"See the colourful murals depicting life from a bygone era, a time when Singapore was still in its infancy as an independent country. Mr Yip Yew Chong seeks to preserve Singapore’s natural and cultural heritage. Inspired by his memories of Old Singapore, every mural he paints tells a story

We start the tour at Telok Ayer, walking over to Thian Hock Keng Temple. Thian Hock Keng Temple is not only a living-monument and architectural masterpiece but also an important landmark in Singapore’s history from the 1800s.

On the rear wall of the temple is a 44-metre-long mural that tells the story of early Hokkien immigrants to Singapore. Learn about their dreams and struggles, the pain and sacrifice of leaving loved ones behind in search of a better life and their contributions that have helped shape modern Singapore.

Thian Hock Keng

We then make our way to Chinatown where you can discover a tribute to an icon of Chinatown – the Paper Mask & Puppet seller, Mr Yeo Ban Kok. There are also separate mural titled Mamak Store, Lion Dance Head Maker & The Window. These murals depict how different tenant families, regardless of race, language or religion, once lived together in the same shophouse – a perfect example of Singapore's multi-racial harmony.

We visit one of Mr Yip Yew Chong’s iconic and famous paintings, “Cantonese Opera”. Certainly, a mural that would delight both locals and tourists, young and old and people of all races. Everyone is bound to have memories of yesteryears when gazing upon this iconic piece of Singaporean history.

cantonese opera

There are other murals on this tour that capture Mr Yip Yew Chong’s memories of his childhood. “My Chinatown Home”, “Letter Writer” and “Mid-Autumn Festival” all evoke a sense of warmth in our hearts as we reminisce about days past, and hopefully inspire people to tell their own stories and have a greater appreciation of how Singapore came to be the busy and bustling modern hub of South East Asia.

Lastly, fill your bellies with a delicious soy sauce chicken noodle set lunch at a famous Chinatown eatery.