Katong Dreaming · Musical Tour by Betel Box · Get Insight Katong beyond Clichéd Facades

Betel Box The Real Singapore Tours did it again, taking Singapore walking tours to the next level with Katong Dreaming. Telling the stories of Katong through original songs, verse and dance ably presented by host Mark Tan and movement artist Valerie Lim.

I ought to know these streets, my alma mater was Tanjong Katong Secondary and for decades I come back regularly to these parts for makan (eating) trips. Yet today, I found out that there's a lot more to these storied streets. I learned a lot today, Mark and Valerie cueing me to see the familiar with new eyes and ears. Most important of all, I enjoyed myself throughout the entertaining two hour walk.

Our starting point was Rumah Kim Choo on East Coast Road where we got all the necessary admin organised, briefed, issued our cool headsets, etc before setting off.

Of course, the name Kim Choo is synonymous with Nyonya chang or Chinese rice dumpling with a Peranakan twist in Singapore. 

We were going to tour the streets of Katong while entertained by songs and poetry delivered by Mark accompanied by the fluid choreography of movement artist Valerie.

Both Mark and Valerie are Peranakan. The tour not only explored the streets of Katong but also the meaning of being Peranakan, and indeed, what it means to be Singaporean.

Valerie Lim's passion is telling stories, making music and poetry with movement.

Mark Nicodemus Tan is the next generation of Singapore tourist guides. Multi talented, knowledgeable, articulate, musical, the mix of talents needed to gift visitors with a deep understanding of Singapore, and keep thinking about Singapore long after leaving. 

Mark Nair who has published ten collections of poetry, many about the ironies of everyday living in Singapore, wrote the thought provoking verses. 

August Lum wrote the original music for Katong Dreaming. He has written music for stage, film and theme parks.

Jamie Lee, the producer of Katong Dreaming is herself a musical and dance talent as well as tourist guide. I first met Jamie at Betel Box's Kampong Glam and Chinatown tours.

Tony Tan owner of Betel Box Asia (hostel) and Betel Box Tours, one of Singapore's top tourist guides and heritage expert was instrumental in conceptualising and organising Katong Dreaming.

Out on the streets of Katong we went. Alert marshalers and our bobbing heads looking like blue fireflies with our blue headset lights, made it easy to follow the group as we weaved our way around the main streets and back lanes of Katong.

Clear Katong nights are cool and breezy. Many I forgot that this was once a seaside town. The sea defined old Katong, Singapore, I forgot until reminded by Katong Dreaming. I walked the two hours without breaking a sweat. Really.

I didn't know Katong still have quaint little houses on stilts. As we walked along, I realised there's a lot of things I didn't know or forgotten about Katong 😅

I am not going to give away too much but let you discover Katong with Katong Dreaming yourself 😄

How did Katong get its name? Valerie tells us while dancing with a giant turtle.

Learning about Katong through song, poetry and dance in its streets and back lanes. We can hear Mark very clearly thanks to the excellent headsets.

At this spot once stood an icon every Katong person knows. Where were we? What was here? Clue: It's still a household name.

Joo Chiat Road, arguably the heart of Katong is a "not very Peranakan" street which in many ways reflect its contradictions, contrasts and ironies. I let Mark tell you about them 🤫

Mark is really engaging and wants to draw you into the flow, the immersive zone to truly feel Katong here and now, while taking you back to its roots and imagining its future. 

The back lanes tell you stories that pretty facades hide or will never share.

Coaxing the gods under the banyan tree to reveal the mysteries of Katong. The tour was ending just as our Katong dreaming was just beginning.

The tour ends at Betel Box Hostel at Joo Chiat Road as we were getting hungry and thirsty (for more Katong). 

Recommended for tourists, and even especially Singaporeans who wish to rediscover Singapore.

Katong Dreaming lets us into the insights of Katong beyond clichéd Instagrammable facades. Tonight, we got an in depth view of Katong through its ins and outs, places, murals, stories of its personalities, lore, history, cultural heritage, religions and food.

Talking of which, I was slightly surprised that Katong laksa was not featured as the iconic dish is rich and colourful with spicy stories of fiery Laksa Wars, the cool bearded one, and even Gordon Ramsay got into the act.

Current Season runs till 26 Nov 2023. Get your tickets and more information from here 👈 click

Previous Season

Katong Dreaming runs till 27 Mar 2022.

For private bookings ☎ +65 6247 7340 📧  travel@betelbox.com

Epilogue

Sin Hin coffee at Joo Chiat was originally one of the Katong Dreaming stops but had closed before the premiere. That's the story of Katong, the seaside town. The scenes are like sand on the beach, always shifting with the winds, tides and lapping waves. Mark mentioned "cultural Darwinism" - at 61, I am painfully aware that culture is ephemeral like drawings in the sand. 

Written by Tony Boey on 24 Feb 2022 | 28 Oct 2023