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What You Need to Know About the Singapore River Bumboat Cruise

Ever felt like you need to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, but like – not too far away? Get on a bumboat with the Singapore River Cruise and learn about Singapore’s history and modernity all at once!

READ ALSO: Important Things to Consider When Visiting Singapore for the First Time

On this historic waterway, Bumboats remind the locals and tell the visitors of Singapore’s rustic appeal even in this modern age. For more than two decades, the Singapore River Cruise (SRC) has been protecting the heritage of this significant river. Its bumboats have become an icon of the river for both visitors and locals.

Singapore River Bumboat Cruise: Here’s how to Plan Your Next Adventure!

During the nation’s colonial period, the Singapore River was a flourishing commercial hub, with godowns stocked with goods lining the waterway’s quays and flotillas of bumboats plying their trade.

These wooden boats, also known as tongkang (sea-going barges), were used to move products along the Rochor, Kallang, and Singapore rivers from the 19th to the 20th centuries.

Singapore River Cruise has been preserving this aspect of the city’s history since 1987, allowing visitors to explore modern Singapore from the back of a bumboat.

This spectacular trip, known as ‘The Singapore River Experience—A Tale of Two Quays,’ encapsulates Singapore past and modernity in one activity, spanning the landmark districts of Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay.

Explore the fascinating history of the Raffles Landing site, marvel at the towering futuristic design of Marina Bay Sands, and learn about the river that gave life to this thriving city.

The Singapore River – Where it All Began

The Lion City’s history is inextricably linked to that of the Singapore River, from its beginnings as a fishing village known as Temasek to its function as a trade port under the British Empire.

Sir Stamford Raffles, the creator of modern Singapore, first set foot on the island at the river’s mouth, and it was here that Prince Sang Nila Utama first beheld the mythical lion after which our city is called.

During the colonial era, the Singapore River grew into a thriving commercial hub, with dock hands toiling along its dusty banks and flotillas of boats docked along its three quays.

The Singapore River is now a popular nightlife and tourism destination, with busy bars, unique cafes, and legendary clubs sprawled throughout Robertson Quay, Boat Quay, and Clarke Quay.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting

To buy tickets, which cost S$25 for adults and S$15 for children aged 3 to 12, go to the Clarke Quay Jetty River Cruise ticketing station, which is located opposite the GX 5 Extreme Swing & Trampoline Bungy. Alternatively, you can buy your tickets at any of the ticketing booths located along the Singapore River.

The entire voyage lasts 40 minutes, and tourists can exit at any of the 13 jetties to explore, however they should be aware that doing so will end their excursion.

What to Expect from the River Cruise

It is recommended that you start your bumboat excursion in the late afternoon or after twilight to catch the sunset over the river or the spectacular lights of the city’s metropolitan nightscape.

While you can board the bumboat tour at any point along the river, first-timers are advised to begin their journey at Clarke Quay and use the GX 5 Extreme Swing & Trampoline Bungy as a marker. At night, the neighborhood comes alive with busy pubs and fashionable nightclubs.

Alternatively, you can begin your adventure at one of the Singapore River Cruise’s jetties, which are as follows:

• Bayfront South Jetty
• Boat Quay Jetty
• Clarke Quay Jetty
• Esplanade Jetty
• Fullerton Jetty
• Merlion Park Jetty
• Promenade Jetty
• Read Bridge Jetty

The soaring skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD) loom over old shophouses that have been given a new lease on life along the Boat Quay area, creating a cityscape that is a study in contrasts and monument to Singapore’s unique culture.

You’ll undoubtedly notice a white marble statue honoring Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, as you walk by the Raffles Landing Site. Another landmark from Singapore’s past is just around the corner: the magnificent Fullerton Hotel, which opened in 1928.

If you visit at night, you will be greeted by the brilliant lights of the Marina Bay district as you go past Merlion Park.

You’ll be treated to spectacular views of Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum on one side, and the durian-like building Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay on the other, from the back of the bumboat.

You would have seen all of the tour’s highlights by this point. Feel free to return to Clarke Quay or to explore any of these three districts at your leisure.

There’s so much history linked to the famed Singapore River, which, as they say – is where it all began. From a small fishing village to a now-booming commercial district at the heart of Asia, this river is bound to give anyone, whether locals or foreigners, a magical “blast to the past” not too far away from the city’s bright lights and fast-paced city life.

If it’s your first time visiting, be sure to see the beauty in the hidden, less explored parts of countries such as sunny Singapore. You can take our word for it – you’ll thank us later! It’ll be all worth it.

If you’re planning to give this river cruise a try, do let us know what you plan to do. And if you’ve already been and are revisiting this spot for the nth time, do share some of your most memorable experiences as well as tips on how to enjoy this unique river adventure, especially for first-timers, by leaving a comment in the section below. We’d love to hear from you!!

Singapore River Boat Cruise

Address: 3E River Valley Road (beside G-Max Reverse Bungy), Singapore 179024

Website : https://rivercruise.com.sg/

Tel No : (65) 6336 6111

Email : [email protected]

Google Map Location:

Disclaimer : Be sure to check out the Singapore River Cruise website for updates and the availability of the cruise services compliant with government restrictions concerning the COVID-19 situation in the country.

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Singapore River Cruise

A Singapore River Cruise is a breathtaking way to see the sights aboard a comfortable bumboat as you cruise along the famous heritage river and Marina Bay.

Because it’s one of the most enjoyable activities in the city, it’s no surprise that the cruise is not only popular among tourists but also locals.

Singapore River Cruise, Ticket Price, Route Map & Schedule, Clarke Quay

The bumboats used were once the primary transportation method for transporting cargo during the early days of Singapore . With the river cruises , you can now experience what it’s like to ride on these historic boats, which originated from Europe in the 1600s.

Some of the highlights you’ll see aboard the cruise include the Raffles Landing Site, Merlion, Singapore Flyer , Boat Quay, Marina Bay, and Clarke Quay. Day and night boat tours are available.

Daytime tours are ideal if you’d like to unwind with the breeze in your hair. On the other hand, night tours are romantic and rejuvenating; a great choice especially if Singapore weather is extremely hot during the day. Both options provide you with live commentary.

If you’re in Singapore during the Spectra at Marina Bay Sands at night, choosing a river cruise around this time is highly recommended. The Singapore River Cruise costs $25 for adults and $15 for children. Tours depart at 9am through 11pm daily, with the last boat leaving at 10:30pm.

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Exploring Singapore’s Iconic River Cruise Routes

Discover the magic of Singapore’s waterways as we take you on a journey through its most iconic river cruise routes. From the historic Clarke Quay to the stunning Marina Bay Sands, explore the heart of the city from a unique perspective while enjoying the comfort and luxury of our river cruises.

Captivating Waterfront Landmarks

WaterB Singapore River Cruise takes you on an unforgettable journey, offering stunning vistas of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks. Setting sail from Clarke Quay, passengers are treated to picturesque views of the Merlion Park, where the mythical creature stands majestically against the city skyline, symbolizing Singapore’s humble origins as a fishing village.

Immersive Historical Narratives

What sets our Singapore River cruise apart is its commitment to storytelling. As our boat glides along the tranquil waters, knowledgeable guides share captivating narratives, unravelling the river’s history. From tales of early settlers and colonial trading posts to Singapore’s transformation into a bustling metropolis, passengers are transported through time, gaining insights into the city’s evolution.

Vibrant Quayside Culture

The cruise gracefully navigates through vibrant quaysides, such as Boat Quay and Robertson Quay, offering passengers a glimpse into Singapore’s pulsating nightlife and dining scene. WaterB Singapore River Cruise encourages passengers to disembark and explore these bustling areas, inviting them to indulge in waterfront dining, visit art galleries, or experience live entertainment.

Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

WaterB Singapore River Cruise is dedicated to sustainable practices, employing eco-friendly vessels and promoting environmental conservation. Passengers enjoy a remarkable cruise experience and contribute to preserving the natural beauty of Singapore’s waterways for future generations.

Tailored Cruise Experiences

WaterB Singapore River Cruise offers a range of tailored experiences, catering to diverse preferences. Whether it’s a leisurely daytime sightseeing cruise a themed cruise or gourmet dining options, there’s an experience to suit every passenger’s needs.

Beyond being a mere mode of transport, our river cruise is an experiential journey that encapsulates the essence of Singapore’s history, culture, and scenic beauty. For those seeking an immersive exploration of Singapore’s iconic river routes, WaterB Singapore River Cruise promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of this vibrant city-state.

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Singapore river cruise Guide: All you need to know before visiting

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One of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences that most travelers look forward to is going on a river cruise. Still, boats have always been a big part of Singapore’s economy, and you’ll get to see this for yourself while taking in the beautiful views along the waterfront.

One of the businesses that run tours and water taxis along the waterways of the Singapore River is called the Singapore River Cruise, and it is one of the firms that operate on those waters.

The trips are conducted in contemporary boats powered by electric motors, but they are disguised to seem like traditional bumboats (boats used in the region).

They go on a cruise along the Singapore River, during which they pass through Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay. In addition to that, it offers a brief tour of Marina Bay, which gives you the opportunity to see familiar elements of the city from a fresh perspective.

On this page, the rates for the tour may be viewed for your convenience. Some of the places where this company lets people stay are close to the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore Flyer, Boat Quay, Raffles Landing Site, Riverside Point, Liang Court, Robertson Quay, and Grand Copthorne Waterfront.

Those who want to know what the tour is like but don’t want to spend so much money or don’t have the time available can hop on a water taxi next to Merlion Park and cross the bay to the ArtScience Museum in the Marina Bay Sands complex – or travel in the opposite direction. This is an option for those who don’t have the time or money to take the full tour.

Ducktours is another firm that provides tours on the Singapore River, but with boats that have fewer themes.

Activities at Singapore river cruise:

• Witness the gorgeous edifice of Singapore when you come across the Fullerton, which was completed in 1928.
• Consider booking a bumboat tour in Singapore with the Singapore River Cruise.
• See the massive Esplanade, which houses the art center’s theatre.
• Explore a beam-structured bridge as you sail by the amazing splendor of the Read Bridge.
• Boat Quay, one of Singapore’s most beautiful quays, is a great place to take photos.
• Reach the boarding location, Clarke Quay, and be set for the exciting voyage for 40 minutes.
• Grab the opportunity to view the iconic construction of the Merlion in Singapore.
• The Bayfront, south of Singapore, is the next stop on your journey.

How to Reach Singapore River Cruise?

Here are 3 ways how you can get to Singapore River Cruise:

• When traveling by car or taxi, the distance from the City Center to Clarke Quay in Singapore is 12.7 kilometers (Roughly 8 miles) . This center may be reached from the primary city center in twenty minutes. A taxi or any of the public transportation options are also available to you once you reach the city center.
• You may easily reach Clarke Quay by bus by taking any of the following numbers: 147, 166, 197, 51, or 61 . These bus numbers go off your route.
• If you are traveling to Clarke Quay by train , you may easily get there by taking any of the following bus numbers: 132, 165, 166, 52, 162, or 167.

Singapore river cruise route Map:

Singapore River Cruise ticket Pricing:

• http://rivercruise.com.sg/
• https://www.ducktours.com.sg/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about the singapore river.

All kinds of sailing vessels, particularly those traveling the trade routes between India and China, were drawn to Singapore due to its status as a free port and its placement in a strategic position.

How long is the Singapore River cruise?

The entire ride lasts for 40 minutes.

Singapore River Cruise best time to visit?

The best time to visit the Singapore River Cruise is somewhere between 5 pm to 7 pm. As the temperature will be cool because of the sunset

The entire ride lasts for 40 minutes

Singapore River Cruise Timings:

• Monday-Thursday: 13:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Last admission: 21:00 PM

Where does the Singapore River cruise start and end?

The cruise departs at Clarke Quay, travels to Marina Bay where it will do a loop close to the Esplanade, and then returns to Clarke Quay. You are free to begin at either jetty and complete the activity at the same jetty. The cruise that lasts for 60 minutes includes the route that lasts for 40 minutes.

Singapore river cruise Address & Phone Number:

• Phone: +65 6336 6111
• Address: CLARK QUAY, JETTY, Singapore 058282

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SINGAPORE RIVER CRUISE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

The Singapore River Story

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Text by Alvin Chua MuseSG Volume 8 Issue 3 - Oct to Dec 2015

For centuries, people have shaped the singapore river with legends, stories and accounts ranging from the everyday to the fantastic, and in turn had their memories shaped by the river. The singapore river walk organically ties these elements together for an unforgettable experience of the river where it all started.

The question has been mused upon before, but remains pertinent. If the Singapore River could speak, what stories might it tell? Of the ancient majesty of Temasek, the earliest travellers from across the globe, the flocks of trading ships or the multitudes of immigrants looking to build a better life in nascent nineteenth-century Singapore?

The river has always fired the imagination: From the Orang Laut, venerating a rock in the river’s mouth shaped like a swordfish to avert misfortune when navigating the treacherous waters, to the enduring mystery of the yet-to-be deciphered Singapore Stone, through to the river’s renewal and redevelopment in the 1980s, symbolising the will and progress of modern Singapore.

In this light, the Singapore River Walk by National Heritage Board, launched on October 6 in 2015, is simply a manifestation of the ways in which we celebrate the river.

The trading settlement of Temasek, existent by the fourteenth century and attested to in Chinese and Javanese accounts as well as the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals), was located around the Singapore River. With its centuries-deep history, the river is archaeologically one of the richest areas on the island.

The latest excavation, conducted in 2015, found imperial-grade porcelain from the Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), artefacts from the earlier Song (960 to 1279) and Yuan (1271 to 1368) dynasties, Buddhist figurines and gold coins from regional polities.

In 1819, the British landed on the south bank of the river and founded a trading post, which grew into a settlement and gradually into the city of modern Singapore. The earliest British settlement paralleled the boundaries of old Temasek, a point noted by the second colonial Resident, John Crawfurd, as he explored the crumbling ancient city walls still evident in 1822.

Collyer Quay

In early colonial Singapore, the Collyer Quay area was something of an afterthought. The city centre was further up at the Singapore River and Raffles Place where trading houses, godowns and merchants clustered around the diverse goods ferried in by visiting vessels. Defined in relation to this hive of trading activity, Collyer Quay was a shoreline known in Hokkien as Tho kho au (Behind the godowns).

That all changed after 1864, when the shore was reclaimed and a seawall built even as the Singapore River was becoming congested with boat traffic. Within a few years, Collyer Quay was studded with shophouses and trading offices, out of which merchants scanned the sea for arriving ships with telescopes. The quay, named after Colonel George Chancellor Collyer of the Madras Engineers, was also the first sight of Singapore many immigrants took in from aboard their ships.

This paved the way for development on a grander scale in the early twentieth century, as neoclassical commercial buildings grew in tandem with the tides of commerce. Author and historian Julian Davison remembers: “Here were 1920s blockbusters: Ocean Building, the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, Union Building and the Fullerton Building, so mammoth because of their cutting edge, lighter reinforced concrete frames and artificial stone cladding. Brilliant from afar was the bank’s cathedral glass, where the female figure of Commerce reigned over ships... Flanking either end, the skyscrapers of Asia Insurance Building and the Bank of China were gigantic legs soaring to the clouds...” These developments presented an imposing waterfront vanguard and drew comparisons with Shanghai’s well-known Bund.

