Stretching 3.2 kilometers from King Seng Bridge into the Marina Bay, the Singapore River sits at the very lifeblood of Singapore, historically fueling key trading and commerce activities that bring the nation into where it is today.
Strolling across historic bridges, you will uncover key monuments and decorated shophouses now housing world-class dining, waterholes and entertainment. There are also detailed art installations charting the course of Singapore’s evolution.
For those short in time, taking a Singapore River Cruise from Clarke Quay would allow you a glimpse into the highlights of Singapore River.
[Image Credit: nextvoyage]
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Completed in 2002 at the site of a former hawker centre named the Satay Club, Esplanade’s unique design of spiky roof domes is modeled after the iconic durian fruit. Its concert hall can sit 1,600 people and its theatre 2,000 pax.
For lovers of outdoor arts, be on the lookout for sculptures of Makan Angin, Happy Family of Five and Seeds.
1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Esplanade Park
Built in 1943, this is one of Singapore’s oldest parks. Historical landmarks include Esplanade Park Memorials, Indian National Army Memorial, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Cenotaph, Tan Kim Seng Fountain and Lim Bo Seng Memorial.
As you approach the mouth of the river, you will notice the 24 Hours in Singapore stainless steel spheres, as well as sculptures named From Chettiars to Financiers and A Great Emporium.
Along Connaught Drive, 179682
Cavenagh Bridge
Singapore’s only suspension bridge was opened in 1869 to celebrate the nation’s new Crown colony of the Straits Settlements status. It was also previously named the Edinburgh Bridge to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh. Today, it is the oldest bridge in Singapore to exist in its original form. There are numerous sculpture works such as a family of cats.
Arriving on the other side of the river, you will be greeted by sculptures of First Generation, Kucinta and The River Merchants.
Just adjacent to Cavenagh Bridge is Anderson Bridge, a national monument known for its steel construction in 1909 as a marked departure from Cavenagh Bridge’s use of cast iron.
1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
The Fullerton Hotel
The waterfront hotel has its beginning in 1928 as the former General Post Office before its reincarnation as a hotel in 2001. It was gazetted in 2015 as a national monument.
1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
Merlion Park
Originally sitting at the mouth of the Singapore River in 1972, the 8.6-metre tall and 70-tonne Merlion was moved in 2002 to retain unobstructed waterfront view. Merlion represents Singapore’s symbolism as the Lion City, so said by urban legend that Sang Nila Utama spotted a lion upon landing on this island. Its fish-like body is a reference to Singapore’s ancient heritage as Temasek, which translates to “Sea Town” in Javanese language.
1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049213
[Image Credit: Zairon]
Raffles Place
While most walkers would probably continue directly to Boat Quay, lovers of outdoor arts can make a slight detour to discover the modern art installations in Singapore’s financial district.
Along Collyer Quay slightly after the historic Clifford Pier and Customs House, stop at Pembungaan bronze mural. Further down the road you will see Progressive Flow and just opposite the street, the stainless steel spheres called Tall Tree in the Eye.
Continue to One Raffles Quay area where you will find Tropical Leaf marble sculpture courtesy of artist Han Sai Por, before grabbing a quick bite at Lau Pa Sat, the only survivor of the five markets serving downtown residents.
Marvel at the 56 grey steel tubes of above below beneath above in CapitaGreen before stopping at Republic Plaza’s Harmony silver sculpture. Just outside Raffles Place MRT, you will find Pioneering Spirit (Vitality of the Forerunner), All the Essentially Essential, Struggle for Survival, Dual Universe and Points of View.
Raffles Place, Singapore
Boat Quay
Once the busiest part of the old Port of Singapore, the conserved shophouses have now turned into a bustling dining district with bars, pubs and restaurants. Unique eateries here include the Lebanese Cedar Grill, Chinese speakeasy The Dragon Chamber, bite-sized Dumpling Darlings and oyster bar at the rooftop of Southbridge.
You will also pass by Elgin Bridge, gazetted as a national monument in 2019. First built circa 1925-1929 and named after former diplomat James Bruce, 8th Early of Elgin, this was the first permanent bridge linking the Downtown Core with the Singapore River Planning Area. Its use of reinforced concrete further marks the evolution from Cavenagh and Anderson bridges.
Other interesting stops in the backstreets of Boat Quay include OCBC Centre’s Large Reclining Figure and the traditional Teochew-styled Yueh Hai Ching Temple.
Boat Quay, Singapore
Old Hill Street Police Station
Crossing the historical Coleman Bridge, make a stop at the old police station.
Built as the largest government building back to house 280 staff in 1934, it continued to serve as a home for the police force until 1980. Today, it is known for its colorful windows while housing both the Ministry of Communications and Information, as well as the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Its inner courtyard is marked by a Big Bang sculpture.
140 Hill St, Singapore 179369
Clarke Quay
While Boat Quay was the commercial centre during the founding of Singapore, Clarke Quay once served as the warehouses. The rejuvenated Clarke Quay received over 2 million visitors yearly and has won various awards, including the 2007 Cityscape Architectural Review Award, Cityscape Asia Awards and Best Waterfront Development in 2008.
Today, this area is bustling with floating pubs, restaurants, G-Max Adrenaline Bungy and the famous night clubs of Zouk and F.Club x Attica SG (or the more underground Headquarters). If you enjoy watering holes with great music, there is Crazy Elephant for rock and roll hits and Cuba Libre for Latin music.
There are also hints of heritage if you squint to find River House, The Cannery and Whampoa’s Ice House. Or check out the Peranakan bites at Violet Oon Satay and Bar.
Before leaving, make sure you cross the Read Street bridge to the other side to photograph the Clarke Quay landscape.
3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024
[Image Credit: Erwin Soo]
Former Thong Chai Medical Institution
Constructed in the style of a southern Chinese palace in 1892, the institution once provided complimentary Traditional Chinese Medicine to the community. Make sure to check out the quaint exterior and courtyard.
50 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059803
Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka
Singapore’s oldest mosque dates back to 1820 right here, just one year after the British set up a trading post here. Listed as a historic site in 2001, the mosque can accommodate 1,000 devotees.
10 Keng Cheow St, Singapore 059607
Former Ministry of Labour Building
Now the Family Justice Courts, it was first built in neo-classical style with a hint of Art Deco geometric motifs.
3 Havelock Square, Singapore 059725
Tan Si Chong Su
Translating to the Ancestral Hall of the Tan Clan, this building is linked to the influx of Chinese immigrants to Singapore circa 19th century. Inside there is a Po Chiak Keng temple dedicated to chief deity Chen Sheng Wan who was credited for developing the Southern China towns of Zhangzhou and Chaozhou. Drawing from traditional Hokkien architecture, its roofs bear intricate sculptures of dragons, flowers and animals.
15 Magazine Road, Singapore 059568
Robertson Quay
Cross the Clemenceau Bridge into the Robertson Quay area.
The largest of the three wharfs is also its most tranquil and classy. If you are looking for al fresco dining, wine bars and art houses, this is the spot to check out. From Publico Ristorante‘s Italian fares and authentic Australian cuisine at Boomarang, to Shabestan‘s Persian bites and Indian favorites at Salaam Bombay, there is something to suit everyone’s taste palate.
Make sure to check out STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery known for its experimental approach to print and paper. If you fancy some quiet time, walk along Kim Seng Park or cross the historic Alkaff Bridge for a stroll across the greens on the other side of Robertson Quay.
Robertson Quay, Singapore
What are your favorite stops along the scenic Singapore River?
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