Source: Jane’s Walk Singapore page.
Jane’s Walk, a global initiative of free walking tours led by community members, is making a comeback from May 6th to 8th. The walks are inspired by Jane Jacobs (1916-2006), an urban planner and advocate who championed community-driven city development. Grounded in the belief that everyone possesses knowledge about their surroundings, these walks celebrate Jacobs’ ideas worldwide. Participants share stories about their neighborhoods, discover hidden gems, and connect with their neighbors.
Mai Tatoy, the City Organizer for Jane’s Walk in Singapore, highlights the significant increase in awareness surrounding the event. Many past walk leaders are returning, and the Jane’s Walk Peatix group and Peatix platform have significantly boosted visibility, making online discovery a primary access point for participants.
Some walks, typically accommodating 12 to 25 people, have already reached capacity a month prior to the event. Registration for the De Wild Faber Trek with the Singapore Adventurer’s Club, which explores World War II bunkers and forgotten reservoirs in Keppel, has closed. The BES Drongos Guided Nature Walk at the Petai Trail in MacRitchie Reservoir is also fully booked. However, several walks remain open for registration:
May 6: The Fullerton Heritage Walk
11 am to 1 pm
Starting at the Fullerton Bay Hotel concierge at Clifford Pier, Florence Minjoot, the dedicated Fullerton Heritage tour guide, will lead participants on a journey through the Fullerton Heritage precinct at Marina Bay. Participants will delve into the historical significance of the Fullerton Hotel, Customs House, Waterboat House, and Clifford Pier. This marks Minjoot’s second time leading a Jane’s Walk.
May 6: An Evening Stroll into the Past
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Embark on a guided twilight walk through Bukit Brown Cemetery. As you uncover stories of Singapore’s pioneers, be on the lookout for nocturnal creatures like nightjars and owls.
Remember to bring a flashlight.
The walk is led by a team comprising Bianca Polak (Walk Organizer and volunteer guide at Bukit Brown cemetery), Andrew Lin (a fellow volunteer guide with a passion for history), and Tatoy.
May 7: Jalan Besar Trail: Embracing the Possibility for Unexpected Change
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Organized by The Thought Collective (TTC), this walk invites participants on an insightful exploration of building trust among communities to share common spaces.
TTC, a collective of social enterprises, strives to reshape how we think, live, and serve our communities. Through immersive trails, they aim to inspire positive change and empower individuals to contribute to a better Singapore.
May 7: Cross Island Route from Venus Drive to Bukit Brown
3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Join Walk Leader Beng Tang and Co-walk Leader Tatoy on a walk commencing at Venus Drive in MacRitchie. Participants will traverse the proposed cross-island line route to Sime Road, culminating at Bukit Brown cemetery. Tang will continue through Bukit Brown for those interested in further exploration.
Prepare for the possibility of rain by bringing adequate drinking water and insect repellent. The distance from Venus Drive to Bukit Brown is approximately 6 kilometers (3 hours), followed by an additional 3 kilometers within Bukit Brown (1 to 1.5 hours).
Tang specializes in walks that intertwine nature and heritage, with his tours of edible fruits and vegetables in Bukit Brown being particularly popular.
May 7: Tiong Bahru Charm
5 pm to 7 pm
Tiong Bahru, celebrated for its Art Deco architecture, traditional shops with friendly proprietors, and a relaxed atmosphere, is currently undergoing gentrification. This walk delves into the challenges confronting the district and explores potential future scenarios.
Leading the walk is Isabel Servando, a Filipino writer, volunteer Tiong Bahru guide, and educator.
May 8: Love MacRitchie Walk at Venus Loop
8:30 am to 11:30 am
The MacRitchie Forest Trail at Venus Drive has garnered increased attention due to the proposed Cross Island MRT Line’s potential impact on the forest. This trail meanders alongside a forest stream teeming with freshwater life, including dragonflies, crabs, water snakes, and fish.
The relatively flat dirt path is suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities, but be prepared for muddy sections.
Walk Leader Chloe Tan is a member of NUS Toddycats!, a group of volunteers from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.
May 8: Dragons, Temples and Queens: Toa Payoh Past and Present
2 pm to 4 pm
Join long-time Toa Payoh resident Jinhua Kuek and historian Eisen Teo on a journey through one of Singapore’s oldest satellite towns, currently commemorating its 50th anniversary. Teo emphasizes the unique experience of witnessing an urban space in perpetual transformation.
Visit notable landmarks, such as the iconic Dragon Playground (a remnant of a former SEAP Games Village) and a housing block once graced by Queen Elizabeth II. Gain insights into Toa Payoh’s evolution and observe how its continuous development mirrors the growth of Singapore.
Capture the essence of Toa Payoh from a fresh perspective with your smartphones and cameras.
Walk Leader Kuek is a freelance writer, editor, and translator who has long called Toa Payoh home. He is passionate about public transportation, languages, music, culture, and the performing arts. He also manages @hellofrmsg, a Twitter account that showcases diverse perspectives from Singapore.
Co-walk Leader Teo is a dedicated history researcher and docent associated with a Singapore-based heritage consultancy. In addition to researching Singapore’s history, transportation, and urban development, he is currently authoring a book on Singapore’s past. In 2012, he co-founded SG Tipsy Trivia, Singapore’s sole pub quiz dedicated to all things Singaporean.
May 8: A Writer’s Memory Lane
6 pm
This walk begins at the Admin Building of Singapore Management University (SMU) and culminates at Raffles City. Despite its brevity, the walk encompasses a vast historical and cultural scope. Guide Kirpal previously studied at the site where Raffles City now stands.
Leading this walk is Professor Kirpal Singh, a poet, literary and cultural critic, and university lecturer specializing in English language and literature. Currently an Associate Professor at SMU, he has authored and published three poetry collections.
Interested?
Become a walk leader or register for a walk in Singapore through the global event platform Peatix. More walks will be announced by April 20th. Each walk listing includes the meeting point, and guides will be easily identifiable by their ‘Jane’s Walk’ signs.
Explore walks in other cities
Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about last year’s Jane’s Walks
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