- Tour Operator Specialised in Passing On the Customs of Chinese Temples in Singapore Adds Experiential Workshops to Their Popular Walking Chinese Temple Tours
- Founder Aims to Preserve Declining Interest in Chinese Customs by Passing On What His Grandmother Taught Him
Passing on Chinese Heritage Through Temple Tours
Hey Lad Tour, a licensed tour operator specialised in customs of Chinese temples and rituals in Singapore, introduces a new range of tours that are Culture Pass applicable.
Jayden Seah, the founder and principal tour guide of Hey Lad Tour, has been running his temple walking tours for about four years now. Each year sees Jayden back at the same temples, sharing their annual rituals and rites with groups of Singaporeans and tourists who are curious to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes during cultural and religious ceremonies in Chinese temples in Singapore.
Temples play a significant role in uniting people through their beliefs, customs and rituals. Historically, in 19th-century Singapore, Chinese dialect communities (Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hainanese and Hakka being the five major dialect groups in Singapore) formed clan associations to take care of their respective communities. Community leaders started to build temples to unite their people as well as rely on divine power to ascribe authority and lead.
There are approximately 1,000 Chinese temples in Singapore, spread across Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, city temples, multi-deity temples and so on — some of which are residence-based.
Preserving Traditions Through Storytelling
Hey Lad Tour organises several tours at as many as 10 different temples and related businesses for participants to gain a much deeper understanding behind the purpose and relevance of each Chinese custom and ritual.
In February each year, on Chinese Valentine’s Day, Hey Lad Tour holds The Love God and Earliest Baby Wishes Granter Tour that showcases a ceremony bestowing children on couples wishing to have a child. The temple continues conducting the ceremony because many who had been childless for years report happy successes after their visit.
Sometime in May, Hey Lad Tour will also conduct the Culture and Heritage Tour @ Pulau Ubin Annual Festival, bringing participants back in time to traditional kampung (village) life in one of the last rural areas of Singapore.
“There is always a cultural or religious event going on across various temples. As a young boy, I lived in Bristol Road (commonly known as the Pek Kio area), which was home to many temples. My grandmother used to take me to the various festivities and explain their meanings to me. Over time, I learnt that there was so much more than met the eye. When I started working, I worried that this knowledge that my grandmother had passed on to me would disappear in time, and along with it a loss of a deeper meaning of who we are as Chinese living in Singapore. I decided to register as a registered tour guide so that I could organise tours in the evenings and weekends, and share my history,” says Jayden.
Culture Pass Eligible Tours
Ongoing Hey Lad Tours that are now Culture Pass approved include The Medium and The Judge Tour, where Jayden brings participants on a Journey through the Courts of the Afterlife, and The Living Art of Traditional Paper Craft in Chinese Funerals, where participants get to witness up close craftsmen at work on the diminishing art form of creating mansions, cars and afterlife guides from paper and rattan — offerings meant for burning at funerals meant to accompany loved ones who have passed on in their next life.
New tours that have recently been added to Hey Lad Tour’s schedule include:
Culture Pass tours are currently available on Klook.
“I hope that with the Culture Pass, more Singaporeans will get to know of our tours, and take up the chance to know more about the cultures and history behind many of our wonderful temples and traditions. Just doing my small part in keeping our heritage alive, with the stories of our forefathers in modern Singapore, and something I hope that we will not lose,” adds Jayden.
Culture Pass-Approved Tours
Intangible Cultural Heritage Tour of Chinese Traditional Pastries
- SGD 30 per person
Embark on a guided tour on the heritage and cultural significance of traditional Chinese pastries. Find out more about traditional Chinese wedding culture in Singapore and how it varies among the different dialect groups. This is a rare behind-the-scenes tour offering memorable and many picturesque moments.
Klook Link 🔗
Thian Hock Keng Temple Half-day Historical & Cultural Tour
- SGD 30 per person
Explore how these temples can continue living in the heart of the central business district in modern Singapore while discovering their past! Being the oldest part of Singapore’s Chinatown, Telok Ayer was the first landing site for Chinese immigrants in the 1800s. Embark on this journey with Hey Lad Tour to learn, appreciate and discover these Chinese temples and heritage.
Learn about the early Chinese migrants and admire this 200-year-old temple with its intricate motifs, reliefs and architecture that is living testimony of Singapore’s trading port and racially-harmonious society since the 1800s.
Discover the temples’ past and relevance then and now as you walk down memory lane of our forefathers.
Find out about the lady who was honoured with an imperial title at least 36 times over 700 hundred years from the Song to Qing dynasty while carefully examining the two imperial scrolls edifying her.
