Singapore River
Once Singapore was a meagre little fishing village and now thanks to
the Singapore River. It has become a major seaport that has life back
into many villages along its banks. The Singapore River has many
spectacular stories to tell about its rich history and its inhabitants.
The new found glory of the Singapore River is thanks to the Urban
Redevelopment Authority (URA). Although, new development has been done
for many centuries, since it's founding by Sir Stamford Raffles, it is
still evolving today.
Many merchants, businessmen and coolies, who lived on the Singapore
River, were later to be forefathers of Singapore. Soon with creation
of the Merlion and more industrial marvels, Singapore's prosperity
grew. Many Bridges span the Singapore River.
These bridges range from quaint and simple to elegant and audacious.
When heading up river people will see the historic Anderson and
Cavanaugh Rivers. The Cavanaugh Bridge was built in 1869 and now is
only used by pedestrians. This bridge also leads to the Empress Place.
Empress Place is home to the elegant Victoria Concert Hall. Many
concerts, by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra are held at the Concert
Hall. Along with the beautiful scenery, the Singapore River has the
Clarke, Robertson and Boat Quays along its banks.
Major landmarks and memorials like the Merlion Park, Parliament House
and Asian Civilisations Museum, are some of the attractions found on
the Singapore River. There are an abundance of glass-topped boats or
bumboats, to take you on a leisurely cruise of the marvels of the river.
The Singapore Riverboats services offer many types of sightseeing
tours like loop hop-on and off, river express and river taxis. Many of
the boats can be found at Raffles Place and Landing site, Boat and
Clarke Quay and the Clifford Piers.