• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Take a walk off the beaten track, away from the tourist crowds, and see the real side of Singapore. On this private tour, go beyond the classic route and explore Hougang where you’ll experience a different Singapore, like a local with a local by your side!

Destination

Singapore

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

2.5 hours

Available languages

English, 中文

Included

• Private Guide
• Local Transport
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 5 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Exit E, upstairs next to the taxi stand - Singapore to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Off the Beaten Track

   Done with the main highlights of Singapore? Check out Hougang. Explore a lesser-known part of the city that will give you a more authentic feel of Singapore. Check out Sri Darma Muneeswaran Temple, Kampong Lorong Buangkok and more!

4. The Real Deal

   Let a local expert in the area you’ll visit show you their Singapore from a different perspective - away from the tourist traps. See street art, cultural hot spots, local vendors, hangout spots, and historical gems, and embrace the vibe!

5. Personalized Recommendations

   Want to explore more of the area after the tour? Your host is happy to recommend their favorite eateries and where to take a break while wandering in this vibrant area

6. Unique Plan

   Depending on your host, this tour will be experienced based on their knowledge, passion, and expertise. Pick a host that matches your interests and see their city through their eyes!

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Tanika🇹🇭 Thailand

(About local Richard)

8 March 2025

This special trip shows a different perspective of singapore. Not a famous attraction, but hop into a lush greenery of the last rural village (kampong), visit Taoist shrine, and has a local meal at a nearby hawker centre. You will feel like a local rather than a traveller. Our guide (Mr Richard) was very nice, cheerful, kind and knowledgable. He provided us many interesting information about Singapore history, Singaporeans and their daily life in the past and present. He also a keen plantsman and nature lover. We really enjoy this amazing experience. Thank you!Amazing and warm experience

Fiona

(About local Richard)

4 March 2025

We wanted to get out the tourist areas and so found this great tour with Richard "Off the Beaten Track". Richard is very knowledgeable and passionate about Singapore. He took us through Kampong Lorong Buangkok which is the last kampong located in Singapore, it was just incredible. He shared lots of valuable information with us through out the 3hr tour. We walked and we also took the bus as well. At the end of the tour he took us to a Hawkers food market which we shared some Roti Prata and fish curry sauce which was truly delicious, actually the best I have ever tasted. Going to Kampong on your own you will miss so much about the history, so well worth going on this fabulous tour.Fantastic experience

George

(About local Monica)

22 February 2025

very helpful to learn about how everyday and ordinary people outside of the usual tourist trap lead their lives. Must be done in addition to the Marina bay sands and other traditional tourist spots. Using buses to get around ordinary neighborhoods and hawker establishments is a much better way of experiencing the average citizen life. Only a local can give you the honest truth. Well worth the money and timeExcellent experience with local

Grazyna🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Monica)

20 February 2025

Monica was a perfect guide she responded to our general requirements. Showed us places that we never new existed. The whole tour was carried out at a pace that was comfortable. Her passion and interest and historical overview gave us an insight into Singapores development. Monica has a wonderful personality which made the tour very enjoyable.Off the beaten track

Sebastian🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Joisse)

18 January 2025

Joisse gave is a wonderful tailored tour. We wanted to see real life in Singapore, no sights, and Joisse took us to a village and public housing where tourist normally don’t go. Communication before and during the tour was great. All expectations were fulfilled. We learned a lot, all questions were honestly answered and we loved the little stories. Joisse is a caring, wonderful person with humor and it was a pleasure to get known to her. Thank you very much. We can absolutely recommend her as a tour guide. Excellent tailored tour

June

(About local Monica)

15 January 2025

Monica was lovely, very easy to talk to, no question was too silly or too many! I learned a lot in our time together, would highly recommend her

caroline.streif🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Joisse)

5 January 2025

Thank you for a great time in Singapore and all the insights you gave during our walk. It was truly special and I enjoyed all aspects. I appreciate your suggestions for places to see and eat at. I‘ve had a wonderful time 😋 Best regards, Caroline.Great time with Joisse

Julie🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Monica)

2 January 2025

A sneak peek at how the locals live, wonder the markets, see children at play, feel the sense of community and gain a better appreciation of how public housing and associated infrastructure (transport, community spaces and goods and services) has been designed and developed. Very enlightening and Monica, our guide, was an absolute delight. Monica is chatty, easy going, knowledgeable, informative and loves what she does. Our small group of 4 throughly enjoyed the experience.Feel like a local

Lynne🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Joisse)

13 December 2024

what an informative, amazing, and enjoyable tour of Hougang neighbourhood with Joisse. Joisse was such a delight as our guide. So knowledgeable, caring and attentive. All four on our tour said it was one of the best we had done - thank you Joisse!amazing offf the beaten track with Joisse!