Today, colonial-era buildings that survived include the Fullerton Building (the former General Post Office, once “the most important post office in the east”, according to the Polish writer Joseph Conrad) and the former Asia Insurance Building.

In Collyer Quay, areas bestowed with conservation status today are Clifford Pier, Customs House, and Change Alley Aerial Plaza, which connects the pier area with Raffles Place.

Clifford Pier and Customs House

As a gateway for travellers and sailors, Clifford Pier was as colourful a place as you’d expect. Opened in 1933 to replace Johnston’s Pier (constructed in 1856), Clifford Pier continued the tradition of being lit with red beacons, as was the case with the previous pier.

This earned the pier and the surrounding area the colloquial name of Ang teng (red lamp in Hokkien) and equivalent names in Malay and Cantonese. The column-free Passenger Hall of the pier features Art Deco detailing, including ribbon-like arched trusses on the roof and stylised sunrays on the entrance arch.

A multitude of boats including tongkangs , twakows , jongs , sampans, bumboats and ferries thronged Clifford Pier, taking passengers to ocean-going vessels further offshore, other coastal parts of Singapore or to nearby islands. Shipping and insurance agents, suppliers, sailors and their families, as well as the call girls euphemistically referred to as ‘Coca-Cola girls’, also made their way onto ships via Clifford Pier.

This made for a bustling atmosphere, with stalls where coffee and teh tarik could be had for 10 cents and where your sup kambing might have been seasoned with illicit ganja.

Magdalene Boon remembers: “Sitting on a bench at Clifford Pier, watching the embarking and disembarking of human flotsam and jetsam, from the ever-busy sampans [and] motor launches, was the highlight of the week for me. I love the smell of the sea and listening to all the foreign tongues wagging accompanied by the frantic hand gestures. [It] never [failed] to amaze me [how] people communicate, be it illiterate or not!”

Until the 1970s, koleks and other traditional watercraft converged on Clifford Pier during festive occasions for regattas of boat races, displays of sailing skills and other games. Piloted by villagers from Pasir Panjang and outlying islands including Pulau Seking and Pulau Semakau, these boats and their adroit handlers represented a maritime heritage that stretched back centuries.

Ismail recalls: “There were so many types of different [handmade] Malay wooden boats all skillfully carved and painted with bright colours from the Southern Islands and even the Indonesian islands too. There was much rivalry!”

Next to Clifford Pier is Customs House, where the 300-strong Harbour Division of the Customs Department once kept watch over Singapore’s waterfront. From here, officers locked on to ship-to-shore smuggling of dutiable goods such as liquor and tobacco, and contraband including narcotics.

Of a more sinister nature was human trafficking — Geraldene Lowe remembered Customs officers telling stories of how “sampans would glide into Clifford Pier in the dead of night with special cargo — hot items were opium and girls!” To intercept the smugglers, Customs officers would patrol the waters with speedboats and launches.

Boat Quay was the vital artery that kept the famed entrepot trade of early Singapore owing, but things could have turned out very differently if the first British Resident William Farquhar had had his way. Farquhar favoured Kampong Glam for the location of the settlement’s business district, while Sir Stamford Raffles was determined to site the district around the Singapore River, even though most of the land there was swamp, unusable without major reclamation.

Raffles won the day in the debate, and what was to become Boat Quay and Raffles Place formed the site of Singapore’s first land reclamation project between 1822 and 1823. Labourers were paid one rupee a day to level the small hills, on which a number of huts occupied by Chinese planters stood, and fill in the surrounding swampland. The earth from the levelled hills was also used to create embankments around the river, creating Boat Quay, while the land formerly occupied by the hills became Commercial Square and later Raffles Place.

The riverine trade enabled by the development of Boat Quay grew rapidly, spawning evocative place names such as the crescent-shaped ‘Belly of the Carp’ stretch near the river mouth, and early merchant Alexander Laurie Johnston’s Tanjong Tangkap , advantageously located to snap up the most lucrative goods.

Raffles’ declaration of Singapore as a free port saw junks from China, Siam and Indochina arriving with silk, porcelain, rice and opium, while prahus from the Indonesian islands hauled in coffee, spices and gold dust, their merchandise displayed from the sides of their ships to attract the gaze of the merchants in their shophouses and godowns along Boat Quay. The captains made the trip home laden with ironware, opium, steel, guns, cotton and other goods.

Reminiscing about his childhood in the 1950s, Chia Hearn Kok says: “When the tide of the Singapore River was at its highest...you would find me joining the many boys playing in the flooded streets and swimming in the river. We would be in our short pants and bare-bodied...our heads were always above water because of the stench from the animal and human waste and the rubbish. One of our favourite antics was to catch a ride to the Elgin Bridge on the heavily loaded tongkangs [vessels] that plied the river by climbing on to the rubber tyres on their sides.”

Jenny Lum remembers a typical scene of the 1960s: “As my dad was a spice and rice merchant, we lived in Synagogue Street shophouses that have now all been demolished. When the goods arrived in the big tongkang , the head of coolies called the kepala will put a long wooden plank against the tongkang and the coolies will walk up the plank one at a time with a piece of cloth cushioning their shoulder and carry down one gunny sack at a time...they were being paid on the number of sacks cleared.”

Boat Quay’s days of river trade ended in the 1980s, and the river underwent an epic clean-up that involved multiple government agencies and the personal intervention of our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The river and its surrounding areas had been polluted from the days of colonial Singapore. Perhaps the earliest clean-up had occurred when Farquhar ordered the removal of hundreds of human skulls, the remains of the victims of ancient piracy, from the beaches.

By the 1980s, the waterway was choked with refuse, dead animals, food and industrial waste, with the inevitable accompanying stench. The 10-year clean-up saw the removal of pollutive trades around the river from Boat Quay to Robertson Quay, dredging of the banks and riverbed, and the clearance of tonnes of rubbish. Pre-war shophouses were conserved and Boat Quay is today a dining and nightlife destination.

Raffles Place, Change Alley and Market Street

Raffles Place stands today as the heart of Singapore’s financial district, a towering sweep of steel and glass monuments to the power of commerce. Known as Commercial Square before its renaming to honour Raffles in 1858, the area quickly assumed its role as a business hub, where merchants and ship captains flocked to for news, business intelligence and gossip.

As the commercial stakes grew ever higher, so did the buildings of offices, company headquarters and banks. They reach upwards, evolving into the familiar skyscrapers of the present. Some of the renowned buildings of the past included the Chartered Bank Building, where the Standard Chartered Bank Building now stands, the Mercantile Bank on the site of today’s Raffles Place Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, and the United Overseas Bank where UOB Centre currently is.

Raffles Place also catered to retail customers. Household name department stores Robinson’s and John Little both started here, while jewellers BP de Silva, textiler Gian Singh and the Honeyland Milk Bar were well-patronised. Paul Kuah recalls: “My siblings used to bring me down to Raffles Place in the 1960s to shop at Robinson’s and John Little. In those days, it was always a high point in my life and I recall the old Chartered Bank building, with the friendly Sikh security guard standing outside during the day and who would sleep on his charpoy in front of the bank’s door by night.”

Those were mainly upmarket establishments that stocked goods for European tastes. Away from the department stores, a bustling bazaar could be found at Change Alley between Raffles Place and Collyer Quay, with shops that thrived on bargaining. These drew locals, tourists and sailors, among others, with their diverse array of goods.

