Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail

Being the 7th project by HDB (Housing Development Board), Ang Mo Kio has been able to avoid several pitfalls experienced earlier by places like Toa Payoh and others (example - Tiong Bahru and Queenstown). By the time HDB got to Ang Mo Kio, they already had a wealth of experience - and therefore, things were much better in many areas.

But try as they did, no one has been able to really tell how the name “ANG MO KIO” come about. Most of us know that it was once farmland, with several villages spread all over. Each had their own favored “pet names”, depending on the locality.

Ang Mo Kio has been loosely associated with tomatoes…. But it is a well-known fact that tomatoes don’t dwell too well at a place like Singapore, let alone Ang Mo Kio. It is also said, it could have referred to an Ang Mo Lang (loosely translated as “a Caucasian” in Hokkien), referring to John Turnbull Thomson. Thomson Road, Upper Thomson Road were named in his honor for the many works he has done for Singapore during the early years.

To many of our Pioneer and Merdeka citizens, it doesn’t really matter if it is a tomato or John Turnbull Thomson. It could well have been a bridge too, for early settlers here had to cross 9 bridges when travelling from Lorong Chuan to Thomson Road or vice versa. The 9 bridges over the river were often referred to as “Kow Tiou Kio”, thus adding to the mayhem of naming a place! This is an interesting walk through the heartland of Singapore.

The Ang Mo Kio HDB estate was developed during the reign of ferocious upgrading programs – and it also coincided with the reign of pirated VHS tapes and the burgeoning video industry. The newly built several cinemas fought a ferocious fight with the video industry. Eventually, both lost. We’ll discuss the trials and tribulation of pirated video tapes versus the high-class membership video rental industry.

We meet at Ang Mo Kio MRT, 9am on the 19th October 2025. This tour ends at the very bridge which could be the reason why Ang Mo Kio was name as such. This bridge, (Kio - Hokkien) was built by an Ang Mo Lang (Caucasian - probably referring to John Turnbull Thomson), who was very instrumental in developing Singapore during his time. From this “bridge”, we’ll take a bus to either Upper Thomson MRT or Springleaf MRT. Both stations have excellent eateries!!

Note:

• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour. Tipping guide as follows: $20 for a satisfactory guide, $20+ for a guide who exceeds expectations, and $30 for an outstanding guide.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and no-shows.
• Call or message Uncle Chris at +65 91814298 for corporate, private, or student bookings.

Do not sign up for this tour if you are not sure of your schedule. Please understand this method of booking platform can only perform its best with your full sincerity. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule. We look forward to your graciousness and generosity!