Jane🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Monica)

1 December 2024

Monica was friendly , on time and had a great plan for our tour . She is well read and has a sense of humour. She showed us the real life side to Singapore which involved visiting a neighbourhood where people of modern Singapore live, this gave us an insight in to the day to day life locals live .including the local temples, eating areas, shops and hobbies. She took us to the only traditional neighbourhood preserved and protected from new builds . This tour is one you would never get on the commercial tourist trail. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. It’s the first we have arranged through ‘with locals’. This app will now be our ‘go to’ for future holidays however Monica has set the bar high and so we will be lucky if we ever get another tour guide as friendly and informed as she is . Thank you Monica ! Friendly knowledgeable insightful guide

Christina

(About local Richard)

24 October 2024

Our tour with Richard was super nice and informative. Our expectations were more than exceeded. We learned a lot about Singapore and its people in a really special way. We've never had such a great city tour before. Even our kids were impressed until the end. I can highly recommend the WITHLOCALS tours. Richard got involved with us as a family and showed and taught us a lot of things that we wholeheartedly accepted and took home with us. I could write a lot about it here now, but I don't want to spoil the many surprises on this tour for anyone :) We would like to thank Richard from the bottom of our hearts. One of the best tour we ever had

Philippe🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Monica)

30 September 2024

We did 2 tours with Monica : Singapore Highlights and Hidden Gems. 2 very complementary tours that allowed us to have a genuine impression on the city. Monica was very knowledgable on city and its history and shared anecdotes and informations with good humor and in a perfect English. Highly recommended!! Great experience with Monica

Debra🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Monica)

25 September 2024

We were delighted with our tour, Monica was knowledgeable and friendly. The tour was more than we hoped it would be, privileged to experience how many of the wonderful people of Singapore live, the food markets and different religious places. thanks Monica, great experience xWorld's Best Tour Guide

Jenny & John🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Richard)

17 September 2024

Wow is all I can say about Richard, what a breath of fresh air this man is ! From the moment my husband and I met him, we were impressed by his enthusiasm and passion about Singapore. Richard is a wealth of knowledge about all things Singapore and very passionate nature lover. He took us to a lovely old part of Singapore that most people would not usually go to, so that was a nice experience! At the end of our tour he took us to an area where the locals eat and the street food was fantastic! We highly recommend having Richard as a guide when visiting Singapore !Touring Singapore

Josh🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Richard)

16 August 2024

If you want to get away from the city, away from the typical tourist stops, and experience how the locals live, Richard is your guide. Full of historical knowledge, a deep appreciation of nature, and a very friendly nature, Richard's tour was engaging and thought provoking. I can't recommend Richard highly enough. Thank you!

Rekha 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

23 July 2024

Monica was the tour guide extraordinaire!! She is passionate, dedicated and has a great sense of humor. Our family of 5 adults , thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her. We learnt so much about life for ordinary Singaporeans. Having visited Singapore several times we were unaware of so many facts. Even our friends who are 3rd generation Singaporeans were surprised at how much we learnt !! Monica made the tour so interesting- we learnt about Taoism and experienced how locals live and spend their time. We highly recommend Monica….you will have a lot of fun and appreciate the tour.Excellent tour for local life in Singapore

niels🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Monica)

16 July 2024

Een superleuke toer gehad met Monica. Wat een leuk mens! Ze heeft ons laten zien hoe de locals hier leven. Onder de indruk van wat ze ons vertelde en liet zien. Ze is aardig, prettig in de omgang, behulpzaam en je ziet dat ze geniet van wat ze doet. Een tour net Monica is echt een aanrader! Anders dan anders

Peter🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

6 June 2024

Monica is one of the best and kindest tour guides that we have met! She took us on a special journey of how the local Singaporeans live. Due to the hot weather, Monica was able to navigate our tour by alternating walking with a few comfortable air conditioned bus rides. We would not be able to explore these interesting but less traveled districts without Monica’s expert guidance. In addition, she was so kind to share her helpful food suggestions, special landmarks, and a “secret” air conditioned underground passage to the Merlion statue. If you are seeking a knowledgeable guide in Singapore, Monica has my highest recommendation. Wonderful Tour with Monica

James🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

22 May 2024

This was a wonderful excursion into the neighborhoods of Singapore where ordinary people live, work, and play every day. It provided fascinating insights into how communities work in Singapore and how cultures come together to provide a peaceful environment. Monica was terrific. She is knowledgeable, personable, funny, and flexible. A thoroughly enjoyable tour.Singapore Everyday

Andreas🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Monica)

28 April 2024

Monica is a super guide, very well organized, very informative and super friendly. We had a super interesting afternoon and got to learn and experience so much about the life and people of Singapore. If we could give Monica 20 stars, we would.Get to know Singapore properly?

Greg🇳🇿 New Zealand

(About local Monica)

10 April 2024

Monica was the perfect guide for us, kind, thoughtful, happy and informative. She gave us a wonderful insight to how the locals live. We rode by public bus and subway, visited two temples, the oldest village in Singapore, had refreshments with the locals in a coffee shop, walked through a public housing development and saw so much more. Monica answered all our questions and was enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge. For something a little different and a great experience we would definitely recommend doing the “Off the Beaten Track in Singapore” tour especially with Monica. A Fantastic Tour

Debra🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Richard)

7 April 2024

Highly recommend the tour if you want to see a different side to Singapore. Richard is passionate about Singapore and shares his wealth of knowledge in an easy to understand and highly informative manner. We loved this tour so much!Must do tour!

Chris🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Richard)

5 April 2024

Richard was a very attentive, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable host with a true passion to preserve his heritage. We were taken back in time to a simpler way of life, living off the land in simple homes following a trail through the local community. We were introduced to several species of plants and fruits, which we tasted with Richard’s guidance and knowledge. During our tour we came across many birds, insects and even saw Turtles in the local river. Our journey ended in a modern community, where Richard explained the interaction on all levels of how people live today. We finished our journey with a very tasty local meal. Needless to say this was a fantastic experience off the beaten track not to be missed. An experience to remember.

Unknown

(About local Monica)

29 March 2024

Monica was just great! She lead us through a tour of her own neighborhood, giving us a glimpse of what real life in Singapore is. She answered all our questions and conversation was always interesting. She really has a passion to tell and show others a little bit of real Singapore. We highly recommend her tour and herself as your friendly guide in Singapore. Off the beaten path real Singapore

Camille🇺🇸 United States

(About local Richard)

14 March 2024

We had a great time with Richard. He took us to the Hougang neighborhood and we saw Singapore's rustic older houses, as well as some of Singapore's modern apartment complexes and parks and the nearby streets. We walked down "pet Street" which has a variety of different pet stores for different animals. During the tour Richard showed us a variety of plants and fruits that grow in Singapore and he knows so much about them. We ate a delicious lunch at a hawker station. Richard is very knowledgeable about Singapore's history and people. We're learned so much about Singapore while talking with him. He took to places that we would otherwise have never found on our own.Tour of Hougang with Richard

Ludger

(About local Richard)

4 March 2024

Richard is an extraordinary guide and did an outstanding job. I got to see places where I never would have gone to without him. In between, he told me a lot of interesting facts and adopted the tour to my wishes. He showed me many interesting details which offered me plenty of opportunities to take photos far away from the usual spectrum. Furthermore, we learnt that we both are enthusiastic photographers and enjoy cycling. So, at the end of the tour, we were just sitting together in a food stall and chatting about cameras and settings for more than an hour, just like friends knowing each other for years. To put it in a nut shell: I can strongly recommend Richard as a guide and the tour as well.Singapore with a friend

Jane🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Monica)

3 February 2024

On a recent trip to Singapore, my daughter and I were keen to see a little of the local life in the suburbs of this beautiful city. We booked an ‘off the beaten’ track tour with Monica. We are so glad we did, it was fabulous. We meet Monica at the MRT station and, by bus and on foot, we explored the neighbourhood - visiting temples, markets and Kampong Lorong Buangkok, which is the last surviving kampong in Singapore. It was an excellent tour and Monica was terrific, giving us a number of tips for other must-do activities in Singapore. She recommended that we have a Singapore Sling at Raffle’s Long Bar and that is a must-do experience for any tourist in Singapore! Thanks Monica. Local Life

