Coolies, Towkays and the Gig Economy

English
Private group
Meet with guide
3hr Duration
5.0 / 5
2 reviews
Fuk Tai Chi Museum Entrance
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  • 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
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Package type

Coolies, Towkays & the Gig Economy

Quantity

You must select at least 5 for this package
HK$ 425

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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
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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.

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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.

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