Coolies, Towkays and the Gig Economy

5.0 / 5
2 reviews
Fuk Tai Chi Museum Entrance
Save to wishlist
  • 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
Promo codes
HUF207 off min. HUF2,071
HUF414 off min. HUF4,141
HUF3,313 off min. HUF33,132
HUF4,970 off min. HUF74,547
HUF2,071 off min. HUF33,132
HUF828 off min. HUF16,566
HUF1,657 off min. HUF36,776

Package options

Select options Clear all

Package type

Coolies, Towkays & the Gig Economy

Quantity

You must select at least 5 for this package
HUF 17,810

Complete all required fields to continue

What to expect

Fuk Tai Chi Museum
Fuk Tak Chi Temple is one of the oldest former monasteries in Singapore and has now become a museum
Hsu Chung-mao
Explore the history of Hsu Chung-mao during the tour
Enjoy
Having your great time with your friends and family for your holiday
Understand how their daily Gig-economy had similarities and parallels to today's economy
Understand how their daily Gig-economy had similarities and parallels to today's economy
Coolie Currency
Explore the artistic value of the Coolie Currency
Discover temples hidden in plain sight during the tour
Riverhouse is the latest multi-concept space in Clarke Quay, offering a modern Chinese restaurant
Explore UNESCO’s historic temples that were once used as coolies’ meeting places

Reviews

5.0 / 5
Fantastic
2 reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
All With photos English only
Review for: Coolies, Towkays & the Gig Economy

The tour was a marvellous and insightful experience into the lives of those who came before. It was wonderful with Patrick as our guide who explained information thoroughly and with great thought and respect. Will definitely bring more peers in the future when things allow for larger groups. Definitely eye opening and compelling for the heart to shift our perspectives.

Helpful
Review for: Coolies, Towkays & the Gig Economy

Didn't manage to go on this tour but want to give kudos to the tour operator who very kindly offered a complimentary +1 pax for a rescheduled date.

Helpful

Contact us

Got a question about this activity? Ask us on live chat!

You might also like...

Singapore Day trips

Timeless Legacy of Legendary Footsteps in Civic District Singapore

The Timeless Legacy Of Legendary Footsteps (Walking Trail)
English guided
Afternoon departure
Instant confirmation
HUF 25,189
Singapore Food & dining

1918 Heritage Bar at The Alkaff Mansion Singapore

1918 Heritage Bar
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
HUF 5,496 HUF 10,991
Singapore Day trips

Singapore Half-Day Private City Tour

Enjoy your time here when you book this It's a Wrap! Fragrant and Sustainable traditions from yesteryear tour!
Private tour
English guided
Private group
Instant confirmation
HUF 19,082
Singapore Day trips

Singapore River & Kampong Glam Half-Day Heritage Discovery

Singapore River & Kampong Glam Half-Day Small Group Tour with Teh Tarik
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
New Activity
HUF 12,721
Singapore Workshops

Paper Marbling Workshop at The Sundowner

Join this Paper Marbling Workshop in The Sundowner and get amazing deals here!
English guided
Up to 3 hrs
HUF 26,461
Singapore Food & dining

ETC Travel Retail in Singapore

ETC Travel Retail in Singapore
Book now for tomorrow
Instant confirmation
HUF 888 HUF 891
Singapore Day trips

Historical, Architectural and Heritage Tour in Civic District

Get exclusive discounts here when you join this civic district history tour in Singapore!
English guided
Instant confirmation
HUF 12,721
Singapore Day trips

The Singapore Home Tour

Experience local life in Singapore and visit Chinatown Shophouses, a local neighborhood, and two HDB homes.
Afternoon departure
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0 100+ booked
HUF 37,416
Singapore Day trips

Singapore City Hall Half-Day Colonial History Tour

Indulge in a sumptuous riverside lunch, featuring local delicacies and international cuisine, while soaking in the scenic views of the Singapore River!
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0 50+ booked
HUF 14,999

About the operator

Trending sights