Aidan🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Richard)

2 February 2024

Honestly, this tour with Richard was probably the best tour I've been on and my parents who I'm travelling with also think the same. My recommendation is that if you're a traveller with more curiosity than the average tourist, than Richard is the best guide. We went to amazing spots and learned so much about Singapore, and Richard is just an amazing person overall. If we're ever back in Singapore, we'd love to visit Richard again.Best tour ever

Christoph🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Monica)

29 January 2024

Monika hat als Local wirklich viele Informationen für uns gehabt, und tolle Ecken gezeigt, die ein Tourist nie alleine finden würde. Auch zeitlich hat alles geklappt. Am Ende hat sie uns noch viele Tipps gegeben, wo wir in Singapur noch interessante Ecken finden können.Sehr kompetent. Gerne wieder

Lisa

(About local Joisse)

28 November 2023

One of our favourite days in Singapore was our tour with Joisse. It was easy to communicate with Joisse beforehand to customize this tour to meet the needs of the four women in our group. Joisse is extremely knowledgeable and has a very kind nature. It was so wonderful learning about the history of Hougang in contrast to the HDB style of living predominant today. Joisse also gave us an introduction to Hinduism as we made our way to visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India before she dropped us at the Banana Leaf Apolo for lunch as requested. We would definitely book another tour with Joisse! She was delightful!Hidden gems with a gem of a tour guide!

Katy🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Monica)

9 November 2023

Monica was an absolute gem and her introduction tour to the beautiful city Singapore was fantastic! She is such a kind lady with a great sense of humour. During our tour she showed us a great spectrum of iconic landmarks in Singapore along with some other great tips for other things to do during our stay. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her! Thank you Monica 😊 Fantastic guide would recommend!

Douglas🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Richard)

28 October 2023

We had a great experience, learning so much about Singapore’s history, and experienced first hand life in an HDB precinct. Richard was a truly talented and gracious guide, even inviting us to his home! We enjoyed the walk thoroughly!!Wonderful Walk

Michael🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Joisse)

21 October 2023

Wonderful to see non tourist areas and learn how real locals live.Great indepth local area tour

Louise🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Richard)

8 September 2023

This is our third Singapore visit, with each having been enjoyable. However, this time especially so, because... - This time we made a more determined effort to leave the confines of what we call "the tourist trap" - Richard proved to be superb for these purposes. Richard truly went the "extra mile" for us. We not only share some of his personal interests, cycling, photography and nature, but also enjoyed learning from each other, discussing comparatively, the varying means by which different people go about seeking and celebrating that which all humans share a need for... Same, same, but different! So....if you want to find out about Singspore, beyond its trappings as a modern, globally significant city....hire Richard. We had three tours with Richard giving us time to truly benefit from his vast experience founded knowledge and caring/sharing attributes. Thank you, Richard. Your love for Singapore, your home town, is infectious, so we are leaving with a deeper affection, appreciation and understanding for this part of the world.Rockin' with Richard

Steve🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Monica)

21 August 2023

We had a 2.5 hour ‘Off the beaten track’ tour with Monika - we only had a very short time in Singapore on the way back from Bali so we wanted to make sure we took away an authentic experience… we weren’t disappointed. It was so interesting to see how the local Singaporeans live in this amazing, vibrant city. Monika was such an amazing, engaging host and she knows so much, not only about the area but the culture, religion etc. We loved that time and it will remain our main memory of the Singapore leg of our holiday. Thanks Monika! Such an interesting tour!

Jovina🇺🇸 United States

(About local Richard)

26 June 2023

It was short tour, but very peaceful & away from the city. Richard educated us with Singapore culture & history. He was very caring, pleasant, & polite. Overall was great experience.Awesome tour

Dee🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Richard)

11 June 2023

Richard is so much more than just a tour guide. He combines his extensive knowledge, his passions for wildlife and photography and provides such wonderful historical insights from his personal experiences. He has a wonderful sense of humour, is a fabulous storyteller and passionate about Singapore. We loved every minute of our experience and felt we had spent time with a good friend. We cannot recommend him more highly. You are in for a treat of a day with Richard and you will develop a sense of the rich history of Singapore, whilst being outdoors and having so much fun. When we are in Singapore again we will most definitely book another tour with Richard. Richard is absolutely fantastic!!

