No matter how you dress it, the name of the travel game is Getting Around. When visiting a new place, some prefer to zip between major sites, some beeline to a great spot to lounge, while others opt to wander – everyone wants to walk their walk as if a local.
Indie Singapore is a travel startup that provides walking tours of Singapore, hosted by locals. Take a private, guided stroll along a route of your choosing or take advantage of the young outfit’s FREE walking tours.
Seasoned travelers know that there’s no substitute for the perspective and color a local’s view adds to a trip. Seeing a place on the ground with a resident is the only way to truly taste what it’s like to know a place. Wei, founder of Indie Singapore, tells us more:
What’s your company about? What do you do? Who are your customers?
We are essentially a travel experience company. Our tours (guided by locals) grew out of our love for this country – and a desire to share this with others by showing Singapore as seen through our eyes. We are also looking into using social media and new technology (GPS, phone apps, augmented reality games) to create a unique experience for all our guests. We hope to cater an unforgettable experience to all travelers visiting Singapore, regardless of budget.
What’s the greatest thing about your company/website? Why is it better than the competition?
Well… most of our products are Free for the end user. At the moment, we are the only free walking tour that is offered in Singapore. Also, we are trying out the integration of new media with tours, which is something that has yet to be done [here].
What was your first computer? How old were you when you first got on the world wide web?
A 486. I got the computer store to put it together when I was 13, and I never looked back.
What time do you usually start work each day? How many hours a day do you usually work?
9am. Anywhere from 20 minutes to 20 hours. 10 hours is the norm.
When’s the last time you went on vacation and where did you go?
2 years ago. I travelled around the world for 2 years with my wife.
When do your best ideas come to you?
Just before downing my first pint of the night.
How many people did you start the company with and how many people work for you now?
I started as a one-man army, and now my team consists of 4 other like-minded individuals.
A lot of people have big ideas. What gave you the confidence to actually go after yours?
So as not to be stuck in the Rat Race and…. I want to punch a hole in the universe and leave my mark.
Remember the early days of starting up? Describe the struggles you went through.
Not knowing if this idea will actually take off or it is just a pipe dream.
How do you handle frustration? What has been your biggest professional frustration?
Getting people to buy into an idea that had not been tried out before.
What’s your office environment like? Do you listen to music? Watch movies? Play video games?
Music blasting in the background. Clichéd, but “Eye of the Tiger” is on constant repeat.
How do you picture your company in 5 years?
Biggest and most successful tour operator in Singapore, and starting expansion into Southeast Asia and Asia.
Who or what inspires YOU? Role models? Quotes? Running? Video games? Snack food?
Leonardo Da Vinci and Bruce Lee…. to create a niche that has not existed before.
How’d you fund this venture?
Self-funded for now.
Three people (other than you) we should follow on Twitter?
Where else can our readers find you online?
