of the tour:
Our sunset tour goes along the park connector past Paya Lebar Quarter and Dakota, following the Geylang River all the way to Gardens by the Bay East and Marina Barrage via Tanjung Rhu. From there, the majestic skyline of the Marina Bay Financial District comes into view and there is an opportunity for photo taking. After that, we turn around and head towards East Coast Park and stop for local dinner and drinks at Marine Parade Food Center before heading back to StoreFriendly Centre.
Two issues to note:
1. Our tour is an outdoor activity, and depends on the weather. If it rains, our tour is likely to be cancelled or changed to a different date.
2. While we try our best to ensure safety, we cannot be held liable for injury or illness. It is a condition upon booking this experience that you agree to this.
History and Culture: Cruise, Hawker, Tea
Join me on a journey through Singapore from past to present. Explore the historic Civic District before cruising down the river on a bumboat through to present day. Enjoy dinner in a Hawker Centre and a traditional tea tasting experience in a beautiful tea house.
We will undertake an in-depth exploration of Singapore’s history and development. We will start our journey in the Civic District with the founding of Modern Singapore by Sir Stamford Raffles. We will take a ride on a bumboat down the Singapore River to Marina Bay where we will learn about the mega construction project behind it. We will then take a short bus ride to a residential district called Tanjong Pagar where we will be accessing the roof of an award-winning residential building from where we will get the most amazing birds-eye view of downtown Singapore. We will learn about the incredible development of Singapore over the last 60 years and about modern day life for the average Singaporean.
The fourth stop of our night tour is Maxwell Hawker Centre in Chinatown where we will enjoy Singapore’s most iconic dish; Chicken Rice.
After dinner, we retreat to a beautiful tea house for a traditional tea tasting experience
Other things to note
You must be able to walk 9km to join this tour.
If you are a vegetarian we promise to get you something to eat but we can not guarantee what will be available.
A stroll in historical Kampong Glam
Join me for a 3hr walking tour of the colourful Kampong Glam. Explore the historic streets, admire the conserved shophouses and we will walk through some of the best spots in the area.
We will meet at a convenient location i.e. MRT station. We will then make our way on foot to to wander down the narrow streets of Arab Street, Bussorah Street, Baghdad, Kandahar and Muscat Streets, learn about neighborhood history and discover the remnants of the indigenous culture here, the Malay and middle-eastern folk traditions and goods.
We will spot traditional businesses that have been around for generations, admire the Sultan Mosque and the former Royal Palace (palace closes every Monday, entry fee of $6 applies if you wish to explore inside). We will make stops to enjoy local tea, and snacks such as lemper or onde-onde.
We will also visit the hippest street in town, Haji Lane, a selfie-craze street in Singapore, with it’s bohemian and latin vibecolourful shop houses and street arts. If you are into street arts Kampong Glam will be perfect for you.
If time permits and guests still have the energy, we can tour Bugis Market, the largest street market in Singapore and you can also temples near there. Perhaps try durians? The favourite fruit of Singapore :). While tour is about 2.5 hrs it can be expanded, give and take.
Cheers!