Singapore River & City Hall

Singapore River Bumboat Rides

Recalling the good old days when the Singapore River was the life-blood of Singapore, today riverboats and bumboats take visitors and locals alike up and down the river. This is one of the few attractions in Singapore that not only will give you a pleasant Singapore experience, but also an insight into the history of the city. Look out for views of the old colonial district, including Old Parliament House, Raffles’ Landing Site, The Fullerton Singapore, Cavenagh Bridge, Clarke Quay and numerous old godowns along the route. You can get on the boats at Clifford Pier, Raffles Place, Raffles’ Landing Site, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. Prices: $12 per person. Getting there: Raffles Place MRT, exit G. 5 minutes walk to: Fort Canning Park, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Asian Civilisations Museum, Merlion Park, Singapore History Museum, The Padang, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, The Fullerton Singapore. (back to top)

Boat Quay

Situated near the mouth of the Singapore River, Boat Quay is a place where you can get a real dose of what once was in the island city. While today Boat Quay is a great place to enjoy your evening meal or a night out drinking, it hasn’t always been like that. Today the river has a few tour boats plying its waters, but once it was filled with bumboats loaded with the produce of the British Empire. Along its banks were the warehouses and trading companies of Singapore, making it one of the busiest ports in Asia. Once modern life came to Singapore and the main port at Tanjong Pagar was upgraded to the needs of huge container ships, the life was taken out of Boat Quay. The area stagnated until the early 1980s when it was designated a conservation spot and developed into what you see today. It is most likely one of the first places a local will take you for a meal in Singapore and if you’re lucky enough to get a riverside table, you won’t be disappointed. Getting there: Raffles Place MRT, exit G. Bus - 2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 54, 61, 62, 63, 80, 81, 124, 145, 147, 166, 174, 190, 195, 197 5 minutes walk to: The Fullerton Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Merlion Park, Bumboat cruises. (back to top)

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is one of those places that has everything. Shopping, history and fine dining are all available as well as many different bars to quench your thirst after a day sightseeing in the hot sun. Set just up river from Boat Quay, Clarke Quay was once as busy, if not busier as an loading and unloading point for the bumboats of Singapore. As part of the British Empire’s Singapore port, much of Britain’s produce would have come through here on its way back to England, or before it made its way further afield. If you’re interested in history, then the refurbished warehouses and shophouses at Clarke Quay that once ran the trading economy of the British Empire’s Singapore are for you. As you wander the alleyways, take a look at the historical information that you’ll run into. The history of the area is fascinating and you won’t be disappointed comparing the old photographs with what the area looks like today. Shopping is also on offer at Clarke Quay with an amazing array of knick-knacks and silk goods on offer. From Singapore Airlines stewardess outfits to silk ties, Clarke Quay has plenty for you to choose from in its alleyways and next door at Liang Court shopping mall. As for the dining choices – what can one say but get there to see the sun set! As the evening falls over the river, the oppressive heat turns into a warm summer breeze. So just take your seat by the river, grab a nice bottle of wine or a cold beer and watch the sun melt into the night. Getting there: Clarke Quay MRT, exit C. Bus: 2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 62, 63, 80, 130, 133, 145, 197, 520, 851, 960, 980 5 minutes walk to: Singapore History Museum, Fort Canning Park, Bumboat cruises. (back to top)

Merlion Park

The most photographed place in Singapore for visitors is at Merlion Park at One Fullerton. Here, the mythical Merlion of Singapore stands guard over the river mouth as water flies from its mouth into the harbour. You can’t go wrong with this picture – day or night, the city looks fantastic! Getting there: Take the MRT to Raffles Place, exit H, then follow the signs to One Fullerton. 5 minutes walk to: The Fullerton Singapore, The Padang, Asian Civilisations Museum, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. (back to top)

