Singapore Trip Overview
Get to know Singapore from where it all began – the Singapore River. Hop on a river taxi and follow the trail of the first traders to uncover the cultures they brought with them that helped shape modern Singapore. Hear stories of the colorful and romantic history of the river, stop for cocktails in a heritage building that was once an opium den then dive into Singapore’s hawker food culture for dinner. Know more about Singapore and its people in this 2-hour tour of the Magical River, the Singapore River.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 hours
Starts: Singapore, Singapore
Trip Category: Tours & Sightseeing >> City Tours
Explore Singapore Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Singapore
Get to know Singapore from where it all began – the Singapore River. Hop on a river taxi and follow the trail of the first traders to uncover the cultures they brought with them that helped shape modern Singapore. Hear stories of the colorful and romantic history of the river, stop for cocktails in a heritage building that was once an opium den then dive into Singapore’s hawker food culture for dinner. Know more about Singapore and its people in this 2-hour tour of the Magical River, the Singapore River.
Your tour begins at The Walking Singapore in Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay where your guide will share with you the significance of the river to Singapore’s history. Learn about the Marina Reservoir where the river feeds into, the first settlers and traders on the island and the contribution of their trade.
Your journey continues on a river taxi as it takes you up the river through the financial district and you’ll hear stories of Singapore’s banking history and the immigrant families that set it up. You’ll then arrive at Boat Quay, which once handled 75% of all shipping businesses in Singapore. Discover the Boat Quay history and why the Chinese believe that riverbanks bring wealth and success.
The next stop on your river tour is Clarke Quay. Named after Singapore’s second governor, Sir Andrew Clarke, Clarke Quay is a five block-long, colorful collection of bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs. Find out about the warehouses that used to dominate this area then disembark and make your way to the oldest building on Clarke Quay – the River House. Occupied by VLV, a multi-concept dining and entertainment venue, this Teochew-style mansion was once the residence of Teochew merchant, Tan Yeok Nee and also an opium den.
In Clarke Quay, your guide will also take you to the Ice House where, in 1854, a businessman named Whampoa Hoo Ah Kay began shipping ice from America kicking off the ice trade in Singapore.
As you walk along the riverbank, find out even more about the Singapore government’s policies from the past and present, stop for photos with sculptures of money lenders, visit the old parliament house and more secret sites.
Your second last stop is at the Satay Club at Esplanade Park. From 1970 until its closing in 1995, Satay Club sold “the best satay in the region”. In its place is the Satay Club-styled Satay by the Bay. Your tour ends with dinner at the “Guru of Grub” KF Seetoh’s Makansutra where you’ll get a taste of all things Singaporean.