From the early 1800s, Market Street and Chulia Street held a significant Indian presence with migrants establishing trading firms, shops of all stripes, and eateries. The many kittangi (warehouse shops owned by the merchant financier Chettiars) on Market Street gained it the Tamil name of Chetty theruvu (Chettiar’s Street).

A Multi-faceted Walk

These storied sites are just a taste of the many locations to explore around the Singapore River. Included in the river walk are others like Clarke Quay with its former canneries, ice houses and godowns owned by towkays (wealthy businessmen) like Tan Tye and “Whampoa” Hoo Ah Kay. The trail also features the River House, one of only two traditional Chinese houses remaining in Singapore, and the former Thong Chai Medical Institution, where free medical treatment saved the lives of thousands of coolies.

The bridges that span the river, including Singapore’s oldest Cavenagh Bridge, paint a picture of changing times in their own right and warrant a visit. The walk also takes in Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka, the oldest mosque in Singapore, and Tan Si Chong Su Temple, which used to face the former river island of Pulau Saigon.

Explore these locales on the Singapore River Walk to encounter the lesser-known, but equally fascinating, places along the Singapore River, and you might just uncover another facet of an ever-evolving story.

The Singapore River Walk is adopted by American Express.

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Singapore River

• 2.1 By boat
• 2.2 On foot
• 3.1 Monuments
• 3.2 Museums
• 3.3 Historical buildings
• 3.4 Religious buildings
• 6.2 Mid-range
• 6.3 Splurge
• 7.1 Bars and pubs
• 7.3 Nightclubs
• 8.1 Mid-range
• 8.2 Splurge
• 9.1 Laundry

The Singapore River forms a central artery in Singapore 's densely packed Central Business District (CBD). The north bank of the river is where Raffles landed and founded his colony, and to this day many central government buildings can be found in the area. The newer south bank, laden with skyscrapers, is where Singapore's bankers make (or break) their fortunes. Between the two are the bulk of Singapore's nightspots, found along the riverside streets of Boat Quay , Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay .

Get in [ edit ]

The riverside is best accessed by the MRT stations Raffles Place (North-South/East-West Lines) for Boat Quay and the Merlion, City Hall for Raffles Hotel and Chijmes, and Clarke Quay (North-East Line) for the bars and nightlife. There is no convenient MRT station for the western end of the river though: you'll have to hike on foot for 15 minutes, try to work out the buses, or hop on a bumboat.

Get around [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

A popular way to see the heart of the city is with Singapore River Cruises . Stations are scattered along both banks of the river and reservations are not necessary. Prices start at $3 for a short ride.

On foot [ edit ]

The Esplanade/Merlion/Boat Quay area has some great views of Singapore and makes for a fine walk (or jogging trail if staying nearby). It can get quite hot during the day though; evenings are cooler and breezier, and the nighttime skyline is equally attractive.

See [ edit ]

The bulk of Singapore's historical attractions are packed by the river, and the best place to start your tour is at the mouth of the Singapore River. While this area has formed the downtown core of Singapore since the early 19th century, sadly, most of the once-iconic shophouses and street markets have given way to modern skyscrapers and shopping centres, and those who wish to experience a more authentic slice of colonial Singapore life would do well to head up north to the Malaysian island of Penang instead. Not all is lost though, and several important government buildings and places of worship dating back to the 19th century survive, and provide a rare glimpse into the city's colonial past.

Monuments [ edit ]

Museums [ edit ]

Historical buildings [ edit ]

Religious buildings [ edit ]

As the historical hub of Singapore, there is no shortage of religious buildings that date back to colonial times.

Parks [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

The entire Singapore river area is a lovely place for a walk, with small green gardens, old-style bridges and historical buildings, and the nightlife-rich expanse of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay.

If you'd like something a little more adrenaline-laden, head to Clarke Quay:

• 1.29042 103.84697 2 G-Max Reverse Bungy , 3E River Valley Rd ( Clarke Quay ), ☏ +65 6338 1146 . M-F 3PM-midnight, Sa Su noon-1AM . Get strapped in and flung upwards with a giant rubber band at 200km/h. $45 .  

Jogging along the Singapore River is the best way to combine sightseeing and a workout, but there are two other options right next to Raffles Place MRT if you're willing pay for the air-con.

• 1.2842 103.8511 3 Fitness First , 1 Raffles Place #06-00 ( OUB Centre ), ☏ +65 6534 4333 . M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa 7AM-7PM, closed Su hol . Compact little gym, but there's a rooftop swimming pool, two Jacuzzis and a tennis court. Day pass $40 .  
• 1.2842 103.8519 4 True Fitness , 30 Raffles Place #07-00 ( Caltex House ), ☏ +65-6438 3000 . M-F 6AM-11PM, Sa Su 8AM-6PM . Cavernous two-floor gym packed with equipment. Busy in the evenings, but come here in the afternoon or weekend and you'll have the place to yourself.  
• 1.27823 103.84824 5 Supersmooth , 144 Robinson Rd, Robinson Square Level 2 , ☏ +65 6221 2203 . M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 11AM-7PM . Spread over 279 m² in a charmingly restored shophouse, this day spa offers hair removal (IPL/AFT) for women and men, waxing and skin treatments, with jazz and bossanova playing in the background. ( updated Oct 2017 )

Try a Singapore Sling. Tourists typically head to the supposed birthplace at the Raffles Hotel's Long Bar (see #Drink section).

• 1.28876 103.84666 6 Ikeda Spa Prestige , 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #05-22 Clarke Quay Central, 059817 ( Clarke Quay MRT ), ☏ +65 6388 8080 , [email protected] . 1-10PM . Soak in Japanese Onsen or have a nice massage at Singapore's first traditional Japanese spa. Ask for your Japanese snacks after the treatment. ( updated Jun 2017 )

Buy [ edit ]

There are some shopping malls of interest around the City Hall MRT station, but serious shoppers will wish to head to Orchard Road for their shopping instead.

• 1.2836 103.8521 1 The Arcade , 11 Collyer Quay ( Next to Raffles Place MRT ). A small shopping mall in the heart of the financial centre. Consists mainly of small shops operated by individual owners, which are unique to the mall.  
• 1.2923 103.8545 2 CityLink Mall ( City Hall MRT ). For the novelty of an entirely underground mall that links the Riverside district to Suntec City and the Esplanade . You could go round in circles here if you don't pay attention, as the mall starts from City Hall MRT to Esplanade MRT and back again. Brace yourself for the human crush.  
• 1.2923 103.8508 3 Peninsula Plaza , 111 North Bridge Rd ( City Hall MRT ), ☏ +65 6332 0329 . A place where the Burmese like to gather for a good meal of authentic home cuisine. Also notable for its concentration of specialist camera stores.  
• 1.2939 103.8533 4 Raffles City , 252 North Bridge Rd ( City Hall MRT ), ☏ +65 6338 7766 . Daily 10AM-10PM . Large shopping mall directly above the City Hall MRT station. Notable for Jason's Supermarket in the basement, which has probably Singapore's largest selection of gourmet food items. Raffles City Shopping Centre covers most shopping bases, including fashion, books, music, sports, toys, eye wear and beauty stores. A haven for consumers looking for luxury items, it offers downtown shopping at its finest with a number of luxury and designer stores such as Omega, Thomas Sabo, Cortefiel, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Raffles City is also home to big department stores like Marks & Spencer and Robinsons, and fashion chains like Topshop, River Island, and Skyla. The mall also has a number of restaurants including modern Australian Double Bay and Brotzeit, and is connected to the Swissotel, home to the Equinox Restaurant and New Asia Bar.  