The Fullerton & Cavenagh Bridge

The Fullerton Singapore building has been a part of the Singapore skyline since 1928. Described at the time as the grandest building in Asia, it is not hard to understand why. No matter what angle you sight the building from, it stands proudly as a reminder of the colonial period amongst the glitzy skyscrapers that today surround it. The building was built on the site of Fort Fullerton, the old British defense headquarters at the mouth of the river. Later, when the fort was moved to Fort Canning, the Fullerton building sprung up and housed various tenants over the years including the Central Post Office. Today the building houses the luxury hotel, The Fullerton Singapore, which is regarded as one of the best hotels in the world. If you’re wandering by, take a look inside for a look at the beautiful interior. Outside, you’ll find the Cavenagh Bridge – Singapore’s oldest bridge. Built in 1868, the bridge is named after Sir Orfeur Cavenagh, the last Governor of Singapore appointed by the East India Company. Address: 1 Fullerton Square. Tel: +65 6733 8388 Getting there: Raffles Place MRT, exit H. 5 minutes walk to: The Padang, Merlion Park, Boat Quay, Asian Civilisations Museum, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Bumboat cruises. (back to top)

Asian Civilisations Museum

The Asian Civilisations Museum is a must-see while you’re in Singapore. There are two locations for the Museum, one being located on the Singapore River, at Empress Place, while the other is on Armenian Street. The Museum at Empress Place covers forces that have shaped Asia, while the Armenian Street branch is focused on the Peranakan culture. Address: 1 Empress Place and 39 Armenian Street. Tel: +65 6332 7798 (Empress Place) and +65 6332 3015 (Armenian Street). Opening hours (both museums): Mon 1pm-7pm, Tue-Sun 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-9pm (free admission from 7pm). Prices: Empress Place $5 adults, $2.50 children. Armenian Street $4 adults, $2 children. Tel: 6332 3015. EMPRESS PLACE: Getting there: MRT: Raffles Place, exit H. Bus: 14, 16, 36, 65, 77, 85, 97, 103, 106, 111, 124, 167, 171, 190. 5 minutes walk to: The Fullerton Singapore, Merlion Park, The Padang, Bumboat cruises, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, St Andrews Cathedral. ARMENIAN STREET: Getting there: MRT: City Hall, exit B. 5 minutes walk to: Chijmes, Fort Canning Park. (back to top)

National Museum of Singapore

Lovingly restored, the National Museum of Singapore is set to reopen its doors after a three-year absence. Following three years of redevelopment, the National Museum of Singapore is making its long-awaited comeback in December 2006. Originally built in 1887 as the Raffles Library and Museum, this elegant neo-Palladian styled building is now, once again, one of the Singapore’s most distinguished landmarks and has already hosted the Singapore Biennale’s Belief exhibition and Singapore International Film Festival as part of its preview season events. To celebrate its rebirth, the Museum will be holding an Opening Festival from the 2nd to the 31st of December, showcasing a range of international artists, while both the inside and outside of the Museum will show off Singapore’s historical narrative in innovative and ground-breaking fashion. Inside, the Museum will present the history of Singapore, from the 14th century to the present, using a multitude of stories and delivering them to visitors via modern technologies. Also, look out for the Singapore Living Galleries, which focus on four lifestyle themes close to the hearts of Singaporeans – Food, Fashion, Film & Wayang and Photography. All celebrate the creativity of Singapore society through time and serve as unique platforms for the world to appreciate Singapore culture. Outside, the Museum is a history lesson in itself, with the redevelopment being undertaken with painstaking attention to detail. In strict compliance with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA), the building has been restored to its original glory, based on original plans and in some places, reconstructed using original techniques and materials. Of course, rules are made to be broken and the one place where the URA allowed a slight deviation was the Glass Passage that links the old part of the Museum to the new building, allowing a view of the historical Dome – the building’s original crowning glory. In another sign of the times, the National Museum will also house several restaurants and cafes, providing the old lady of Singaporean architecture with some modern nocturnal noise to accompany its ghosts from the past. What to expect at the “new” National Museum Designed to be the people’s museum, the National Museum of Singapore prides itself on introducing cutting edge and varied ways of presenting history to redefine conventional museum experience. More than just a space for exhibitions and artefacts, the National Museum will also distinguish itself through its challenging and vibrant festivals and events that will unleash new creative possibilities in culture and heritage. National Museum of Singapore Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897 Tel: (65) 6332 3659 / (65) 6332 3251 / (65) 6332 5642 Web: www.nationalmuseum.sg