Hear all about the battle tales of Mazu and the Sage of Life Protector, the heart-wrenching story of the netherworld and first and second granduncles to the mighty Supreme Heavenly Emperor of the North.
Finally, meet the matchmaker with the highest success rate, located in one of the temples!
Klook Link 🔗
The Medium and The Judge: Journey through the Courts of Afterlife
- SGD 30 per person
Join us on a thrilling night tour of Macpherson’s Chinese Temples as we uncover the secrets of the underworld ruler and Spirit Mediums. This is Singapore’s First-Ever Tour of Macpherson’s Chinese Temples at night.
As night falls, we will delve into the fascinating realm of Chinese mythology, focusing on “The Ruler of the Underworld”. Join us for a thrilling adventure as we explore the mystical Chinese temples of Macpherson! Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere and uncover the secrets of the underworld.
This unique tour promises an unforgettable experience. Discover the fascinating history and legends behind these ancient temples as our knowledgeable guides bring captivating stories about the spiritual and supernatural realms to life.
Hear tales of the mythical creatures and deities that reside within, including the powerful Ruler of the Underworld who governs this mystical realm.
Have you heard about Chinese Spirit Medium and Gods‘ possession? Get your chance to go behind the scenes and witness the consultation carried out by this tang-ki (Chinese Spirit Medium). Hear from our guide his firsthand experiences as he shares passionately about this intangible cultural heritage rooted deeply in Singapore – a metropolis city. Get ready for a whole new experience and as you look into the life of the so-called “chosen one”. If you are in for it, you may even consider staying behind for one personal session too.
The Living Art of Traditional Paper Craft in Chinese Funerals
- SGD 30 per person
This is a Journey into Art and Tradition. Join us on an enchanting exploration of the world of paper crafting for the Dead. This immersive tour takes you behind-the-scenes of the fascinating process of the intricate traditional paper craft.
From traditional techniques to contemporary innovations, you will discover the rich history and diverse methods of paper craft.
Are these crafted for the living or for the dead? How do we know if the deceased really receives them? We bring you through the journey of discovery while understanding the importance of ancestral worship to the Chinese.
Tucked in an industrial estate, many do not know that this craft still exists in Singapore. Follow us as we bring you into the exclusive tour at the local studio where skilled artisans create stunning traditional paper craft for the dead. Witness the meticulous process of designing and crafting paper sculptures such as houses and cars for the deceased, mountains and even figurines such as the 大士爺 (Da Shi Ye) aka the “Ghost King”. Watch live, as experienced crafters show how they are made.
Gain historical insights to explore the origins and evolution of this paper craft and understand how paper art has influenced various cultures, heritage and traditions, then engage in discussions about the role of paper craft in different dialect and cultures.
Peatix Link (25 October 2025 tour) 🔗
Intangible Cultural, Heritage, Art and Tradition Tour (CHAT) @ Kallang: The Cantonese and Teochews Community Temple Tour
- SGD 30 per person
Join us as we first visit one of the oldest Cantonese temples in Singapore with more than 160 years of history. Mun San Fook Tuck Chee temple used to be a communal hub for coolies and is well-known for its role in the local community. It is also home to the Sar Kong Mun San Fook Tuck Chee Lion Dance Troupe, one of the oldest and most respected lion dance troupes in Singapore. This temple is also the birth place of the dragon that breathes fire once every 3 years. Made of straw and rattan with thousands of joss sticks on it, each time the dragon parades the region of Kallang, it attracts thousands to watch.
At the next stop, we visit the nearly forgotten temple dedicated to a well-respected deity of the Teochew Community. The Kallang Riverbridge Gan Tian Da Di Temple is a revered sanctuary steeped in history and spiritual significance especially to our older generations. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the temple, tracing its roots back to its establishment in the early 20th century.
During the tour to these 2 community temples, we will also stop by and explore Chi Leng Keng, a prominent Taoist temple nestled in the heart of Singapore founded by the Hokkiens. This cultural gem and architectural marvel showcases displays of exquisite architectural designs and intricate carvings with vibrant colour amidst a serene atmosphere that creates a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Participants will be able to:
- Unravel the history of the temple and its role in the local community.
- See the unique architecture of the temple, including its intricate carvings and colourful decorations.
- Enjoy a true cultural Immersion in the vibrant traditions and customs of these communities as we learn about traditional customs, festivals, and the role of temples in the lives of the Chinese community in Singapore.
