As a traveler visiting Singapore, you can explore the Singapore River within a day! See gorgeous sights, breathtaking views, historic buildings and more. I am sure you must have heard many wonderful things about this land and its location. The river, which is overflowing with life from tour boats, continues to flow through the city to Marina Bay.
There is a 40 minute river cruise option available to take you along the Singapore river, where you can choose to disembark at any of the 13 jetties available. It is a great way to conserve your energy and check everything out but just know that disembarkment would conclude your trip.
For those seeking a different river experience, here is a guide on how you can catch all the amazing sights along the Singapore River by foot! I hope this article will be a great introduction and guide to how you can explore the Singapore River.
Image Credit: Paras Kapoor on Unsplash
Along the Singapore River, there are many monuments with historical value or sights to see. I would split the Singapore River into two main areas: Clarke Quay and Marina Bay. These areas are largely concentrated with various spots so here is what you can catch!
Having explored the Singapore River by foot on various occasions, I highly suggest starting off your day at Clarke Quay! Though the Singapore River doesn’t start there (it actually starts from a canal located near housing estates), Clarke Quay is a great way to kick-start your journey.
From Clarke Quay’s MRT station, you can make your way to Exit C for ‘Boat Quay’. From here, you can spot the G-Max Reverse Bungy also known as Slingshot!
Address: 3E River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Block E, Singapore 179024
Opening Hours: 4.30PM - 11.30PM (Daily)
The G-Max Reverse Bungy is one of the highlights in Clarke Quay that prides itself in being a unique experience in the middle of Singapore city. You may not be able to catch anyone taking the ride if you are there early in the day but it is always fun to spot the ride parked in the middle of a city space.
Right across the street behind the reverse bungy ride is Fort Canning Park. Fort Canning Park was formerly known as Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill) as it was said that ancient kings used to live there and were buried there with restricted access to commoners. Fort Canning Park is open 24/7 and it spans over 48 hectares so if you wish to properly explore the park, there is a lot for you to see.
Address: 140 Hill St, Singapore 179369
Opening Hours: 8:30 am–12:30 pm, 2–5:30 pm (Mon - Fri, Closed Sat - Sun)
A short walk from Fort Canning Park is a historic building of the former Singapore Police Force station.
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall Address: 11 Empress Pl, #01-02, Singapore 179558
As you continue along the Singapore River path, you will be able to see various statues including Munshi Abdullah (Father of Modern Malay Literature), Tan Tock Seng (Famous Administrator, Merchant and Philanthropist) and Sir Stamford Raffles (Founder of Modern Singapore).
Along the river, you will spot the first Stamford Raffles statue which is believed to be where Raffles first landed. If you continue on the path that leads away from the river, you will be able to see Victoria Concert Hall. This is the oldest concert hall in Singapore filled with various stories of Singapore’s history.
You can also see the original Sir Stamford Raffles statue along the front of Victoria Hall at Empress Lawn.
Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Opening Hours: 10am - 7pm (Mon to Thurs, Sat & Sun), 10am - 9pm (Fri)
After seeing Victoria Hall, you can make your way back towards the Singapore River by passing by the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Anderson Bridge is known for being a part of the world-famous Singapore Grand Prix Marina Bay Street Circuit. Once you’ve spotted this bridge, you are now close to the Marina area! Across the bridge, you will be able to spot various buildings along the Fullerton area.
Alternatively, if you want to catch more buildings and art, you can cross the Cavenagh bridge that is before the Anderson bridge. Upon crossing the Cavenagh bridge from the museum side, next to it is the sculpture of ‘The Five Boys By The River’. The sculpture was part of Singapore’s project to reflect scenes from the ancient era.
Fullerton Hotel Address: 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
Fullerton Waterboat House Address: 3 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049215
From the Cavenagh bridge and ‘Five Boys’ sculpture, you can spot The Fullerton Hotel right behind. The Fullerton Hotel is located within the Fullerton Building which used to hold the General Post Office, Exchange Room, Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Club
And just a short walk away, is the Fullerton Waterboat House, which is located near the Anderson bridge. The Fullerton Waterboat House is a historic water supply house formerly used to supply fresh water to incoming ships in Singapore.
Have you truly explored the Singapore River if you didn’t visit the Merlion? The Merlion is about a 2 minute walk away from the Fullerton Waterboat House. Right behind the building is a path that leads to an underground pathway directly leading to the Merlion.
Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
From the Merlion, you can make your way over to the Esplanade by crossing the Jubilee bridge that passes over the Singapore River. The Esplanade offers various activities that you can check out if you need a break from all the walking.
Address: 30 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039803
Opening Hours: 8:30am - 10:30pm (Daily)
From the Esplanade, the Singapore Flyer is 13 minutes walk away. You can simply follow the straight path to get a worm’s eye view of the flyer.
Image credit: Melvin Sng on Unsplash
Before the Singapore Flyer, you will have gone past the Float @ Marina Bay. From here, you will be able to spot the iconic Marina Bay Sands building. To get to Marina Bay Sands, you will have to cross the Helix Bridge.
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Another iconic landmark of Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands. With a multitude of shops to check out, Marina Bay Sands will be a great stop for you to wind down and enjoy the sights of all that the Singapore River has to offer you.
Depending on where you would like to end your day, here are some options of how to end it off.
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951
What better way is there to end your day by catching a view of Singapore’s sunset? With various spots to catch the sunset along the Singapore River, make your way to Marina Barrage to give it a try! Grab some snacks along the way or order delivery to Marina Barrage (choices are limited but it’s a great alternative)!
From Marina Bay Sands, you can take bus 400 from the bus stop along Marina Boulevard ‘Marina Bay Financial Centre’ (03391) and alight at ‘Gardens By The Bay Stn Exit 1’ (03369).
Or you can also walk to Marina Barrage by walking along the path that passes by Gardens by the Bay. The walk is roughly 18 to 20 minutes long.
UOB Plaza Address: 80 Raffles Pl, Singapore 048624
If Marina Barrage isn’t your scene, you can make your way to the Central Business District where you can find the UOB Plaza towers and other beautiful skyscrapers.
Make your way back to Clarke Quay from the opposite direction you came from. The beauty of the Singapore River is being able to make a complete loop from the start of your journey.
