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Singapore River

History Began from this River

Sir Stamford Raffles landed by the Singapore River in 1819, started a new era. Since then, the Singapore River has been Singapore's trade, economic and financial hub, and today the river is lined with historic sites, city landmarks, and bustling commercial centers.

In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles landed on the band of Singapore River, and it was his insightful vision of Singapore’s geographical advantages that led this small fishing village to grow and develop into a cosmopolitan city by setting up a wharf on the Singapore River. To commemorate his achievements, Singaporeans have erected Raffles' Landing Site monuments by the river.

Manywhere Trivia:
The “Raffles Place” shopping malls that can be found in major cities in China take their name from Sir Raffles, the developer behind them is CapitaLand, a Singaporean company.

Since then, cargo ships between Asia and Europe have been landing here, and the Singapore River has become Singapore’s trade, economic and financial hub. The People of the River Series of Statues on the riverbank depicts the daily life of the early riverside dwellers from different perspectives, such as trading, money lending, and weighing. More historical footprints of Singapore and Asian civilization can be found in the Asian Civilisations Museum, which was built near the river.

Asian Civilisations Museum

Linking Asia and the World

Located at the mouth of the Singapore River, the Asian Civilisations Museum focuses on the study of Asian culture and art. Through thematic exhibitions on Trade, Faith and Belief, and Materials and Design, the Asian Civilisations Museum showcases Asia's glorious years in world history.

Today, Singapore is no longer the tiny village that used to live on fishing, Singapore River Skyscrapers are the strongest proof of that. Once the docks were no longer frequented by cargo ships, people came to Clarke Quay just to enjoy life and party.

Clarke Quay

Colorful Riverside Pubs

Originally a small pier for loading and unloading goods along the Singapore River, Clarke Quay has become one of the most famous commercial districts in Singapore. After nightfall, people gather at Clarke Quay to taste the world's cuisines and party all night long in the nightclubs and bars.

The Singapore River is about 3.2 km long, with nearly 20 bridges of various kinds along the way: The Historic Cavenagh Bridge at risk of demolition, The Steel Anderson Bridge featured in the Singapore F1 Grand Prix, the newly built Esplanade Bridge blocking the views of the Merlion from the Marina Bay waterfront… Just board a cruise downstream to hear the stories behind each bridge and see the monuments and buildings along the shore. Then after reaching The Marina Bay, you will finally realize the long past days of Singapore has been transformed into this Singapore River. History happened here.

Marina Bay

Urban Miracle by Reclamation

In just half a century, the reclaimed Marina Bay has produced one miracle after another: the Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, the ArtScience Museum, Esplanade, and the skyscrapers form Singapore's unique city skyline.