Singapore’s Heritage Street of Temples
- SGD 30 per person
What better way to explore and learn about the local site than following a young man who lived in the neighbourhood and grew up visiting this temple with his grandmother? For sure he has many personal stories to share, even the unknown tales about this temple.
Visit this heritage street of temples including the famous Movie Filming Site at one of the Temple in Singapore while enjoying Chao Yin!
Unlike most tours that only scratch the surface, this one peels back the layers of meaning behind rituals, temple architecture, and disappearing traditions. If you are the kind of traveller who prefers connection over checklists, and who wants to understand the “why” behind what you see, this experience is for you.
Perfect for culture buffs, curious minds and those who love a good story, this tour offers plenty of photo-worthy moments and even better – meaningful insights that you will not find in a guidebook.
Visit the filming site of a famous local movie, “I Not Stupid Too”, a low profile but world famous Chinese Temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
Engage in discussions of the scene of Chinese Culture, Heritage and Temples in Singapore. How are we “helping” or “harming” the building and does it future behold?
Snap many admirable drawings found in every corner of the temple while our guide explains the unknown importance and symbolic meanings behind them. – including the latest artwork on the incense burner by a local young craftman/artisan.
Learn about some of the lost or soon-to-be lost traditional rites in Singapore.
Get your answers to all “whys” behind the prayers and rituals that you see! Every corner and layout is deeply thought of and planned for.
Find out how this temple contributes to both the local and overseas communities by building a world attraction in Asia.
Understand how the locals pray to the many unique deities, including a local person
CHAT @ Geylang – The Oldest Hokkien and Putian Temple Tour
- SGD 30 per person
Are you ready to explore the rich cultural heritage of Geylang with us? Join us for a fascinating tour of the oldest Hokkien and Putian temples in the area and immerse yourself in the Culture, Heritage and Traditions of these ancient temples.
As we delve into the Soon Thian Kheng, recognised in the Singapore Book of Records as the oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore, we will get a glimpse into the living testimony of our early history. Soon Thian Kheng housed the main diety Tua Pek Kong (the Earth Diety) an important belief to the Hokkiens and Immigrants. Find out more why Tua Pek Kong is the most popular diety among all Chinese gods, and always the first to be worshipped by Southern Chinese immigrants all around the World.
Next, let’s discover a majestic and serene temple located at the top of a building. Putian (Heng Hwa) people came to Singapore much later as compared to the other dialect groups. As they sailed down from Putian to Singapore through the torturous sea, they entrust their hopes and safety of their life to the revered Goddess of the Sea, Mazu. Mazu a young lady, born in Putian dated 960CE, is well-known among the Chinese with 3 billion devotees around the world.
Join us as we learn about her significance in Chinese maritime culture. As we discover Zheng He’s and Mazu’s significant connection in Chinese maritime history, we discover how she became the most well-respected Goddess of Sea with her beliefs being spread to other Chinese dialect groups. Today, Mazu Belief and Customs is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009 and it shaped Chinese Association and Temples in Singapore.
Jayden Seah, Founder, Licensed Tour Guide, Hey Lad Tour
Jayden Seah, 30, is a freelance tourist guide by night and on weekends. His days off are spent with curious Singaporeans and tourists who want to find out what goes on behind those temple doors. Passionate about keeping his heritage alive, Jayden decided that being a licensed tour guide was the best way he could share his knowledge that had in turn been passed to him from his grandmother, and keep his heritage alive, in his own, tiny way.
Jayden has 4 siblings who all grew up in Bristol Road under mainly the care of their paternal grandmother together with his uncles, aunties and cousins, with a total of 15 under one roof at any one time.
Growing up in such a large family, Jayden never found a boring moment in life. Following their grandmother on her daily tasks and to the various temples around their home proved to be the most fun that Jayden and his siblings had.
When Jayden started working, he realised that many of his colleagues and peers were clueless about what Jayden thought was common knowledge. This spurred him to start sharing his stories to friends and eventually led him to sit for the examination by the Singapore Tourism Board to certify him as an official tour guide in 2022.
He hopes to share this knowledge with more people so that they know the underlying reasons behind each practice and belief. He also aims to debut myths and misunderstanding among people behind socalled “superstitious”, which to him is just a lack of understanding in Culture, Heritage, Art and Tradition.
For more information on other Hey Lad Tour’s upcoming tours, visit: www.eventbrite.sg/o/heyladtour-44803714883#events and www.peatix.com/group/11822447.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/heyladtour
Instagram: www.instagram.com/heyladtour
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@heyladtour
Official Hashtag: heyladtour
Official number: +65 9421 8780
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