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| Enjoying Singapore: Singapore by Night Boat |
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  All Aboard! Fancy a look at Singapore in an entirely different light? Here's an idea : absorb the sights by night on a relaxed, unhurried authentic boat ride down the Singapore River. And as you put your feet up on this heavily romantic journey, the legacy of Singapore�s historical past will unfold before you.
At night the sights prove to be especially sensational. The lights from cars whizzing past on the overhead bridge makes the water sparkle and dance, rendering the illusion of gliding through the night sky. To top it off, the reflection of the riverside's colurful nightlife on the water turns it into a bed of rich golden syrup. Throughout the entire journey the scenes that surround you are nothing less than postcard perfect.
As you chug along in wide-eyed wonder, they flick on a tape recorder with a voiceover offering a running commentary to accompany your historical journey. Timed to perfection and just loud enough to be heard, the mysterious voice reveals the history behind Singapore�s waterway and how it has progressed throughout the years. The bum boats were the traditional workhorses of the river. Before the days of containerised shipping, these hardy vessels with eyes painted on the bows to symbolise good luck, piled cargo back and forth between ships moored in the busy port and many warehouses along the riverbanks. The cruise passes old shophouses, that stand as silent remainders of the past, then suddenly the towering business hub looms above to offer a striking contrast between the past and the present. Some of the sights you'll see include government buildings hinting at Singapore�s cultural heritage, modern city structures that thrust boldly skywards, Clifford Pier, Marina Bay and the Merlion Park. At the guarding of the river mouth take in the majestic water-spouting Merlion - the half-lion-half-fish creature that symbolises Singapore�s tourism history and acts as the protector of sea vessels.
Boat operator Mr David Lee says that the statue will be moving soon to an unknown but nearby destination. It is believed that in its present position the Merlion cannot watch over seafarers as it is blocked by a bridge. This is certainly an intriguing way to see Singapore. If you're not wowed by the sights, at least you'll learn a little more about the Lion City and its history without having to read a book. Ticketing and Departing Points include: Clarke Quay Jetty Clarke Quay Festive Market (Beside Hotel New Otani) Raffles Place Jetty (fronting UOB Plaza & Raffles Place MRT Station - Standard Chartered Bank Exit). Price: |
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