::::Singapore River::::

[RafflesCity]

The Singapore River Story



Stretching only 4.1 kilometres from its mouth at Anderson Bridge to Kim Seng Bridge at the other end, Singapore River is hardly an appropriate name for that body of water that flows under 12 bridges and sees numerous historical buildings on its banks. But never mind its real nature, the Singapore River is so closely tied to Singapore's history, economy and social culture that it is beyond doubt, one of the most important factors to Singapore's success story.



It was the heartbeat of Singapore's economy, the source a lucrative entrepôt trade that contributed to 75% of the revenue in a pre-independent Singapore. Ships from far off lands would carry their cargo here before re-exporting to other parts of Southeast Asia. But in the earlier days, goods meant for re-export were not delivered to the Tanjong Pagar Port, as it is today. At that time, merchant ships would anchor not too far from the mouth of the Singapore River, and load goods onto barges which would then deliver the goods into Singapore via the Singapore River.



Singapore River is impressive neither in size nor length. Yet with its mouth just at the port and facing the Indonesian Archipelago, its very position makes it an appropriate stopover for ships travelling in Southeast Asia and even across continents. Singapore River is the natural place for goods to be re-distributed.

In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles saw the potential of this tiny island and declared it a free port. More merchants were eager to trade in Singapore and barge traffic on the Singapore River increased sharply. Rows of warehouses sprang up on one bank, trading firms on the other. It is estimated that the Singapore River was used by more than 3,000 barges by 1821, and that by 1823, the river was handling a total trade volume worth S$13 million.



With the passing of time, Singapore has developed into an industrialised nation. The bustling traffic on the Singapore River has become history. However, the River is not forgotten by its people. A major project launched recently by the Singapore government aims to develop the River into one of the main tourist spots in the island state. Today, the Singapore River is consistently kept pollution free state, and the old shop-houses along the river are no longer occupied by trading firms but retail businesses such as restaurants, karaoke lounges, discotheques, and shopping malls.

The Singapore River Promenade, built at a cost of S$16 million by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has been completed and officially opened by the Minister for National Development Mr. Mah Bow Tan. The promenade stretches from Anderson Bridge to Kim Seng Bridge and measures about 3 kilometres on each side of the river. With a width between 10 to 15 metres, it has added a further 8,000 square metres of space for open-air cafes and food kiosks. Construction started in 1992 and involved erecting 3 new bridges namely, Jiak Kim Bridge, Robertson Bridge and Alkaff Bridge; and restoring Ord Bridge and Read Bridge. An underpass has also been built to facilitate movement between Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.

The barges that were once such an important part of the trading activities have now been transformed into river taxis that offer tourists leisure rides along the river. Several significant landmarks such as the Parliament House, the former Empress Place Museum, Fort Canning Hill, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Merlion Garden, and Raffles Place can be viewed on such rides.

Operating as a dock from 1860 to 1870, Clarke Quay is today a leisure and entertainment hub filled with restaurants and discotheques. To its east is the Fort Canning Hill where Sir Raffles had established his first residence. As the river taxi moves southwards to the mouth of the Singapore River, it passes by the Hill Street Building which was built in 1934 as the police headquarters.

Thereafter, the river taxi will pass under the Coleman Bridge and Elgin Bridge to arrive at Boat Quay where barges loading and unloading goods was the daily routine. Today, the wharf at Boat Quay has been moved away, and the shop-houses formerly occupied by trading firms and warehouses have been refurbished and taken over by dining and entertainment outlets. This happening leisure hub standing in sharp contrast next to the modern high rise buildings in its background, has become a favourite entertainment spot for tourists and white-collar executives working in the nearby central business district. Directly opposite Boat Quay is the former site of the colonial government district, where some buildings left over from the colonial days are still present, including the Parliament House, Empress Place, Victoria Concert Hall and the former City Hall. Sandwiched between Empress Place and the Parliament House is the spot believed to be where Sir Raffles had first landed and his statue stands at a slight distance away. After passing through the historical buildings, the river taxi will pass under the Cavenagh Bridge and Anderson Bridge to arrive at the Merlion Garden and the Fullerton Hotel which used to be the headquarters of the Singapore Post Office. As it goes further down the river, the river taxi will pass Clifford Pier before proceeding to Marina Bay, the perfect place to view the skyline. The barge would then make a turn to go back to Clarke Quay.

[RafflesCity]

Today, the river offers a multi-sensory lifestyle experience.

From colonial charm and tranquility at the mouth, to bustling nightlife along Boat Quay & Clarke Quay, to waterfront living further up.

It is also lined with attractive heritage buildings, and modern apartments for a visual treat. Not far away is the historical Fort Canning Park.
and here is a panorama by Cliff:

Clarke Quay:

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Here is a panorama by Cliff of the historical colonial area------------------>
(Boat Quay is on the left)



Boat Quay (taken by babystan03)

[Wu-Gambino]

Great shots!

These reminds me of the Indianapolis Canal and the Chicago River.

[RafflesCity]

Clarke Quay at night

1. by babystan03


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Opposite Clarke Quay is Riverside Point:

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2. pic by babystan03

[wolkenkrabber]

wow anazing photos they looks really nice

[eyetoeye]

My aunt lives at River Place condo right by the river. Unfortunately, her windows all face the main road. Still, it's pretty convenient. Clarke Quay is less than 10 minutes slow walk away.

[RafflesCity]

Raffles Place, the banking and financial centre, lies at the edge of the river.
You can also see the historic Cavenagh Bridge


Anderson Bridge



Cavenagh Bridge


Fullerton Hotel, the former post office building, is a grand hotel at the mouth of the river.



Opposite Raffles Place on the other bank of the river, lies the historic civic and colonial district, also the landing site of Raffles.

[eyetoeye]

I like the effect the various clubs and restaurents by the river introduce to the place. The reflections of their lights on the water can be so beautiful if viewed in a certain way, and they inject a very hip nightlife element...

[RafflesCity]

Some random river scenes:

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Evening pics by Fujimiya

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[RafflesCity]

Last month in September, the bank of the Singapore River was lined with this dragon and many lanterns to celebrate the Lantern Festival.

these pics are from pbase:
http://www.pbase.com/lhlim/lantern2004singaporeriver

[eyetoeye]

That moon photo is really freaky, not to mention fake....

[heirloom]

uh the skies too look very fake... too nice.. maybe should post in kl vs sg thread haha

[huaiwei]

Hahaha...I think only the second picture is not doctored in some way.

[RafflesCity]

Further up the river, lies Robertson Quay. This area used to contain godowns where boats travelled up to store their cargo.

Today, this area contains new riverfront housing, and a number of hotels along its banks, like the Grand Cothorne, River View, Hotel New Otani and the funky Gallery Hotel. The Concorde, Kings Copthorne and Apollo Hotel are also nearby.

A stroll along the continuous pedestrian promenade quickly brings you to the nightlife and dining options at Clarke Quay and Boat Quay.

SCROLL ---------------------->

[RafflesCity]

[RafflesCity]

Boat Race at the river

[drwho]

raffie i like the last picture!!

its a nice fealing in that photo

[RafflesCity]

thanks drwho

if you stood along the banks, you could also hear the intense shouting, pity about the weather though

Pics from Cavenagh Bridge (by babystan03)

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[drwho]

raffie cool

you guys should be in the boat race next year!. " Team SSC-Singapore" !

[redstone]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...pics03/rv9.jpg
These would be incorporated into a new condo by Hong Leong called The Watermark.