Step into a side of Outram that few people ever get to see.

Behind the hospitals, shophouses and busy roads lies a district shaped by medical breakthroughs, forgotten communities, dying trades and remarkable individuals who quietly left their mark on Singapore.

On this immersive walking trail, journey through the hidden heritage of Outram and uncover stories that rarely make it into history books. Meet the shoemaker who once handcrafted shoes for Lee Kuan Yew and step inside his workshop, where time seems to have stood still. Explore the birthplace of modern medicine in Singapore, hear tales of deadly epidemics that once threatened the colony, and discover how this neighbourhood became a place where life, death and survival intersected.

Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional snacks, hidden corners and unexpected contrasts that reveal a side of Singapore often overlooked by both locals and visitors alike.

What to expect:

• Visit the workshop of Lee Kuan Yew’s shoemaker and hold a pair of shoes crafted for Singapore’s founding Prime Minister.
• Discover the fascinating world of traditional leather craftsmanship and try your hand at using tools once employed by master shoemakers.
• Explore the origins of modern medicine in Singapore and learn about the pioneering doctors, researchers and institutions that shaped healthcare in the region.
• Uncover the story behind a little-known building once nicknamed Singapore’s “Laboratory of Death”, and the deadly threat that once claimed countless lives.
• Examine curious medical artefacts and vintage instruments rarely seen today.
• Sample traditional Teochew kuehs and uncover the stories behind beloved heritage snacks.
• Take in the striking contrast between one of Singapore’s most misunderstood neighbourhoods and the affluent districts that stand just across the river.