Coastal Walk, Food and Stories by Singapore's Indigenous Community

loved the tour, learning more about the Orang Laut's way of life, and the cosy food we shared! highly recommend this tour and support Orang Laut SG team!! They are working so hard for the community <3

I love this tour - it was very educational and I learnt a lot about the Orang Laut in Singapore. the food was very delicious too. apparently our group was the biggest they’ve had so far and I wished they somehow put to a cap to each session so that the tour can be conducted more comfortably. some spaces were too small and some can’t see what was going on. the session overran too cos many ppl asked a lot of questions (a good problem to have tbh). other than that, I would recommend this!

I didn’t think I’d ever use my Singapore Cultural Credits — but I’m so glad I did. I joined this experience with curiosity, and left with a deeper understanding of Singapore. We walked along the coast with guides who shared stories of the Orang Laut — their deep connection with the sea, the land, and the winds. It made me see Singapore through completely new eyes. The meal that followed was incredible — simple, soulful, and filled with history. Cassava, sambal, wild greens, and shrimp cooked the traditional way gave us a taste of indigenous life. I even had the privilege of helping Cik Am set up a djong — a traditional sailboat — and was amazed by the craftsmanship and sea-faring skills of the indigenous people. This is not an ordinary cultural tour; it’s a journey back in time. If you’re curious about the true roots of Singapore, this is the experience to sign up for.

The whole experience is so awesome. They indicated that snacks and refreshments will be provided.. To our surprise, they provided us a feast. The session is so worth it. We learnt so much too, including about indigenous people, history, geography and ecology. The team are great hosts and there is no boring moment during this tour. Love being by the sea, entering the orang laut community space and esp love the cosy setting at the end too. Our photos don't do justice to the place and food. Thank you for the wonderful time!

As a critical heritage educator, I'd say this is absolutely necessary for all Singaporeans. It is a cultural and social history of Singapore that we will never learn in school, and the tour also showcases the contemporary living culture of the coastal people. Most importantly, the food was absolutely delicious!

Very insightful tour to understand about our native people ,their hardship & challenges. Hopefully our government will do more to help them to preserve their heritage through many more generation to come.

Everyone, Singaporean or not, should definitely go for this educational and cultural experience. We learned so much about our indigenous community here and have grown so much respect and admiration for their resilience and dedication to keeping their heritage alive.

It was a wonderful experience to learn about the Orang Laut Community, hear their perspectives, meet local community elders and even taste the amazing food in the beautiful heritage garden. Thank you for sharing your stories and creating resonances!

We learned fascinating facts about the history and island geography of Singapore from the perspective of the country’s indigenous people, the Orang Laut/Pulau who predate Raffles and independence. Our knowledgeable guides included Firdaus Sani, whose grandparents were the last of their community on Pulau Semakau before the island was developed. Through the human stories our guides shared with us, we learned about the community’s challenges and endurance. We heard from Encik Hamzah who still fishes and free-dives in Singapore’s waters about the fish traps he makes, the fish he catches, and how he uses Bukit Timah as a sight marker when at sea. And then we were treated to delicious Orang Laut cuisine prepared by Firdaus’ mother (oh that spicy kuah kachang and savoury bubur tenggiri!!). We came away with a memorable experience that filled our minds, hearts and stomachs with an appreciation of the Orang Laut community and culture as a unique part of Singapore’s past and present.

A very interesting and informative activity. I have learnt so much about the indigenous people of Singapore that is rarely touched on in schools.