Singapore Art Museum

For art lovers, the Singapore Art Museum is a must-see during your stay here. Housed in the beautiful buildings that once housed the St Joseph’s Catholic Boys School, the collection was founded in 1996. Since then, it has grown to become the biggest collection of 20th-century South East Asian Art found anywhere. The Museum itself covers 10,000 square metres and contains over 4000 works of art in its 14 galleries. Address: 71 Bras Basah Road. Tel: +65 6332 3222 Prices: $3 for adults, $1.50 for children. Opening hours: 10am-7pm Mon-Sun, 10am-9pm Fridays. Getting there: City Hall MRT, exit A. Bus: 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 97, 124, 131, 167, 171, 174, 190, 501, 518, 602, 603, 605, 607, 700 5 minutes walk to: Chijmes. (back to top)

Chijmes

Established in 1854 as a girls’ convent school, the Chijmes compound on Victoria Street (nest to City Hall MRT Station) is today a vibrant mix of shopping, restaurants and bars. Dominated by the impressive Chijmes Hall chapel, Chijmes mixes history with modern-day sightseeing, shopping and wining and dining. Address: 30 Victoria Street. Tel: +65 6337 7810. Getting there: MRT: City Hall, exit A. 5 minutes walk to: St Andrews Cathedral, The Padang, Armenian Church, Asian Civilisations Museum (Armenian Street). (back to top)

The Padang

Today the Padang is a great place to go to get a glimpse of where Singapore has come from. The Padang itself is a wide-open sports field with the Singapore Recreation Club at one end and the Singapore Cricket Club at the other. But it’s what surrounds the field that really tells you something about the city. Once upon a time the Padang was next to the water’s edge, but today land reclamation has changed all that – a sign of the city’s progress. Surrounding the Padang are more signs of progress. Across the road stands the Supreme Court and old government buildings of Singapore. Built in classic British fashion, it was on those steps that the nation of Singapore was born, when on August 9, 1965 independence was proclaimed. Which makes the sight which lies behind those imposing buildings even more impressive. The last 38 years of progress are obvious for anyone to see with the city skyscrapers growing like a huge backdrop from behind those buildings that once must have been the most impressive in Asia. Getting there: City Hall MRT, exit B. Bus: 10, 70, 75, 82, 97, 100, 107, 125, 130, 131, 196, 608. 5 minutes walk to: St Andrews Cathedral, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Asian Civilisations Museum, The Fullerton Singapore, Merlion Park, Bumboat cruises. (back to top)

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

The latest attraction on the Singapore waterfront is the city’s answer to the Sydney Opera House – Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. From the outside, the spiked domes of the Esplanade have earned it the nickname “the durian”, after the similar looking fruit so loved in South East Asia. On the inside, the world-class architecture has produced superb acoustics where hundreds of artistic performances are held ever year. Its here that you can catch performances from local and international artists as well as Broadway shows and dance performances. Also in the complex you’ll find some great shopping and dining establishments. Address: 1 Esplanade Drive. Tel: +65 6828 8222. Getting there: City Hall MRT, exit A. Bus: 36, 57, 75, 77, 97, 106, 111, 133, 162, 171, 195, 700A, 857, 960, 961. 5 minutes walk to: The Padang, Merlion Park, The Fullerton Singapore, St Andrews Cathedral, Asian Civilisations Museum. (back to top)

