Review Author: Elizabeth

Review Date: 26 Jul 2022

Review Body: I went on this tour not knowing what to expect as I thought I had already known whatever there is to know about Chinatown/ Telok Ayer. But I was very glad to be proven wrong! Alvin from Triad Trails brought us on a rich history/ heritage walk, coupled with a time where we could ask anything about Chinatown back in the day which was so interesting because it was a truly unfiltered, interactive experience and we could ask away without any self-censorship. And it helped me to see these familiar streets with new eyes. I also really enjoyed our tour with Alvin because he was such a kind, approachable host and so full of a wealth of stories and personal experiences. We had a very candid, no holds barred conversation over lunch and during the tour and he answered each question so honestly…truly anything from secret societies to gang turfs and illegal happenings back in the day. Most of all I think what sets this experience apart from others is that it truly sticks with you for a long time and Alvin really is an inspiring figure. If you’d like an unconventional walking tour with the best twist, I highly recommend this one because it’s such a meaningful way to both learn something new and enjoy Singapore in a different light.  Thanks TOWKAY!!!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Julia Sherstyuk

Review Date: 11 Sep 2022

Review Body: We express our deepest gratitude to our guide, Notle, for sharing his incredible life story. He is very knowledgeable in the history of Singapore and has a unique way of reenacting certain historical events. There were two teenagers with us to whom Notle addressed directly warning against straying from the right path. His genuine openness and regrets about mistakes made in the past have really touched us. Congratulations to Notle for obtaining the guide qualifications from Singapore Tourism Board which is not easy! The food was fantastic and served immediately as we came in. Not only is the tour value for money but it also supports a great cause of giving a new lease of life to people who have served their sentence and are looking for legal ways of earning income. Bravo, Notle! Highly recommended!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Emerson

Review Date: 27 Jul 2022

Review Body: The walking tour with Triad Trails is nothing short of thrilling. On the surface, one might assume it would be a walk around historical landmarks in Singapore, with a tour guide explaining its history and significance. In actual fact, our tour guide, Alvin, was an ex-gang member who had experienced the life of crime, drugs, gang fights, and more. The experience felt like a stroll through 20th century Singapore with a personal friend, sharing his first-hand experiences of what exactly happened at each little corner of the streets. I learnt not only about the history of Singapore, but how one man overcame the consequences of the wrong choices that he had made, and the struggles in doing so. It was not only educational, but inspiring. Thank you Alvin for such a unique and humbling experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: LWS

Review Date: 11 Aug 2026

Review Body: My daughter, hubby and 9-month-old baby were visiting from Seattle, USA in July/August '26. I've always tried searching for unique experiences for our family outing. We (a party of five including my hubby) are glad to have found Alvin from Triad Trails who shared very generously his personal experiences as an ex-gangster. We truly enjoyed his life story and amazed with the life transformation he has taken to turn around his life and currently, assisting various society in need. Besides, we learnt a lot about places of worships in Singapore especially the Chinese temples and the connection to his early day's life. Thank you, Alvin for a wonderful experience. All the best as you continue your life in supporting the people in need.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sam

Review Date: 26 Sep 2025

Review Body: Alvin has clearly invested time and effort into understanding the local past for this tour. His knowledge is both deep and broad. Whilst understandably reluctant to share some details of his past, his experiences gave insight and nuance to some of the troubled past of Singapore's Chinatown. This tour is more focused on Historical background that led to the illegal activities in Singapore. If you're looking for stories that are strictly triad/gang related on this tour then you will be disappointed. The meeting location needs to be a little clearer - we were waiting in the wrong spot and nearly missed the tour altogether.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jo

Review Date: 01 Jun 2024

Review Body: Despite being a local, I still learned so much about my own country in this 2hr walk. Time flew past really fast while I was listening to the stories shared by Alvin, our tour guide. He was really punctual, very knowledgeable about the history of Singapore, and was very open to sharing stories about his younger life. I'm grateful to have been on this short journey, and wish him all the best as he continues to inspire more people.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lum Lum

