The Black and White Curse of Malaya
Fort Canning MRT, Exit B
- The Black and White, rubber & opium, seen through warehouses & trade routes, and did Rubber really influence the invasion of Malaya in WW2?
- Were the first seeds planted on Fort Canning really the seeds to something much darker?
- Explore and trace the surprising cause and effect of some of the biggest trade successes in the history of Malaya; Who were the merchant princes? Was it really all that it seems?
- Understand the dark heritage of Rubber and Opium in a Singapore context, the surprising role of rubber in the Japanese invasion and how the tentacles of these important trade goods have reached out to affect us until today
- Explore the back alleys and upper river quays where the warehouses for rubber and opium were located, and hear some hair-raising stories of both then and now!
- Hear the stories of the Temple of the River, find out about the hidden house of an Opium merchant, find out the location of the last Opium Den of Singapore and see a real opium pipe
- Find out about and visit one of the last remaining housing divides, separated by a river and within sight of each other, and have a snack in their food-court
- Enjoy a discussion over a refreshing drink and snack in an inspiring Cafe, which organizes an outreach out to the underpriviledged in the neighbourhood
What to expect

Explore the Hong San See Temple with the tour guide during the tour

Tank Road Station is a historical building in Singapore

Enjoy your time with your friends and family

The Warehouse Hotel is a boutique hotel located on the banks of the Singapore River at Robertson Quay

Explore the history of Hsu Chung-mao during the tour

Learn about the dark heritage of rubber and opium in the context of Singapore

Alkaff Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located in the Singapore River Planning Area, Central District
Reviews
Review for: The Black & White Curse of Malaya
It’s not like any tours I’ve done before. You’ll be offered a glimpse into the darker side of Singapore and it will get you thinking! Patrick is a tour guide par excellence. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and cannot recommend it enough.
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