Martin🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Monica)

7 June 2023

We had such a great time with Monica, her passion and knowledge of Singapore was extensive and informative. We experienced different types of hawker centres from out of the way local eateries to tourist hawker centres. We definitely recommend a tour with Monica, she goes way beyond your regular tour guide.

Stella and Gary🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Richard)

14 April 2023

Richard ‘s tour was perfect. An excellent insight into how Singaporeans lived in the past contrasting with how they live now. He was brought up in the old way and now lives in the new way. To me they are both enviable ways of living. Singapore seems a good place to live! Richard himself is an excellent storyteller who has a wealth of experience having travelled all over the world. His knowledge of his hometown and it’s history is impressive. We met as strangers and left as friends. Thanks Richard!A very interesting man! Such a good tour!

Vicki and Steve🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Joisse)

28 March 2023

Joisse was sweet, bubbly and cheeky. Great company, great sense of humour, very informative and full of intrigue on historical information. Not too taxing as a Walking Tour. Thank you JoisseFUN, CHEEKY AND ENJOYABLE

Nadine🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Monica)

24 March 2023

Mary 🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Richard)

17 February 2023

What a fantastic experience! Richard is a wonderful story teller and so knowledgeable. After a short, interesting bus trip, we were shown around an area that has so much history and wildlife. We were entertained with stories of the area and imparted with interesting facts about the flora and fauna. Later on, we were taken to an apartment complex and invited to taste the local food. Delicious! We had such a good time and will remember this experience as being the best in Singapore. Thankyou Richard, you are a fabulous guide.Best of Singapore

Bert🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Monica)

6 February 2023

Was een keer iets anders in SingaporeWas erg leuk

Alex🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Monica)

28 November 2022

Monica made a great tour with us. We get a lot of recommendations for our stay in Singapore. It was interesting to listen how people in Singapore live and see where they eat and shop. Great Guide

Sidsel🇳🇴 Norway

(About local Richard)

25 October 2022

My guide Richard Koh gave a very inspiring, informative and memorable tour with Hougang as the starting point. Richard is knowledge, a true nature lover and committed. Upon request he gave me a customized tour which was both spot on and included surprise visits to interesting places I would never have found on my ownInspiring and informative

Sheryll🇺🇸 United States

(About local Joisse)

11 October 2022

Joisse was a pure joy to meet and work with. We loved learning more about Singapore 's unique housing policies and getting to ask a local aaaallll the questions. We definitely walked away with a better understanding of this unique city-state. Joisse is a real asset to WithLocals. We would book another tour with her again, without hesitation. What a wonderful guide!

simon🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Joisse)

4 September 2022

Having been to Singapore before we didnt want the 'normal' tour so decided on the 'Off the Beaten Track in Singapore: Hougang Tour'. We looked the reviews of the guides and selected Joisse and she was amazing. Great communication prior to the tour and we had a fantastic tour of the 'real' Singapore. Joisse provided us with information that we were unaware of with the highlight being the opportunity to visit the remaining 'village'. A real step back in time. We highly reommend this tour and Joisse.Joisse is a STAR

Thomas🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Richard)

23 June 2022

We have enjoyed this tour now for the second time within 2 years - in 2020 and now again in 2022. Both times we had a great time with Richard and enjoyed his infectious enthusiam and the obvious joy he has while showing you around his neighbourhood. He is very knowledgeable and creates a very relaxed and familial atmosphere. We can only recommend the tour and Richard as the perfect guide for it. We would not have taken our friends on this tour and did the same tour again, if we would not be convinced that it is worth doing it.Richard the 2nd

Erika🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Joisse)

9 June 2022

Absolutely wonderful tour with Joisse!! She is so knowledgeable about Singapore and generous in sharing her own history and experience here, giving a wonderful local flavor and off the beaten path tour. She accommodated all my requests in tailoring the tour to my interests. Perfect guide for both an intro to Singapore and a unique flavor/more in-depth tour. It was such a delightful day - cannot sing her praises highly enough! Thank you so much, Joisse! :)IDEAL tour with Joisse!!

Melanie🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Joisse)

31 December 2021

Joisse is a fantastic, thoughtful guide. She has a wealth of knowledge and was happy to answer all our questions. The tour was interesting and fairly relaxed. Joisse even followed up afterwards with some information about our local CC. Highly recommend!Loved this tour!