St Andrew’s Cathedral

Originally the St Andrew’s Cathedral was built on this spot in 1837, but because of rumours of unhappy spirits the original building was demolished and built again. Finally, the Cathedral you see today was finished in 1862. Today you can see stained glass windows dedicated to Sir Stamford Raffles as well as other famous British residents of Singapore including John Crawfurd (the first Resident of Singapore) and Major General William Butterworth (a Governor of the Straits Settlements). Address: 11 St Andrew’s Road. Getting there: City Hall MRT, exit B. 5 minutes walk to: Chijmes, The Padang. (back to top)

Armenian Church

Despite the small population of Armenians in early colonial Singapore, the community made a huge contribution to the Lion City in its early days. The Sarkies bothers, Arshak, Aviet and Tigran started Raffles Hotel, Agnes Joaquim discovered Singapore’s national flower (the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid) and Catchik Moses began the newspaper that today bears the name The Straits Times. The Armenian Church stands as a reminder of this small but productive community. Built in 1835, it was the first Christian Church built in Singapore and is notable for its beautiful circular design. Also, look out for the porticos that allowed horse-drawn carriages to pull right up to the doors, allowing ladies to step from the carriage to the steps without touching the dirty ground. Address: 60 Hill Street. Getting there: City Hall MRT, exit B. 5 minutes walk to: Asian Civilisations Museum (Armenian Street), Chijmes, Fort Canning. (back to top)

Fort Canning Park & Battle Box

Originally believed to be the home of the 14th-Century ruler of Singapore, Fort Canning Park was once known as “Forbidden Hill” because of the spirits that were said to have dwelt there. Once the British arrived in Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles built his house on the top of the hill and several succeeding Governors lived there. In 1859 the hill was transformed into the military base for the British in Singapore. At the top of the hill you can find the Battle Box, which is a labyrinth of underground bunkers which served as the British command post right up until World War II. When the Japanese invaded Singapore, they also made the Battle Box their headquarters and today you can take a tour through the complex complete with exhibits telling of life during those times. Today Fort Canning is a park which is a pleasure to take a walk through on a hot afternoon or cool evening. You can also catch a number of outdoor concerts and film festivals here. Getting there: Dhoby Ghaut MRT, exit B. Bus: 7, 14, 15, 36, 64, 65, 77, 85, 106, 111, 124, 139, 167, 171, 174, 190, 700. THE BATTLE BOX Address: 51 Canning Rise. Tel: +65 6333 0510. Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily (last admission 5pm). Prices: $8 adults, $5 children. 5 minutes walk to: Clarke Quay, Armenian Church, Asian Civilisations Museum (Armenian Street). (back to top)

National Archives of Singapore

If you’re a history buff, but want to discover some of it for yourself, then the Natinal Archives of Singapore are the place to spend an afternoon. Here you’ll find all sorts of old documents, photographs, audio-visuals, news reels and oral history interviews. In fact, the only thing you can’t find here are the old newspapers, which are stored at the National Library. Address: 1 Canning Rise, Singapore 179868. Tel: +65 6337 4464 Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1.30pm Sat, Closed Sun and PH. Price: Free. Website: www.a2o.com.sg (back to top)

Singapore Philatelic Museum

For many, going through old stamps tells a lot about a country’s history. Which of course makes a trip to the Singapore Philatelic Museum more than just a stamp-buff’s dream date, but also an interesting insight into Singapore's rich cultural heritage and history. With galleries themed to highlight key milestones in the island-state’s history, this museum is an interesting stop on your travels around the city. Also within a couple of minutes walk nearby is the Armenian Street branch of the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Central Fire Station and Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, the Armenian Church, the National Archives, Fort Canning and the Substation arts venue. Address: 23B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. Tel: +65 6337 3888 Web: www.spm.org.sg Opening hours: Mon 1pm-7pm; Tue-Sun 9am-7pm. Prices: $3 adult, $2 child (3-12 years). Getting there: Clarke Quay exit E, or bus 1, 12, 32, 33, 51, 61, 62, 63, 80, 81, 103, 124, 147, 166, 174, 190, 197, 603, 641, 647, 648. (back to top)

