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Wall mural of people in traditional robes and a crouching man beside a gate, set with pagoda-style buildings, Singapore hidden gems
Ornate temple altar with gold dragon carvings and patterned statues under Chinese characters, part of Singapore hidden gems
Historic Chinese shophouse entrance in Singapore Chinatown street with arched sign, Chinese characters and red front door under tiled awning
Two travellers walking away through a teal corridor and arched passage during a Triad Trails host-led ex-gangster tour in Singapore
Triad Trails guide in a white shirt walking through a traditional temple courtyard framed by red columns, Singapore hidden gems
Triad Trails guide speaking beside a glass-fronted street market diorama with stalls and miniature shoppers in Singapore
Wall mural of people in traditional robes and a crouching man beside a gate, set with pagoda-style buildings, Singapore hidden gems
Ornate temple altar with gold dragon carvings and patterned statues under Chinese characters, part of Singapore hidden gems
Historic Chinese shophouse entrance in Singapore Chinatown street with arched sign, Chinese characters and red front door under tiled awning
Two travellers walking away through a teal corridor and arched passage during a Triad Trails host-led ex-gangster tour in Singapore
Triad Trails guide in a white shirt walking through a traditional temple courtyard framed by red columns, Singapore hidden gems
Triad Trails guide speaking beside a glass-fronted street market diorama with stalls and miniature shoppers in Singapore
Group of travellers walking down a narrow Singapore lane with greenery and tall buildings during a Triad Trails guided ex-gangster tour
Triad Trails guide pointing along a narrow Singapore market lane lined with curtained stalls and food-shop displays
Triad Trails guide gestures as he leads a walking tour in Singapore, speaking to visitors beside old buildings
Wall mural in Singapore Chinatown showing scenes of people and boats along shopfronts and terracotta-roofed buildings

Uncover Singapore's Gritty Past with Ex-Gangsters

Walk Chinatown with ex-offenders and hear firsthand stories of rehabilitation.
4.8
|44 Reviews
Group size
Up to 24 guests
DURATION
2 hours
Booking type
Join-in trip
MEET UP
At location
Group size
Up to 24 guests
Walk with ex-offenders, hear their stories & a fireside chat on second chances
Singapore is known as one of the safest cities in the world. But what does it look like through the eyes of someone who grew up in gangs, went to prison, and had to rebuild his life afterwards?On this intimate walk through Chinatown with ex-offenders, you’ll hear stories from ex-offenders about gang territories, prison, belonging and what it meant to grow up on the edges of society. It's a really meaningful look at a grittier side of Singapore, one that very few of us ever get to see.But the walk is only half the experience.Afterwards, you’ll join an intimate fireside chat with ex-offenders, people working in rehabilitation, and Dr Maliki Osman to explore one simple question: What does it actually take to give someone a second chance - and what does that require of us as a society and individuals? The walk itself is offered completely free by the hosts. For this special Impact Week edition, you’re only paying for drinks at the private fireside chat afterwards - making this a rare opportunity to spend an afternoon listening, asking questions and learning directly from people whose stories we don’t often get to hear.Perfect if you want to understand social justice in Singapore beyond the headlines, or are simply curious to see the city through a very different lens.Impact Week 2026 Learning JourneyThis experience has been specially curated for Impact Week 2026 and will take place only on 12 September. These Learning Journeys take you beyond the surface to better understand people, places and issues in Singapore, and hopefully inspire us to protect what matters. Special IMPACT WEEK Fireside Chat with Dr Maliki OsmanThe walk will close with an intimate fireside conversation featuring the host and Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and former Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs.Dr Maliki began his career as a social worker and has worked extensively on issues affecting young offenders, families and people recovering from substance dependency. During his years in government, he advocated for second-chance employment and initiatives supporting ex-offenders and their families. He now serves as President of Antica, which supports ex-offenders through employment and reintegration.Together, the speakers will explore rehabilitation from two different but connected perspectives: the lived experience of someone who has been through it, and the policy and community systems that can either help or hinder that journey.Rather than trying to cover everything, the conversation will go deeper into one important question: what can governments, employers, communities and individuals each do to make second chances work in practice?Why This Experience MattersLeaving a gang or completing a prison sentence is only the beginning. Lasting rehabilitation also depends on whether someone has family support, employment opportunities, a welcoming community and people willing to offer a genuine second chance.By joining this experience, you’re supporting a social enterprise that creates work and opportunities for ex-offenders. More importantly, you’ll hear directly from someone who has lived through the system—and understand why transformation is rarely something a person achieves alone.What to expect1-hour Chinatown walk & talk: Discover the lived experiences of ex-offenders in Singapore while walking through this vibrant district.Private post-walk, fireside chat: Hear firsthand perspectives from Dr Maliki (President of Antica Foundation), Glenn Lim (Founder of Architects of Life) and two ex-offenders as they explore the challenges, misconceptions and possibilities surrounding social rehabilitation in Singapore.Support a good cause: Your participation empowers ex-offenders and at-risk youths through a social enterprise making a real difference.Important tips:All ages welcome: Curiosity has no age limit! Bring the whole family for a unique learning experience (parental guidance recommended for younger kids).

Experience highlights

What You’ll be Doing

Discover the stories of ex-offenders in Singapore
Show Details

What’s Included

Walk & talk around Chinatown
Post-walk fireside chat
1 non-alcoholic drink
Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Meet-up at Telok Ayer MRT Control Station (DT18)(Cross Street, Cross Street, Singapore)
  • 15 mins before selected timeslot
  • Notes: Meet at Telok Ayer MRT station-gantry (DT18) /Tour guide would be in front of CHEERS Convenience Store /Do not take the escalator up to the street

End Point

  • End at Terra Pagoda (42 Pagoda St, Pagoda Street, Singapore)

Start & Ends

Select your preferred date to see timings.

Suitability / Accessibility

  • Pet-Friendly
  • Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)

Cancellation & other policies

  • Cancellation

    To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.
  • Bad Weather Policy

    The tour will proceed rain or shine, so do bring along your umbrellas or ponchos. However, in the event of heavy rain, we may wait until conditions improve. Once the tour has commenced, there will be no rescheduling or refunds offered.

What to Pack

  • An umbrella and wear comfortable walking shoes.
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Meet your host

Triad Trails is the first-ever walking tour led by former members of actual secret societies in Singapore. Guided by former gang members, join this walk to discover the city’s seedy underworld of drugs, gambling dens & secret society. Hear from an ex-offender, who will share his personal story. Get the chance to ask them any questions you'll like, even controversial ones!
Experience: 4 years
Speaks: Fluent English, Chinese
Acceptance rate: 96%
Top Rated Host
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4.8 (44)
|
2 hrs
|Up to 24 guests
superb, totally made us fans of Singapore’s story
Instant book
5.0 (97)
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4 hrs
|Up to 12 guests
He showed us the other side of Singapore le that many of us the youngsters didnt know about
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This is a must! Our tour guide was phenomenal
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Really nice to solve
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2 hrs
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Wonderful enjoyable experience for first timers
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Great way to see interesting buildings and public artwork
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~1 hr
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Exquisite tea ceremony a breathtaking sensory journey
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1.5 hrs
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