Coolies, Towkays and the Gig Economy
Walking Tours
Digital
3 hours
English
- From its origins as a Free Port, follow the trails of Towkays and Coolies along the Quays and Market places of Singapore
- Discover temples hidden in plain sight, visit the house of a Triad boss, touch an original Coolie coin and understand how their daily Gig-economy had similarities and parallels to today's economy
- Explore the huge divides between the Agent recruiters and their indentured "Piglets", as the labourers were sometimes called, the role of Indian money-lenders, subsidised gambling trains, and how the Coolie-coin system effectively removed real cash rewards
- This tour will upend many of your assumptions and show things in a new light
- Explore historic UNESCO Temples which were used as a hang-out by coolies and also to boost love-luck with incense sticks!
- Understand why coolies were sometimes called "Piglets", how they were paid by Gigs and how they could spend it
- Find out about the original subsidised Gambling trains to Malaysia!
- Enjoy a refreshing themed tea inspired drink as you explore the former house of a Triad Boss, and a Coolie-coin themed cookie!
- Receive a Coolie-coin Cookie as a gift, while you explore
Options
Coolies, Towkays & the Gig Economy
Inclusions
English-speaking guide
Audio guide system - Head-sets will be provided
Feel free to bring your personal earphones
Themed snacks and drinks
Exclusions
Other personal expenses
Additional Info
Children aged 0-4 can join this activity free of charge. However, please note that they will not be receiving any F&B
Group size: 5-20 participant(s)
Mask
Mobile phone
SafeEntry App or TraceTogether App or Token
Bottle of Water
Umbrella
Comfortable Footwear
This activity is stroller and wheelchair-accessible
From₱3,132.55Per Person
Available from 27th Jul 2025Search on Calendar
What's included in Coolies, Towkays and the Gig Economy
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Tour Schedule
- This tour is available on
- Sunday
Itinerary
- Start: 76 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 048464, Fuk Tai Chi Museum Entrance
- Finish: Fort Canning MRT
- Time: 14:30-17:30
- Total: 3 hour(s) and 0 minute(s)
- From Fuk Tai Chi Museum, via Yueh Hai Ching Temple, to Boat Quay
- Continue along Singapore River, exploring old Godowns, historic houses and quays, finishing at the foot of Fort Canning
Itinerary Reminder
- The schedule is subject to change depending on traffic and weather conditions on your activity date
Meet
Venues
- Fuk Tai Chi Museum Entrance
Policies
Valid Period
The voucher is valid only on the specified date (and time if applicable),Use your voucher at the selected date and time
