Finally, my wish came true because of our very own local award-winning tour agency Let's Go Tour Singapore has curated this guided tour << A Long Long Time Ago: Villages to High Rises >> to be part of the 10 immersive and experiential walking tours in the new launch of 'This Is Home' Local Edu-Tainment Tour Series.
With the current pandemic which has totally affected everyone's desire to globe-trot again, why not take this opportunity and rediscover Singapore, our very own little red dot.
 |
| The Surau, Kampong Lorong Buangkok |
Designed to be family-friendly as well, families can bond through these tours as we could learn more about our local heritage, culture as well as the untouched nature! The feeling when I had when I stepped foot into the kampong was totally different, I felt so carefree and relaxed to be surrounded by the greens and tranquillity, the sound of the raindrops hitting the zinc roofs can be quite therapeutic.
 |
| The only place left with a 4 digit postal code in Singapore |
 |
| water level indicator |
Though it was raining the whole morning, that did not dampen our mood to explore Mdm Sng's guesthouse and learnt more about kampong life was back then in the pre-80s, through the knowledgeable guide.
Met the owner, Mdm Sng who shared with us the kampong stories and how the residents in the village are closely knitted with one another. You would probably not be able to guess how much the monthly rental of per house. It is really based on friendship price! Where can we find a place with rental that is only ranging from as low as $4.50 - $30 per month and this rental fee has never changed since 1970s!
 |
| With land owner, Mdm Sng Mui Hong |
 |
| A typical kampong house, Mdm Sng's guesthouse |
Spot those appliances at the background? It's a good exposure to let them take a look at the appliances of the past and make Xavier think about how technology had improved the lives of people.
 |
| Big barrel to hold rainwater for other usages |
They were shared about the games of yesteryears where gadgets like Ipad and smartphone were not in existence. I remembered my childhood days, playing catching and zero-point was part of the activities we played during recess.
 |
| Games of yesteryears |
 |
| Five stones |
 |
| Pick up Sticks |
 |
| Taught the kids how to make the rubber rope for Zero-point |
 |
| Testing of the fine motor skills. |
 |
| Zero point! |
Do you also know that beside Lorong Buangkok, this kampong is also known as Kampong Selak Kain? The frequent flash floods in the vicinity made the villagers "Selak" their sarongs higher so as to prevent themselves from getting wet. As Colin explained, he also showed us how to wear a sarong correctly.
Those were the days when there was no ice-cream nor gelato. Sng Bao (Flavoured ice packs) was popular and very welcome on hot weather days. Here in the kampong, one of the village residents made them exactly the way it was in the past, using real fruits.
 |
| Sng bao should be open in this way. |
 |
| Vera's 1st time |
 |
| A very retro-looking background |
 |
| No brolly, use a leaf! |
Expect a walk around the village and you get to see pretty lots of interesting plants! We even got to try Chinese Chestnuts (not the ones sold in pasar malam)
 |
| Do you know that banana is actually from the ginger family? |
 |
| Cocoa fruit |
Though we are missing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto but we can find one bamboo forest within Lorong Kampong!
Kampong Lorong Buangkok is built in 1956 and is the last surviving kampong in Singapore. I hope it will never be on the URA Masterplan and the conservation of the kampong to stay permanent. This space represents the transition of Singapore's housing system.
Duration of tour: 2 hours
Cost: $200 (2-3 pax) / $250 (4-5 pax)
Psssst, you can use your tourism credits given by our Ah Gong with effect from 1 December 2020!
Website: https://www.letsgotoursingapore.com/
Facebook: Letsgotoursg
Instagram: Letsgotoursingapore
This is one of the many Let's Go experiences. We have gone for the following:
You also read more about it on The Straits Time article dated 12 Sep 2020
Thanks for having us AT Marketing Consultancy and Let's Go Tour Singapore!
No comments:
Post a Comment