Review Date: 19 Jul 2022

Review Body: The learning value was high as alvin shared quite a handful of Singapore “dark” history, using his unique “local style” storytelling skills. The tattooed sleeve he gave us, and the lunch at the end was an awesome touch to feel interacted as a participant. Hopefully more interactive element can be introduced to set them further apart from the other history tour.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Robert Loo

Review Date: 21 Oct 2023

Review Body: Isaac Goh is passionate and knowledgeable as well as polite and friendly. He is also very frank and open about his personal life as a convict and drug addict and his experiences in jail which I find very interesting. His partner is also very friendly and offered his own experiences during the dinner time. Overall very satisfied with this program. Well done

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Deborah H

Review Date: 31 May 2026

Review Body: Alvin was a fantastic tour guide! He was incredibly organised and professional, seamlessly weaving together fascinating historical insights and compelling personal stories. He was also warm, friendly, and very open to questions throughout the entire walk. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a truly unique and memorable experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kko

Review Date: 25 Apr 2025

Review Body: Alvin is very knowledgeable about SG history and gave a lot of insights about triads as well. He is accommodating and easy to talk to. He speaks fluent English. The walking tour is enjoyable with lots of photos stops and breaks in between. Would recommend this tour to anyone visiting SG (even locals) for a fresh/unique experience of SG.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sally

Review Date: 18 Apr 2026

Review Body: Such an amazing human. I am so pleased he opened my eyes to the struggles that may cause people to deviate from the prescribed straight and narrow. Alvin is a wonderful person who has turned his life around to help others in difficult circumstances. Proud to have met him and joined him on this tour

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Mahpara Faatin

Review Date: 28 Jan 2023

Review Body: My husband and I had a lovely tour yesterday. We learned a lot about the life and history of early Chinese immigrants and how some of the associations still exist today and how they operate. Enjoyed the “fun facts” at every stop. Also, now we have a ton more to explore in Chinatown by ourselves.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jenna

Review Date: 30 May 2026

Review Body: Interesting insight into a side of Singapore I knew little about. Alvin led our tour and made the history of the area come alive. His own personal story added an unexpected layer to the experience, and made the day special and meaningful. Glad to have the opportunity to meet Alvin on this tour.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Teresa Graham

Review Date: 18 May 2025

Review Body: A very informative and unique perspective on the history of Singapore. Alvin was amazing . He is extremely knowledgeable and insightful. We really appreciated how honest and open he was about his life. He deserves all the happiness and love he has obviously worked so hard to achieve.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Chelsey

Review Date: 25 Aug 2025

Review Body: Alvin was very friendly and knowledgeable. As a local, there were some places that i've visited multiple times, but there were small details that Alvin pointed out which i've previously never noticed. This was a refreshing perspective unlike the usual tours, would recommend!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Carla

Review Date: 09 Feb 2025

Review Body: We had a fabulous tour learning the history of Singapore and the Klans. Our guide, Elvan, was such a great resource and expert. We appreciated learning from him and hearing about his life in Singapore and seeing the city through his eyes. I highly recommend this tour!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Adrian T

Review Date: 27 Jul 2024

Review Body: Being a local who lived in Singapore for 55 years, there were things I simply did not know if not for this tour. Having Alvin who was once a triad member made a big difference as there were real life accounts making the tour so much more personal.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jaime pang

Review Date: 28 Jun 2025

Review Body: Alvin was born to be a guide. He was thoughtful and knowledgeable. Experience and well spoken, he was well equipped with a file with photos, Mike, laser pointer and was very open to questions. Cannot recommend this tour more to locals or tourists.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Max

Review Date: 19 Oct 2024

Review Body: The tour with Alvin was great. His insight in the history of Singapore and especially the fate of the Chinese immigrants was informative. I was impressed by his willingness to share his own history and how he managed to turn his life around.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rebecca

Review Date: 30 Mar 2025

Review Body: A very interesting walk through time in Chinatown! Elvin was a great guide and I appreciate the way he interwove his story in with all the history. I also recommend adding on the dinner option - Elvin knows where to get a good meal!

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Discover the city’s underworld of drugs, gambling dens & secret society!

Itinerary Description: Start 3.30pm 3.20pm - Arrival 3.30pm - Walk begins 5.30pm - End