See & Do
Singapore River
Arranged into Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, the river district was once the site of Singapore’s earliest trading activities, and now hosts some of its finest dining activity.
Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, the city state’s newest and most impressive museum which traces the history of the region’s different cultural groups, with particular attention paid to Singapore’s Malay, Chinese and Indian roots. Stop for a drink either at Empress Place to enjoy the view of Boat Quay and the high towers across the water, or in the Arts House, once the first House of Parliament. Walk past the attractive Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, built in 1862 – once a town hall, it’s now a venue for shows from Rent to Buena Vista Social Club. Note the original bronze work, cast by Thomas Woolner and unveiled on the Padang in 1887, in front of the theatre. Cross the historic Cavenagh Bridge, the oldest bridge in the country and only the second suspension bridge here. Built in 1869, it still sports an original sign forbidding cattle to cross. Carry on to the fabulous Fullerton, once a post office and now a landmark hotel owned by the Far East Group. At night, especially when a breeze is up, this is one of Singapore’s most magical and evocative walks.
Turn right, and walk towards Boat Quay, taking time to enjoy the brass People of the River sculptures that adorn both sides of the river: the five boys jumping into the water, Kucinta cats and the Chinese man and his workers talking to the colonial trader. Each gives a sense of the old life of the river. There are also modern art statues to be seen.
Next, hop into a bumboat to take a tour of the remainder of the river. You’ll pass under the Anderson, Elgin and Coleman bridges and follow the curve of the river around to Robertson and Clarke Quay. Clarke Quay is now the new hotspot for nightlife and entertainment, and regularly features new arrivals like Ministry of Sound and Crazy Horse. Robertson Quay at the furthest end of the river was once used to store goods. Now some of the old godowns function as clubs (like Zouk), restaurants, hip hotels and outdoor bars. Also worth a look whilst here is the Singapore Tyler Print Institute. As the boat ride loops back on the same course, try and take it past The Fullerton and out to sea – passing the mythical Merlion spitting water at Esplanade Park.
Residential
Although the river district was once the place where Singaporeans worked, lived and played, there’s very little now in the way of residential or retail space. The Riverwalk apartments next to Boat Quay are the exception.
Retail
The new Central development at Clarke Quay will provide more upscale retail and residential options, and boost the area’s tourist appeal and nightlife.
Places of Interest
The best place to start and finish a walking and boat tour of the area is at the river mouth, at 1 Empress Place where the marble statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, marks the spot where he first set foot in Singapore on 29 January 1819.
Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, the city state’s newest and most impressive museum which traces the history of the region’s different cultural groups, with particular attention paid to Singapore’s Malay, Chinese and Indian roots. Stop for a drink either at Empress Place to enjoy the view of Boat Quay and the high towers across the water, or in the Arts House, once the first House of Parliament. Walk past the attractive Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, built in 1862 – once a town hall, it’s now a venue for shows from Rent to Buena Vista Social Club. Note the original bronze work, cast by Thomas Woolner and unveiled on the Padang in 1887, in front of the theatre. Cross the historic Cavenagh Bridge, the oldest bridge in the country and only the second suspension bridge here. Built in 1869, it still sports an original sign forbidding cattle to cross. Carry on to the fabulous Fullerton, once a post office and now a landmark hotel owned by the Far East Group. At night, especially when a breeze is up, this is one of Singapore’s most magical and evocative walks.
Turn right, and walk towards Boat Quay, taking time to enjoy the brass People of the River sculptures that adorn both sides of the river: the five boys jumping into the water, Kucinta cats and the Chinese man and his workers talking to the colonial trader. Each gives a sense of the old life of the river. There are also modern art statues to be seen.
In Boat Quay, stop for an ale at Harry’s, the closest bar to the Financial District and once rogue trader Nick Leeson’s favourite watering hole. Continue along Boat Quay past the two and three-storey shophouses and cobbled paths. Now restaurant-central, these were once the homes and offices of the original Singapore traders. It may be touristy, but the river scene is still an evocative reminder of those often tough times.
Next, hop into a bumboat to take a tour of the remainder of the river. You’ll pass under the Anderson, Elgin and Coleman bridges and follow the curve of the river around to Robertson and Clarke Quay. Clarke Quay is now the new hotspot for nightlife and entertainment, and regularly features new arrivals like Ministry of Sound and Crazy Horse. Robertson Quay at the furthest end of the river was once used to store goods. Now some of the old godowns function as clubs (like Zouk), restaurants, hip hotels and outdoor bars. Also worth a look whilst here is the Singapore Tyler Print Institute. As the boat ride loops back on the same course, try and take it past The Fullerton and out to sea – passing the mythical Merlion spitting water at Esplanade Park.