Eat [ edit ]

You're spoiled for choice when eating at the riverside. Prices tend to be slightly inflated by Singaporean standards, so avoid any place that needs to use touts to get customers.

The west end of the river (around Robertson Quay) houses a significant Japanese expat community, and consequently the Japanese restaurants nearby serve up some of the best fare this side of Tokyo . Peninsula Plaza , which is located across the road from St Andrew's Cathedral, is the favourite hangout spot for Singapore's Burmese community, and is thus the place to go for authentic Burmese food.

Budget [ edit ]

• 1.29221 103.85098 1 Komalas , 111 North Bridge Rd , ☏ +65 6333 5644 . Daily 8AM-10PM . McDonald's-style fast food, only they serve vegetarian Indian food on a banana leaf instead of burgers and fries. Worth a visit for the cognitive dissonance and good food, with massive meal sets under $5.  
• 1.289 103.8477 3 Song Fa Bak Kut Teh , 11 New Bridge Rd ( Clarke Quay MRT, opp Central ), ☏ +65 6533 6128 . Tu-Su 11AM-9PM . Popular bak kut teh specialist serving light, peppery Teochew-style pork rib soup, best eaten with salted vegetables ( mui choy ), dough fritters ( you tiao ) and rice. Usually packed, but service is fast. $6.50/bowl .  
• 1.29389 103.84222 4 Yong Bak Kut Teh , 233 River Valley Rd ( corner of Mohamed Sultan ). Well located for late-night snacks, this coffee shop serves up tasty KL -style dark, herbal pork rib soup. $5.30 for a bowl with rice and dough fritters.  
• 1.29668 103.85686 5 Sofra Turkish Café & Restaurant , 100 Beach Rd #02-42/44 ( Shaw Tower ), ☏ +65 6291 1433 . Somewhat localised but cheap and tasty Turkish treats. $10-20 .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 1.29226 103.85095 6 Inle Myanmar Restaurant , #B1-07 Peninsula Plaza, 111 North Bridge Rd , ☏ +65 6333 5438 . 11AM-10PM . This very authentic little eatery is run by and for Singapore's tiny Burmese community, many of whom are gem traders in the office block above. The food is an intriguing mix of Thai and Indian influences. Try the chicken curry weekday lunch set. $5-10 .  
• 1.29 103.84544 7 Señor Taco , Clarke Quay Store 01-12-D ( by the interior fountain square ). Excellent Mexican by Asian standards, with an inside restaurant area and a casual area under the canopy. $15-25 . ( updated Aug 2015 )

Splurge [ edit ]

The best places for a splurge with a view in the evening are Boat Quay , Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay , which have many riverside restaurants offering al fresco dining. However, especially on Boat Quay, avoid any restaurant that has to resort to touts to find customers.

• 1.29209 103.84285 8 Gyu-Kaku , 81A Clemenceau Ave #01-18/19 ( UE Square ), ☏ +65 6733 4001 . Stylish Japanese-style charcoal barbeque joint, with a vast selection of wagyu (Japanese beef) and side dishes. Vegetarians need not apply. $35 .  
• 1.2863 103.8529 9 Jade , 1 Fullerton Square ( Fullerton Hotel ), ☏ +65 6877 8188 . Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM, dinner 6:30-10:30PM, Sa Su dim sum noon-3PM . One of Singapore's best-regarded Chinese restaurants, dinner here can get very expensive indeed, but they're packed on Saturday and Sunday for one of the best deals in town: all you can eat gourmet dim sum made to order for $39, including soup, tea, and signature dishes like black ink squid dumplings and wasabi prawns. Reserve early. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 1.28928 103.84825 10 Jumbo Seafood , 20 Upper Circular Rd #B1-48 ( The Riverwalk ), ☏ +65 6534 3435 . Noon-3PM, 6-11:15PM . Well-located outlet of the popular seafood chain famed for their chilli crabs, a Singapore speciality. Jumbo has another central outlet at Riverside Point, just across the river from Clarke Quay. $50 . ( updated Oct 2017 )
• 1.2904 103.84483 11 Quayside Seafood Grill , Clarke Quay Block 3A , ☏ +65 6338 3195 . 3PM-midnight . One of the better places for Singaporean food on the Quays. The pepper crab here is good but a little pricey at $4/100g, which translates to $60-80 per critter. $50 . ( updated Oct 2017 )

Another good choice popular with the expat crowd is CHIJMES (30 Victoria St), the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, now an atmospheric assemblage of high-end food & beverage outlets near the Raffles Hotel.

• 1.29506 103.85149 12 Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria , 30 Victoria St #01-30 ( CHIJMES ), ☏ +65 6334 9332 . 6-11PM . A real Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue), where waiters walk around with skewers of South American beef and you can eat all the meat you want. churrascos , extensive salad bar, and there's a good selection of wines, cold beer and caipirinha , the Brazilian national drink made with sugar cane. $49 . ( updated Oct 2017 )
• 1.29524 103.85234 13 Lei Garden , 30 Victoria St #01-24 ( CHIJMES ), ☏ +65 6339 3822 . 11:30AM-3:30PM, 6-10:30PM . One of the most expensive Cantonese restaurants in town, this Hong Kong-based restaurant group serves high end cuisine with an emphasis on garoupa, lobsters, prawns, and other seafood. Popular when entertaining business guests, just hope you're not the one who gets stuck with the bill. $50 .  
• 1.29413 103.854 14 Prego , 80 Bras Basah Rd ( Fairmont Singapore 1F ), ☏ +65 6431 6156 . Singapore's largest Italian restaurant seating 320, it has a pizzeria, a deli, a wine bar, and the main restaurant. Good for their pastas and pizzas, the calamari rings, and mushroom soup is also good for a start. The tiramisu is another highlight. $40 .  

Drink [ edit ]

Singapore's nightlife is almost entirely concentrated near the river. The main party zones are Boat Quay , on the south of the river next to the financial district (MRT Raffles Place, exit G) and Clarke Quay on the north bank a few blocks inland (MRT Clarke Quay or Fort Canning). Less well known but also worth a look are Circular Road , parallel to Boat Quay just behind it, and Robertson Quay , an up-and-coming nightlife/restaurant zone at the western end of the river. Bars and pubs come and go with dizzying speed, so just head out and find today's hip spot. All four are within crawling distance of each other. Mohamed Sultan Rd , inland from Robertson Quay, used to be the place to be, but was severely eclipsed in the early 2000s by newer upstarts and most bars have been replaced by restaurants and furniture stores.

