KNOW SINGAPORE: Singapore River

Wikipedia : “At one time, Singapore River was the very lifeblood of the colony, the trade artery, the centre of commercial activity, the heart of entrepot trade and the place which was frequented by the secret socities, the swaylos (Cantonses for coolies who worked on a boat) and the coolies who worked for the philanthrospist Tan Tock Seng at Ellenborough Market and the towkay (Hokkien for business owner) Tan Kim Seng who was busy filling his godown with the riches of the East.”

Singapore River holds a significant historical importance. Today, the Singapore River has become an attractive tourist and leisure spot. Its major attractions include museums, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, restaurants, entertainment spots, retail shop houses, river cruises and the mouth of the River was guarded by Singapore’s famous icon, the Merlion. Landmarks like Singapore Flyer, Esplanade, CBD Office Buildings, City Hall, hotels form attractive backdrops of the Singapore River.

Choose to take a walk or dine along the banks of the river, visit the attractions, take photographs of the scenic background or ride along the river onboard the bumboats, glass-top boats, Duck Tours and Hippo River Cruise.