Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Twenty Chinese tourists claim they were left stranded by their bus driver on Race Course Road in Singapore last week after they refused to purchase souvenirs from him. The tourists conveyed that the incident occurred after they declined to buy the items the driver offered. A TikTok video shows the group arguing with the driver while standing on the road with their luggage.
According to reports, the incident took place around noon on August 16 in Singapore’s Little India district. The tourists were visiting local temples as part of a 10-day tour across Southeast Asia. The tour had been arranged by a Chinese travel agency, but the tourists were not accompanied by a representative from their home country.
The driver started to become angry when they refused to buy the souvenirs he was selling. According to a report by Asia One, the tourist asked for an apology, but the driver refused, then berated the group, unloaded their bags, and drove off, leaving them stranded for four hours.
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The tourists later filed a complaint with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, which confirmed the incident and sent a bus to assist the stranded group. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has since announced an investigation into the matter and has pledged to take action if the driver is found guilty.
“STB does not tolerate any behavior that disrespects or endangers tourists. We will not hesitate to take action against operators involved in poor tourism practices,” the board stated, as quoted by The New Paper.
“We are committed to maintaining Singapore’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for all visitors,” they added.
Tourists are not Forced to Buy Souvenirs and Left Stranded
Some reporters also spotted several similar looking tour buses taking tourists to restaurants along Race Course Road. One bus driver, who declined to be named, said the driver in the video who left tourists stranded is indeed his colleague.
He explained that drivers sometimes sell souvenirs to passengers for extra cash, and the agencies are aware of this practice.
“We sell small items that only cost a few dollars, and we don’t force tourists to buy them,” he stated.
“Some of the bags we handle can weigh up to 50 kg, and we don’t take tips for handling their luggage. If visitors refuse to purchase souvenirs, we will accept that. There’s no need to scold people.”
The owner of a nearby restaurant stated that the argument started after the 20 tourists had lunch there. When they went back to the restaurant to wait for their ride, his staff brought them drinks and ice cream. Not long after, another bus arrived to pick them up.
(Raidi/Agung)