Bars and pubs [ edit ]

• 1.289595 103.844093 1 Brewerkz , 30 Merchant Rd #01-05/06 ( Riverside Point, opp Clarke Quay ), ☏ +65 6438 7438 . Daily noon-midnight . Singapore's first microbrewery, opened 1997 and still going strong. There are now several franchises, but this is the original. Their brews run the gamut from classic pilsners and pale ales to wacky seasonal specials (Guava Sour, anyone?), also available in handy 4-glass sampler sets ($18). Indoor and outdoor seating, with a wide range of pub grub in huge portions. Beers from $15/pint, mains $22-29 . ( updated Feb 2021 )
• 1.29318 103.85342 2 Equinox , 2 Stamford Rd , ☏ +65 6837 3322 . The five bars and restaurants here offer the best nighttime views of the city, but prices are correspondingly expensive ($15 and up for a drink). For a cigar and live jazz, head to CitySpace (floor 70), while New Asia is a more casual place for a drink. Entry is through the Swissotel entrance on Stamford Rd.  
• 1.28599 103.84999 3 Harry's Bar , 28 Boat Quay , ☏ +65 6538 3029 . The favourite watering hole of Nick Leeson, the "Rogue Trader" who brought down the 233-year-old Barings Bank and was once arrested here for indecent exposure. There are now franchises all over town, but this is the original. Try the Bank Breaker, an unlikely shot of whisky and Midori, which like Leeson's escapades goes down smooth but leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Live music most nights.  
• 1.29538 103.85361 4 Long Bar , 1 Beach Rd ( Raffles Hotel, 2nd floor ), ☏ +65 6412 1816 , [email protected] . 11:30AM-1:30AM . The supposed birthplace of the Singapore Sling , a syrupy sweet pink concoction of gin, cherry liquor, and other mysterious ingredients, often including pineapple juice. The two-floor bar is large and a bit of a tourist trap, but drinking a Sling at the beautifully decorated wood-paneled bar and throwing the accompanying peanut shells on the floor should be on every visitor's agenda — if you can stomach paying $36 for a premixed drink poured out of a pitcher. The current recipe is likely sweeter than the original recipe, but you can ask for a drier version. According to one historian , slings were popular in Singapore even before their supposed invention at the Raffles' Long Bar in 1915. Moreover, the Long Bar has moved from its original location within the hotel.  
• 1.29061 103.8454 5 Pump Room , 3B River Valley Road, The Foundry ( Clarke Quay ), ☏ +65-63342628 . Daily noon-3AM . Very popular microbrewery/bistro at the heart of Clarke Quay. Full menu. Indoor and outdoor seating. Live music nightly (except Mondays).  
• 1.28796 103.85081 6 Timbre , 1 Old Parliament Lane #01-04 ( The Annex at The Old Parliament House ), ☏ +65 6336 3386 . Daily 6PM-1AM . In a beautifully renovated colonial house opposite Boat Quay, this has some of the best views in town and is one of only a few places in Singapore specializing in local live music. Indoor and outdoor seating. ( updated Oct 2017 )

Cafes [ edit ]

• 1.28718 1.28718 7 Cat Cafe Neko no Niwa , 54A Boat Quay (Level 2) , ☏ +65 6536 5319 . W-M 10AM-10PM . Singapore's first cat cafe, inspired by the Japanese . Customers can cuddle cats or just watch them peacefully. However, drinks can only be consumed outside the enclosed area. Reservations are recommended as there are a limited number of people allowed at one time. $12 for the first hour, drinks from $2 up . ( updated Oct 2017 )

Nightclubs [ edit ]

At all clubs listed below, arrive early (or very late) because otherwise you may be stuck in line for a while. ID is theoretically required but rarely checked.

Sleep [ edit ]

Unless you're a shopping maven intent on maximizing time in Orchard Road 's shopping malls, the riverside is probably the best place to stay in Singapore.

There is a large cluster of older mid-range hotels on and near Havelock Rd at the western end of river. Havelock MRT station now offers good connections to Orchard and Marina Bay , while SBS bus 51 serves Chinatown and Clarke Quay.

• 1.29573 103.85276 1 Carlton Hotel , 76 Bras Basah Road , ☏ +65 6338 8333 . Very much a standard-issue, slightly older business hotel, but it's clean, comfortable and very well located. $200 .  
• 1.28819 103.8367 2 Copthorne King's , 403 Havelock Rd ( Havelock MRT ), ☏ +65 6733 0011 . The former King's Hotel, given a thorough renovation when taken over by the Copthorne group and now looks (almost) brand new. Tower wing rooms are good, main wing less so. The primary downside is the somewhat inconvenient location near the west end of the river, although Mohammed Sultan is within striking distance. $150 .  
• 1.28913 103.83406 3 Holiday Inn Atrium , 317 Outram Road ( Havelock MRT ), ☏ +65 6733 0188 . Formerly the Concorde Hotel, the 30-floor inner atrium is indeed impressive, but the rest of the hotel is looking old.  
• 1.29108 103.84193 4 Robertson Quay Hotel , 15 Merbau Rd ( In a round building where Clemenceau Ave crosses the river. MRT: Clarke Quay or Dhoby Ghaut ), ☏ +65 6735 3333 , [email protected] . Partly renovated rooms, a little limited breakfast, Internet available for a fee. Really good value for money especially if you just want a place to sleep and keep your stuff when visiting Singapore. from $130 .  
• 1.289003 103.841881 5 Holiday Inn Express Clarke Quay , 2 Magazine Rd . New hotel close to Clarke Quay. Small but excellent rooms, included breakfasts, and a rooftop area with pool. $170 . ( updated Aug 2015 )

In addition to the hotels below, check out adjacent Marina Bay , which has a major cluster of high-end hotels.

• 1.29584 103.8551 7 Naumi , 41 Seah St , ☏ +65 6403 6000 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . A hip hotel 5 minutes walk from City Hall MRT. 40 rooms and suites. From $360 .  

There are some luxury hotels of note scattered elsewhere on the river.

• 1.29051 103.835 10 Grand Copthorne , 392 Havelock Rd , ☏ +65 6733 0880 . The flagship of the Millennium & Copthorne chain and the only luxury hotel at the west end, but unfortunately the pomp of the lobby and exterior are not matched by the spacious but otherwise somewhat dumpy rooms. $230 .  
• 1.28837 103.84565 11 Swissotel Merchant Court , 20 Merchant Rd , ☏ +65 6337 2288 . This large 476-room hotel has an excellent location on Clarke Quay right next to the MRT station, but the rooms are musty and those facing the river suffer from noise from partygoers whooping it up. $200 .  
• 1.285563 103.848185 12 Ascott Raffles Place Singapore , No 2, Finlayson Green , ☏ +6 5 6577 1688 , [email protected] . One- and two-bedroom suites, the property has a restaurant open for all three meals, an infinity swimming pool and also provides free IDD calls to selected countries. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• Park Hotel Clarke Quay , 1 Unity Street , ☏ +65 6593 8888 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . Starting from USD 139 .  
• 1.29248 103.85007 13 Grand Park City Hall , 10 Coleman Street , ☏ +65 6336 3456 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . Starting from USD 140 .  

Cope [ edit ]

Laundry [ edit ].

• Systematic Laundromat , 11 Unity St #01-22 , ☏ +65 6732 1438 . One-day laundry service (no self-service available). Call ahead for pricing or they may charge you a hefty "tourist tax" of up to 200%. $6 for 4 kg .  

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Singapore: Everything about the 40-minute SG River Cruise

Singapore River Cruise review: When I hear Singapore, there are always Marina Bay Sands in the backdrop, the lotus-shaped Art Science Museum, and the dreamy skyline. While there are a thousand things to see , I’ve always wondered what the boats circling the river felt like – and I finally got on one!

When I was younger, I visited the Singapore Zoo , Sentosa, and even Jurong Bird Park (now called the Bird Paradise Park) but never the boat cruise. My parents thought it would be ‘boring’. Looking back now, I guess they were right and wrong. After all, it’s simply a slow riverboat ride.

However, I loved it when I took the ride by myself – it opens up another perspective to look at of the city. With the tickets at a dear price, I’d to put this Singapore River Cruise review out.

*This post contains affiliate link.

Table of Contents

Best time to Visit SG River Cruise

The river cruise timings are 10 am to 9 pm on the weekends while it starts at 1 pm on the weekdays. The weekends – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday can be crowded but any weekday is fine to avoid the wait. More people tend to visit in the evenings to get a night view of the city.

Thus, the best time for the Singapore river cruise depends on you. Either way, the landscape makes it all worth it be it day or night. Singapore’s attractions are bound to be amazing everywhere. My priority was avoiding waiting anywhere I went, so I went for the afternoon cruise. When I got there, I realized I was too early on a weekday (around 11:30 am).

