Do you hear the murmur? A mixture of water and lively crowds in an enclave that, for more than a century, was the commercial hub of Singapore life: the Singapore River.

Responsible for transforming Singapore from a small fishing village to a big sea port, it was the river that caught the attention of Sir Thomas Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. To commemorate this fact, the city has erected an imposing white marble statue that is a vivid portrait of the father of Singapore at the very spot where he is believed to have landed in 1819.  This statue is a replica of Thomas Woolner’s original bronze figure which today stands opposite the Victoria Theater.

 If you fancy exploring the river and its picturesque surroundings, we can offer you a wide range of options.

One possibility is by foot, with a pleasant walk along the riverbank. A journey through Singapore's past where you will discover, little by little, the city’s most emblematic locations: the Merlion, the Victoria Theatre, the statue of Sir Thomas Raffles, the Museum of Asian Civilizations, the House of Parliament, the Cavenagh and Elgin bridges, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.

Another option is to admire the city skyline and its bustling harbour aboard an old freighter. If you choose to sail its waters, you should know that the journey takes about 30 minutes and the boats operate from 9.30 am until 10.30pm.

If you're not afraid of heights and want to see the river from a new perspective, hop on the Singapore flyer: the world's largest observation wheel, which has recently become part of the city’s list of tourist attractions. Hanging in the air, enjoy a 360 degree view of the city and its surroundings. On a clear day you can see as far away as 48km, including neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia.

At night, the choices multiply. Since 1977 the Government has launched an intensive rehabilitation plan for the area, and the river has undergone profound changes. The area is no longer the commercial artery it once was. Today it is the emotional heart of the city. A space dotted with colonial buildings, theatres and museums, where gastronomy, entertainment and fun coexist in deep harmony. Do not miss the visual spectacle of its piers. They are now rows of coloured buildings, meticulously restored and transformed into cafes, restaurants, galleries and nightclubs.