Singapore - Tours of the City

The Singapore Tourism Board (www.visitsingapore.com) can provide information on an enormous number of city tours with private companies, whether walking, on buses, cruises, or by night. Hotels can also book most of these. Their leaflet Your Essential Singapore Guide' has a chapter on assorted tours. They also have a selection of recommended, themed self-guided tours.

Walking Tours
The Original Singapore Walks (tel: 6325 1631; www.singaporewalks.com) organises a range of group and personalised guided walking tours with different themes, including Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and Changi battlefields. No pre-booking necessary for group tours, but call or check the website to find out the meeting point and start time.

Bus Tours
There are many bus tours run by different private operators. The Singapore Tourism Board can provide details or tours can be booked via hotels. One of the most popular is the Singapore Trolley' (tel: 6339 6833; www.singaporeexplorer.com.sg), a replica of the red trams of the 1920s. The 1-hour tour takes in 17 spots between Orchard Road, the colonial district and Clarke Quay, with running commentary. The fare includes a free riverboat tour. There are six tours a day, departing from the Novotel at Clarke Quay.

Boat Tours
Boat tours are run by Singapore River Cruises & Leisure (tel: 6336 6111; www.rivercruise.com.sg) along the Singapore River. Cruises on bumboats begin at Raffles Landing Site at Boat Quay and take in grand colonial buildings, century-old godowns, shop-houses, grand bridges of diverse designs, and the chic quayside life along the way. Choose from the 30-minute Singapore River Experience' or the 45-minute New River Experience'. Boats operate 0900-2200 and leave regularly.

Taxi Tours
Visitors can now take a more personal tour with a taxi driver who is also a qualified tour guide. Several 3-hour tours take in interesting sights and areas, with extra time paid for on an hourly basis. They can all be booked through the taxi company's hotline: CityCab and Comfort Taxi (tel: www.cdgtaxi.com.sg),) and SMRT Taxi (tel: 1800 3368 900; www.smrt.com.sg), or through your hotel, with an option of four- and six-seater vehicles.