Coolies, Towkays and the Gig Economy
2 reviews
Fuk Tai Chi Museum Entrance
- 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
5% off min. MYR1,021.22
What to expect
Fuk Tak Chi Temple is one of the oldest former monasteries in Singapore and has now become a museum
Explore the history of Hsu Chung-mao during the tour
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
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
Sort by:
Filter by:
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
Untold Stories of Singapore's Red-Light District - Keong Saik Road
Untold Stories of Singapore's Red-Light District - Keong Saik Road
Instant confirmation
4.7
(27)
200+ booked
RM 39.95
50 off
Sale
Singapore Day trips
Singapore Gardens by the Bay & Marina Bay Sands Half-Day Tour with Dinner
Get exclusive deals here when you join this gardens by the bay and Marina Bay Sands walking tour in Singapore with seafood buffet lunch or dinner!
Book now for tomorrow
Instant confirmation
4.6
(181)
6K+ booked
RM 606.75
Singapore Food & dining
Vineyard at HortPark, Singapore
Delight your palate with our French-inspired cuisine that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Instant confirmation
RM 228.00
RM 255.49
Singapore Day trips
The Black and White Curse of Malaya
Enjoy your time here when you book this join in tour The Black & White Curse of Malaya!
Private tour
English guided
Private group
Instant confirmation
5.0
RM 197.99
Singapore Workshops
DIY Bathbomb Workshop in Orchard Gateway
Join this join in Bath Bomb Workshop in Orchard Gateway from SIngapore and get exclusive deals here!
English guided
Up to 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.8
(29)
300+ booked
RM 328.59
Singapore Day trips
Singapore Little India Half-Day Interactive Tour
Complete the mission so that the spirit of the doll be freed when you join this half day the doll game tour in Singapore Little India!
Small group
Afternoon departure
Instant confirmation
5.0
RM 217.15
Singapore Day trips
Yin Yang Soul of Chinatown Half Day Tour
Get amazing experience here when you book this half day tour in Singapore Yin Yang Soul of Chinatown!
English guided
Instant confirmation
RM 217.15
Singapore Food & dining
Allora Ristorante and Bar, Singapore
Allora Ristorante and Bar, Singapore
Book now for today
Instant confirmation
From RM 251.49
RM 357.65
Singapore Food & dining
Tien Court Restaurant at Copthorne King's Hotel
Get your appetizing Cantonese and Teochew cuisine at Tien Court Restaurant in Copthorne King's Hotel and get exclusive deals!
Book now for today
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.5
100+ booked
RM 125.75
RM 159.69