Last updated on February 15th, 2026 at 04:17 pm
Since its launch in 1998, by then Minister for Education: Teo Chee Hean, Learning Journeys have been an integral part of Singapore’s education system—and for good reasons. They enable learning beyond classrooms by bringing theoretical concepts and textual knowledge to life, while promoting critical thinking, empathy, observational and communication skills.
Learning Journeys typically entail trips to Singapore’s monuments, museums, and cultural neighbourhoods, wherein learners not only develop a sense of pride towards their nation and its achievements, but also strengthen their identity and sense of belonging.
As an educator, you probably know planning and curating a Learning Journey is crucial to foster holistic learning and it requires ample of time, research and preparation. By partnering with an experienced tour operator who designs programs centered on student engagement, you can create a truly meaningful learning journey that aligns with the desired outcomes. At Culture Curious, we specialise in customising Learning Journey tours aligned with MOE learning frameworks and your institution’s goals. Keep reading to explore the different kinds of Learning Journey tours offered by Culture Curious, what to expect from them and how to go about booking one.
What are Learning Journeys?
As the name suggests, Learning Journeys are experiential and multi-disciplinary learning trips that students make to culturally significant national institutions and heritage sites, which also extends to national agencies that promote Singapore’s social and economic development such as HDB Gallery, Singapore City Gallery, MAS Gallery and more. Learning Journeys are part of National Education and seek to promote learning via real-world experiences.
Generally delivered as guided walking tours, learning journeys are typically conducted to complement curriculum lessons for subjects such as Social Studies, History and Geography.
Learning Journeys by Culture Curious
Conceived in 2018, Culture Curious has been designing engaging, educational and purposefully tailored tours in Singapore for locals and expats. They enable guests to explore Singapore through the lenses of culture, food, art, architecture and urban development. Examples of clients who have booked our learning journeys include public and international educational institutions such as CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School, Chung Cheng High, Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, School of the Arts, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and more.
Led by Rachel, who has worked for over a decade in Singapore’s two largest museums- National Museum of Singapore and National Gallery Singapore and taught arts and museum modules, the Learning Journey Tours by Culture Curious aim to deepen to deepen understanding of topics such as heritage, society, history, culture and national identity.
The Learning Journeys designed by Culture Curious fulfil the criteria outlined in the MOE’s Learning Journeys framework. These are:
- Instilling pride in Singapore’s achievements
- Understanding Singapore: Its constraints and challenges
- Building confidence in our future
- Singapore is our home
What are the different kinds of Learning Journeys offered by Culture Curious?
Here’s the list of Learning Journey Tours offered by Culture Curious:
- Tiong Bahru Learning Journey: This walking tour is designed to introduce students to the neighbourhood known for its architectural, cultural and historic significance. Apart from witnessing the development of Singapore’s first public housing estate in the 1920s, Tiong Bahru’s cultural relevance can be gauged from its unique and colourful shophouses. On this tour, pupils will learn about cultural gems like Bird Corner & former Hu Lu temple, hear the story of Tan Tock Seng’s legacy and discover compelling facts about Singapore’s town planning, among other things.
- Little India Learning Journey: The goal of this walking tour is to instil a deeper appreciation of Singapore’s Indian communities and their historical connection to Little India and the vicinity through exploration of places of worship, traditional trades and everyday customs. On this tour, pupils will learn about the origins of Tekka Center, uncover the art and architecture of the culturally rich Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu temple, explore the meaning and relevance of the heritage street art, followed by discovery of lesser known cultural sites.
- Kampong Glam Learning Journey: This guided tour dives into the origins of the Malay-Muslim district and its development over time and encourages a closer exploration of the vibrant multicultural environment on the street. On this tour, pupils will explore heritage streets such as Haji Lane, Arab Street and Bussorah Street and learn about Islamic art and architecture via a visit to the Masjid Sultan, followed by hearing tales of Singapore’s indigenous and trading communities.
- Chinatown Learning Journey: This walking tour explores the history and evolution of Singapore’s largest historical Chinese trade settlement, with its sub-districts—Bukit Pasoh, Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer and Tanjong Pagar—given conservation status in the late 1980s. On this tour, students will observe the street life replete with heritage gems and conserved shophouses, learn to value religious diversity through trips to the Thian Hock Kheng Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple, uncover lesser known gems associated with the ‘Majies’ of Keong Saik Road and more.
- Civic District Learning Journey: On this history walking tour, the students explore Singapore’s transformation from a British port settlement to the mega city state it is today, with an in-depth focus on Singapore’s history, values and policies that have shaped its present and future. The tour includes visits to colonial-era landmarks and galleries that nudge the students to reflect on Singapore’s rich history as a former British settlement.
5. Katong-Joo Chiat Learning Journey: This tour sheds light on Singapore’s multicultural heritage—particularly Peranakan, Malay, Chinese, and Eurasian influences—and how it has shaped the social, architectural, and culinary landscape of the Joo Chiat district. On this tour, students learn about Eurasian settlements, including origin of the term ‘Eurasian’. The tour also focuses on uncovering fascinating aspects of the Peranakan culture through its architecture.
Apart from the ones mentioned here, we offer custom Learning Journeys based on your needs and objectives. Simply get in touch here for us to facilitate a custom-made Learning Journey made in consultation with your staff.
What to expect from the Learning Journey Tours by Culture Curious?
Learning Journeys usually take the form of a walking tour and range between 2.5 hours to three hours with visits to heritage sites, historical landmarks and lesser-known gems—with worksheets and/or activities provided for optimal engagement and to facilitate student reflections. There will be mini breaks provided for rest and snacks.
How soon should you contact Culture Curious to plan a Learning Journey?
We recommend reaching out at least 3-4 months in advance so we have ample of time to plan, organise, and work with you on your Learning Journey goals. If you have an urgent request or last minute booking, please contact us so we can advise on availability.
Why partner with Culture Curious to facilitate a Learning Journey for your school/university?
Learning Journeys are most impactful when they are purposeful, well-designed, and meaningfully facilitated. Partnering with Culture Curios ensures that every Learning Journey goes beyond a site visit—becoming a structured educational experience aligned with learning objectives and real-world relevance.
- Experience and Expertise: Our Learning Journeys are planned and curated by our founder Rachel, who has been an educator most of her life and has worked with National Museum of Singapore and National Gallery Singapore. Together with a team of licensed heritage local guides, Culture Curious designs tours that foster learning opportunities while allowing for complete immersion and participation. This ensures students don’t just observe—but understand, question, and connect what they experience.
- Wide range of topics: Our Learning Journey tours fulfil learning goals for various disciplines such as history, geography, sociology and arts and promote racial harmony, social integration, cultural literacy, sustainability and empathy. All this while being thoroughly enjoyable excursions that make for memories of a lifetime.
- Curriculum-aligned, Purpose-driven design: Our Learning Journey Tours are clearly aligned to meet MOE learning outcomes, National Education themes, and Character & Citizenship Education objectives. Each journey is thoughtfully structured to support critical learning, reflection and the feeling of belongingness.
- Fully Customisable: We work alongside staff from different schools and universities across disciplines to plan and facilitate compelling, engaging and educational experiences for all age-groups, right up to University levels. Each Learning Journey is thoughtfully curated and can be tailored for persons with disabilities.
With over 200+ 5-star reviews, Culture Curious is the go-to choice in Singapore for authentic, culturally relevant and meaningful experiences that last a lifetime. Book now to craft an outstanding Learning Journey for your cohort.