Hiring a private tour guide in Singapore: what to know
A private guide shows you Singapore at your own pace, tells you the stories behind the sights and takes you to the right food stalls. In Singapore, guiding tourists for pay is a licensed job, so it pays to know what to look for. Here is how it works, from our own licensed guides.
Only licensed guides may guide for pay
Under Singapore law, anyone who guides tourists in person for payment must hold a Tourist Guide Licence from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Guides pass a training course and an exam on Singapore’s history, culture and places. You can ask for the licence number before you book, and STB lists every licensed guide in the tourist guide directory of its TRUST system.
A guide who also drives you (a driver-guide) needs a private-hire vehicle driver’s licence (PDVL) too, and the car must have commercial insurance. Meet the people behind our tours on our guides page.
Walking guide, driver-guide or a car with a driver?
| Choice | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Walking guide, by the hour | Heritage quarters and food | Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and hawker centres on foot, with the MRT or a taxi between areas |
| Private car tour with a driver-guide | Families, older travellers, hot days, short stays | Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned car and many sights in 4 or 8 hours |
| Car hire with a driver | Your own plan, no talk needed | A driver who takes you where you ask, but who does not guide |
- Private Licensed Guide by the Hour (3 hours, walking): Your own licensed Singapore tourist guide for 3 hours on foot. You choose the places; your guide plans the route. (3 hours, S$150 per group of up to 6 guests)
- Half-Day Private City Tour by Car: Singapore’s must-sees in four easy hours: hotel pickup, a licensed guide who drives, and no waiting for buses in the heat. (4 hours, S$288 per group of up to 4 guests, private car included)
- Private Singapore Highlights with Driver-Guide: Hotel pickup in a private car with a licensed guide who drives — perfect for families. (6 hours, S$428 per group of up to 6 guests, private car included)
- Private Car Hire with Driver in Singapore (4 or 8 hours): Your own car and driver for 4 or 8 hours: sightseeing, shopping, family visits or Jewel Changi, in the order you like. Sedan, MPV, Alphard or van, with hotel pickup. (4 hours, from S$188 per car)
What affects the price
- Hours: half-day tours are about 4 hours, full days about 8.
- Car or on foot: a tour with a car and a driver-guide costs more than a walk, but covers much more ground.
- Group size: private tours are priced per group, not per person; bigger groups need a bigger car.
- Language: most guides speak English, and many speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Malay as well.
- Extras: entrance tickets and meals are usually not included, so check before you book.
Six questions to ask before you book
- Is the guide licensed by the Singapore Tourism Board, and what is the licence number?
- Which language will the guide speak?
- What is included: hotel pickup, entrance tickets, water, meals?
- How many guests and bags fit in the car?
- Can we change the order of the stops on the day?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Tip: Coming off a cruise ship or between flights? Ask for a tour that starts at the cruise terminal or at Changi arrivals and brings you back in good time.
- Cruise Shore Excursion: Singapore Highlights by Private Car: Made for cruise guests: your licensed driver-guide meets you at the cruise terminal, shows you Singapore’s highlights and brings you back in good time for your ship. (4 hours, S$368 per group of up to 4 guests, private car included)
- Changi Layover Tour by Private Car: A long wait between flights? Your driver-guide meets you at arrivals, shows you Singapore and brings you back to Changi in good time. (4 hours, S$358 per group of up to 4 guests, private car included)
Our guides
Every Ugkstour guide holds an STB tourist guide licence, and our driver-guides hold a PDVL. Our guides speak English, and many also speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Malay or Bahasa Indonesia. Choose the language when you book. Want something different? Tell us what you like and a licensed guide plans a custom tour with a price.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licensed guide in Singapore?
If you pay someone to guide you, yes: only licensed tourist guides may guide tourists for payment. A licensed guide also knows the history, the rules at temples and the best food stalls.
Can a taxi or private-hire driver be my guide?
A driver can take you around, but only a licensed tourist guide may give you a guided tour for payment. A driver-guide holds both licences.
How much does a private guide cost in Singapore?
It depends on the hours and whether a car is included. Private tours are priced per group, and each tour page shows the live price and how many guests it takes.
Can the guide pick us up at our hotel?
Yes. Our car tours include hotel pickup. Layover tours start at Changi arrivals and cruise tours start at the cruise terminal.