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.
Helpful
Contact us
Got a question about this activity? Ask us on live chat!
You might also like...
Singapore Day trips
Walk Through 700 Years of History at Fort Canning Park
Get amazing deals here when you join this tour in Fort Canning Park!
English guided
Instant confirmation
5.0
RM 159.75
Singapore Day trips
Coolies, Towkays and the Gig Economy
Enjoy your time when you book this join in tour of Coolies, Towkays and the Gig Economy!
Private tour
English guided
Private group
Instant confirmation
5.0
RM 223.65
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 217.25
Singapore Workshops
Singapore Terrarium Making Workshop
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature with Singapore Terrarium Making Workshop!
English guided
Up to 3 hrs
RM 856.20
Singapore Shows & musicals
Gran Turismo World Series 2026 | Round 3 - Singapore
Gran Turismo World Series 2026 | Round 3 - Singapore
New Activity
RM 102.25
RM 134.19
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 607.00
Singapore Day trips
From Clay to Deity: Sculpting Stories & Chinese Statues
From Clay to Deity: Sculpting Stories & Chinese Statues
Private tour
English guided
Instant confirmation
RM 127.79
Singapore Kayaking
Round Ketam Kayaking Adventure in Pulau Ubin Singapore
Join this Round Ketam Kayaking Adventure in Pulau Ubin Singapore and get amazing deals here!
English guided
3-5 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.9
(60)
1K+ booked
RM 351.45
Singapore Day trips
Fort Canning & Civic District Heritage Walk
Fort Canning & Civic District Heritage Walk
Private tour
Small group
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0
RM 268.39
20 off
Sale