That gave me enough time to have a subway at Clarke Quay Central for lunch and take a few shots of the river and the colorful shop buildings and pathways. Getting on one of the first river cruise trips of the day, the boat was half empty and was a comfortable ride throughout.

Singapore River Cruise Review: Ticket Price

On the Clarke Quay river cruise stand, the on-spot tickets here are a flat S$26 for adults and S$17 for children. I tried my luck asking if there was a student concession like they had for the SG National Gallery . But they didn’t.

Anyhow, I bought the ticket and was told to wait until the boat arrived at the dock. It costs the same via the offline counter or any website. Yet I’d recommend getting your tickets for the river cruise on Klook.com.

Klook, being a big and reliable travel site (especially in Singapore), it’s useful to get discounts when you book multiple attractions across Singapore.

For travelers like me, another great option is to get the Klook Pass which includes a list of attractions in SG that the ticket is applicable. You have the option to choose the number of attraction passes and get a bundle of SG attractions tickets for lesser.

For the Singapore River Cruise, hurry up before you miss out and get your best deal below today!

SG River Cruise vs River Cruise by Water B

The 40-minute river cruise is a round-trip ride that drops you back at the start point. In case you didn’t know, there are two cruise operators. The popular one is at Clarke Quay (the dark brown boats) and the other point begins from ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands (the modern red and green ones).

Singapore River Cruise vs River Cruise by Water B: Both rides traverse through the same river routes and don’t differ much. They even have similar pricing and both have indoor and outdoor seating.

Here are the updated pricing difference between Clarke Quay and Water B Cruises as of today on Klook.com. They aren’t that different, it comes down to your preference. Grab your ticket on Klook.com today!

But I recommend the Singapore river cruise operator (the one I went in) as it’s a traditional bumboat with its wooden interiors and low ceilings giving off a more rustic experience.

How to Get to SG River Cruise Point?

With Clarke Quay being famous for being a historical riverside quay and nightlife venue, there are many ways to get here. The closest MRT stations here are Fort Canning (Downtown line), and Clarke Quay (Northeast line). The Fort Canning Station is to the river cruise while Clarke Quay station is on the other riverside.

I, however, got off at the Clarke Quay bus station on bus no.32 via nth Buona Vista Rd. as I’d to get there from the National Gallery of Singapore. Not knowing where to get my tickets, I glanced at the Water B Fort Canning stand and ended up there at first looking stupid.

But someone helped me out to the right spot. Here’s the exact spot from Google Maps. The cruise ticket booth is right beside Hooters – you’ll know when you get there ;)

A Couple and Old People

Talking of the people that actually get on the boat – at least when I went, most of them were senior tourists. That’s what I loved most about SG. They cater to all sorts of tourists. There’s Sentosa , SG Zoo and River Wonders , and so on for kids, but they are a whole lot of things for old people as well (such as the Hippo bus). And River cruise is one of them.

Apart from the elderly, there was a couple on honeymoon along with a guide, and some solo travelers like myself. With the photogenic structures in the backdrop, the guide took a bunch of pictures of the couple.

With around a dozen occupants, the boat was barely half-full and we all sat at the outdoor seating at the back. To our good luck, it wasn’t too sunny, making up for a peaceful ride.

Things to Spot on the SG River Cruise

The high-rising skyscrapers fascinated me so much, I missed taking pictures of historic structures here like the Old Hill Street Police Station. Keep in mind these structures and spot them on your bumboat ride!

Clarke Quay and Riverside Point

Quite obvious, isn’t it? You’ll begin at Clarke Quay. On one side are the colorful dine-in restaurants and on the other bank side has the Riverside Point shopping complex.

Read Bridge, Cavenagh at Fullerton, and Anderson Bridge

The vehicle underpass bridges were recent builds, but the enchanting ancients were labeled along with their build dates. We passed the Read bridge, Cavenagh Bride, and the Anderson Bridge each having unique structures and all over a century old!

Another post for you to read: Best Singapore Travel Advice Australia

Boat Quay and its shophouses

Boat Quay, similar to Clarke Quay, is another line of Singapore’s live music restaurants, pubs, and nightlife venues. Even the shophouses are similar and show a world apart from the skyscrapers right opposite on the other riverside.

Asian Civilisations Museum

While not wholly visible, any local guide (if with you) will point out its noticeable historic build. While it stands as a museum today, it was previously a government building in the 1980s – known as the Empress Place Building.

Fullerton Hotel

The 5-star hotel today opened only 21 years ago . But the neo-classical structure’s construction started almost a century ago which began as a General Post Office Building in 1924. Its columns and decorative build itself is a breathtaking view from the SG river cruise.

Another post for you to read: Chinatown Singapore Guide

Singapore Merlion!

After the Esplanade Bridge’s underpass is where the river widens, giving a grand welcome to Singapore’s skyline and Marina Bay with the official mascot – Singapore Merlion! I’d been on the shores by the Merlion over a decade ago and it felt nostalgic to see it again.

The Skyline

Following the SG Merlion is Singapore’s skyline and Marina Bay view. The cruise takes a slow circle around the skyscrapers, DBS towers, and Marina Bay Sands. It never gets dull to have a look at the buildings and the river cruise’s close proximity makes it even sweeter.

Another post for you to read: Universal Studios Singapore 1-Day Visit!

Marina Bay Sands and ArtScience Museum

Circling by the Marina Bay Sands , it’s majestic up close. I walked by the bay later on, so I gave it little attention. What caught my eye were the Sands Expo & Convention Center, and the Apple and Louis Vuitton stores in front of Marina Bay . These stores were on the water and looked distinguished.

Though not as big as the other structures, they were just retail stores after all – and huge ones hovering over the water by the bay.

Last but not least, is the theatres on the bay Esplanade. This is one of Singapore’s largest performing arts centers and a popular venue for live concerts. Most people call it the durian building for its shape though it wasn’t intended by its architects.

Another post for you to read: Perfect Batam Travel Guide

Tailpiece: Singapore River Cruise review

Coming to the end of my Singapore River Cruise review, I’d say I’ve learned a lot more while writing this review. The Singapore river passing through Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay witnessed history and the nation’s achievements over the years.

Secretly, it also proudly smiles at how far the country has come with its growth and looks at the world-class architecture around it. The River Cruise recognizes this and made it possible for the world to see in one trip.

Instead of spending an entire day, to catch a glimpse of each historical landmark, this cruise takes a smooth sail within an hour. Or if you wish to walk through all the landmarks here, the river cruise can make a sweet end to your day by taking you through time once again.

Either way, that’s what makes the cruise worth paying for. That ends my post on the Singapore River Cruise review. Let me know what you think about it below :)

Manas Patil

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The tale of 2 Quays (40mins)

Singapore River Experience

Highlights: boat quay, clarke quay and marina bay.

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Child ( 3-12 years old) – $18

Celebrating 37th Anniversary of the Singapore River Clean-Up with all Singaporeans

Present your singaporean nric before ticket purchase to enjoy a special discount, (one discounted ticket per singaporean. ticket is non-transferable.).

Miriam Wei Wei Lo

Mostly Poetry

Bumboat Cruise on the Singapore River

From wikipedia.

A bumboat is a small boat used to ferry supplies to ships moored away from the shore. The name comes from the combination of the Dutch word for a canoe—" boomschuit " (" boom " meaning "tree"), and "boat".

In Tobias Smollett's 1748 novel, The Adventures of Roderick Random , a "bumboat woman" conducts business with sailors imprisoned on board a pressing tender moored near the Tower Wharf on the Thames River, London, England. In HMS Pinafore , W. S. Gilbert describes Little Buttercup as a Bumboat Woman.