Central Fire Station

When it was built in 1908, the Central Fire Station’s lookout tower was the tallest building in the city. Built after a series of fires had swept through the city in the early years of British settlement, the fire station was a much-needed addition to the city. Today, while the building is dwarfed by the modern buildings around it, the station is still operational. As with most old buildings, there are many great stories surrounding the fire station’s existence. It was from here that fire fighters came from to fight the Bukit Ho Swee fire on the 25th of May 1961. The fire engulfed over 250 acres of land and leveled the homes of around 16,000 people. Amazingly though, for such a big fire, only four people died, while 85 were injured – an indication perhaps of the well-organised fire service of the time. Another famous fire that was fought by the fire fighters at this station was the Robinson’s department store fire on the 21st of November 1972. Caused by faulty wiring, nine people lost their lives that day and the fire is still talked about in Singapore today when the issue of fire safety comes up. Inside the Fire Station you will find the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery that lists the history of these fires and other interesting history about the Central Fire Station. The Fire Station is also nearby the Armenian Street branch of the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Singapore Philatelic Museum, the Armenian Church, the National Archives and Fort Canning. Address: 62 Hill Street, Central Fire Station, Singapore 179367. Tel: +65 6332 2995 Web: www.scdf.gov.sg Opening hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sun. Prices: Free Getting there: Clarke Quay exit E, or bus 1, 12, 32, 33, 51, 61, 62, 63, 80, 81, 103, 124, 147, 166, 174, 190, 197, 603, 641, 647, 648. (back to top)

Old Hill Street Police Station

Today, as always, the colorful shutters and huge façade of this building dominates the intersection at the corner of River Valley Road and Hill Street. While the building didn’t always have such a colorful outlook, its history sure does. This site was originally the home of Singapore’s first jail before the building you see today was built in the early 1930s to house the island’s police force. At the time, the building was the biggest in Singapore and regarded as one of the finest in Asia – and by 1933 it even had electric lifts. When the Japanese invaded in 1942 the Kempeitai (secret police) used the building as its headquarters until the end of the war when it reverted back to the police service until 1983. Since then it has held various government departments, including the National Archives, and today houses the Media Development Authority of Singapore. On the ground level entrance at the intersection on River Valley Road you can find some interesting displays about the history of the building, while inside there are some free art exhibitions from time to time. Address: 140 Hill Street, Singapore. Getting there: Clarke Quay exit E, or bus 1, 12, 32, 33, 51, 61, 62, 63, 80, 81, 103, 124, 147, 166, 174, 190, 197, 603, 641, 647, 648. (back to top)

Fountain of Wealth

Listed as the world's largest fountain by the Guiness Book of Records, Suntec City's Fountain of Wealth is literally one of Singapore's biggest attractions. Standing majestically at the palm of Suntec City’s left hand structure, the Fountain of Wealth symbolises the Chinese saying “to hold the wealth of the world in one’s hand.” Always a popular stop on the visitor trail of Singapore, you'll need to walk around the centre of the fountain with you hand touching the water three times to gain a little luck of your own. Also, in the evenings you can catch the laser light show that springs to life at 8pm, 8.30pm and 9pm daily. For more information, see Suntec City. Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983. Tel: (65) 6825 2667/8/9 Web: www.sunteccity.com.sg Getting there: MRT: City Hall, exit G (via CityLink Mall); Shuttle Bus Service: City Hall, North Bridge Road exit B. Fountain of Wealth Touch Water Sessions: 9am-12pm / 2:30pm-6pm / 7pm-7:50pm / 9:30pm-10pm. Fountain of Wealth Laser Showtimes: 8pm, 8:30pm and 9pm. (back to top)