In Singapore, the term "bumboat" is applied to small water taxis and boats that take tourists on short tours.

Rhetoric is what keeps this island afloat. Singaporean voice with a strong American accent, barely audible above the drone of the bumboat engine: “Singaporeans are crazy about their food. They are especially fond of all-you-can-eat buffets. Why not do as the locals do and try out one of the buffets at these hotels along the waterfront.” The Swissotel looms. The Grand Copthorne. The Miramar. All glass and upward-sweeping architecture. Why not do as the locals do. Here in this city where conspicuous consumption is an artform. Where white tourists wearing slippers and singlets are tolerated in black-tie establishments. Dollars. Sense.

How did I ever live in this place? Sixteen years of my life afloat in this sea of contradictions, of which I was, equally, one: half-white, half-Chinese; the taxi-driver cannot decide if I am a tourist or a local, so he pitches at my husband: “Everything in Singapore is changing all the time.” Strong gestures. Manic conviction. “This is good. We are never bored. Sometimes my customers ask me to take them to a destination, but it is no longer there.” We tighten our grip on two squirming children and pray that the bumboat tour will exist. Nothing short of a miracle this small wooden boat which is taking us now past Boat Quay, in its current incarnation, past the Fullerton Hotel

To the mouth of the Singapore River, where the Merlion still astonishes: grotesque and beautiful as a gargoyle. The children begin to chafe at confinement. My daughter wails above the drone of the engine. There’s talk of closing the mouth of the river. New water supply. There’s talk of a casino. Heated debate in the Cabinet. Old Lee and Young Lee locked in some Oedipal battle. The swell is bigger out here in the harbour, slapping up spray against the sides of the boat, as if it were waves that kept it afloat, this boat, this island, caught between sinking and swimming, as I am caught now. As if rhetoric mattered. As if this place gives me a name for myself.

First published in Over There: Poems from Singapore and Australia , edited by John Kinsella and Alvin Pang. Ethos books, 2008, pp. 168-9.

Image: " The Crank " ( CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) by  teddy-rised

2 comments on “ Bumboat Cruise on the Singapore River ”

This one affected me more than any other, I really feel the loss brought on by rapid change, and the loss brought on by the willful ignorance of loss.

Yeah, it is a magnified kind of loss. Thanks for letting me know this one spoke to you.

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Singapore River Dining Cruise

Unwind and dine on singapore's iconic river.

Enjoy a pleasant evening with your loved ones admiring the scenic beauty of Singapore by opting for the Singapore river dining cruise. During this forty-minute cruise, you'll witness the beautiful skyline and enjoy a lip-smacking snack. Glide through the Singapore River admiring the breathtaking views of the gleaming city lights. Along with the amazing sightseeing, you can also relish tasty delicacies prepared by talented chefs. Vegetarian snacks are included in the 4.30 pm cruise, and the Classic Beef Burger is included in the 5:30 pm cruise. 

Get a chance to see the prominent attractions like the Clarke Quay, the Merlion, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay and learn about Singapore's rich heritage from an experienced guide. Capture beautiful pictures while passing through the iconic attractions and listen to the live commentary to get insights about Singapore’s history and culture. 

Why Visit Singapore River Dining Cruise?

The Singapore River dining cruise is a wonderful way to take in the beautiful sights of the city and enjoy a delicious feast onboard the cruise. Witness the glittering skyline and appreciate the magical beauty of the city. Satiate your taste buds by having the best gastronomic experience in the middle of the Singapore River. With the 4.30 pm cruise, you can enjoy vegetarian snacks and with the 5.30 pm cruise, you can relish Meatless Laksa Lasagna. Sail past the popular attractions of Singapore's skyline, including Merlion, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay.

Highlights of Singapore River Dining Cruise

• Discover Singapore from a unique perspective by opting for the Singapore River dining cruise that takes you through the iconic attractions of the city.
• Experience the city's eclectic atmosphere and sail past famous sites like the Merlion, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay.
• Enjoy a mouth-watering vegetarian snack as you get on board the 4.30 pm cruise or the Meatless Laksa Lasagna with the 5.30 pm cruise.
• Listen to the commentary about the famous landmarks you pass through to learn more about the rich culture and heritage of Singapore.
• Witness the illuminated city skyline, creating a visually appealing backdrop for your dining experience.

Know Before You Book Singapore River Dining Cruise

Location: Fort Canning Jetty, situated beside Liang Court Shopping Centre in Clarke Quay, is the departure point of the Singapore River Dining Cruise.

Timings: The timings of the Singapore River Dining Cruise are Monday to Sunday from 2 pm to 9 pm. The cruise departs on an hourly basis, so you can opt for any of them depending on your schedule.

By Car: From the Singapore city center, the Fort Canning Jetty is around 13.2 km away. You can reach the Fort Canning Jetty in 22 minutes from the City Centre by car.

By Bus: From Upper Pickering Street Station, you can catch a bus to reach Clarke Quay. From the station, you'll have to walk for five minutes to reach the Fort Canning Jetty.

By MRT: From River Valley take the Downtown line to Fort Canning Stn. From Fort Canning Stn the activity location is approximately six minutes walk. 

Weekday is the best time to go for the Singapore River Cruise with Dinner as the rush is less, and you won't have to stand in long lines to board the boat. Since the crowd is smaller during this time, you can interact with the guide and other passengers to learn more about the city. Additionally, November to February is also a good time to go for the Singapore River Cruise , as the weather is pleasant and comfortable.

• Vegetarian snacks are included in the 4.30 pm cruise and the Classic Beef Burger is offered on the 5:30 pm cruise.
• Audio commentary by an experienced guide about the famous attractions you'll cross by during the cruise.
• A forty-minute cruise ride along the Singapore River on a traditional Singaporean bum boat.

• You will receive the confirmation of booking of the Singapore River dining cruise on your email ID only after making the full payment.
• In case of unfavorable weather before the scheduled trip, the departure time can be delayed, or your booking can be postponed later. You will be contacted at least two hours before departure time in the case of any such unforeseen circumstances.
• If you cancel your booking 0-1 day before your travel, 100% of your amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.

Book Your Singapore River Cruise Tickets Now!

Singapore river cruise, faq's of singapore river dining cruise, is the singapore river dining cruise worth it.

Yes, the Singapore River Dining Cruise is absolutely worth it, as it takes you through the prominent attractions of the city via the waterway. Have a wonderful gastronomic experience while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city's skyline. Sail past popular attractions like the Clarke Quay, the Merlion, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay.

Why is the Singapore River Dining Cruise famous?

The Singapore River Cruise with Dinner is famous because it takes you through the city's famous attractions and offers the best gastronomic experience. While relishing the mouth-watering dishes, you can appreciate the scenic views and take in the wonderful sites of the city's skyline.

How long is the Singapore River Dining Cruise?

The Singapore River Dining Cruise lasts around 40 minutes, taking you through the famous landmarks of the city such as the Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, and the Merlion.  

What are the highlights of the Singapore River Dining Cruise?

The highlights of the Singapore River Dining Cruise are delightful dining experiences, a serene journey across the Singapore River, and enchanting views of the famous landmarks. Along with this, you can also listen to live commentary onboard the boat from an experienced guide.

What are the attractions to see on the Singapore River Dining Cruise?

The main attractions to see on the Singapore River Dining Cruise include the Clarke Quay, the Merlion, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay. Soak yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Singapore during this forty-minute cruise journey. 

Attractions

Museum tickets, travel guide, kid's attraction tickets.

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