Singapore is a city-state that celebrates festivals for all reasons and has a festival connected to almost all the seasons. The Singapore River Festival is one such festival which was started in 2015 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee year of Singapore as a free state. This festival is a big event held along the River Singapore, which holds great history and heritage.
Also known as “the River,” the Singapore River symbolizes “change.” It is one of the important reasons behind the making of Singapore as we see it today. The main aim of this festival is to bring forth the importance of the river to the city and for people to appreciate its worth.
The festival is conducted according to a set theme every year, and the programs are arranged accordingly. With a theme of “Your River, Your Vibe,” the programs at the Singapore River Festival 2019 were live music by local talents and live bands, open-air dining, fireworks, discos, variety of shows by local as well as international artists, marathons, etc.
Venues for the Festival
The programs at the festival take place in different parts along “the River.”
Clarke Quay
It is a beautiful place with houses belonging to the colonial era right next to the river. After night falls, the same quaint little place turns into a hip place as the night clubs, restaurants, and bars get on with their business. Some iconic nightclubs and restaurants turn hosts to the millions during the Singapore Riverfest. Many of these places even give discounts on food, drinks, and beverages during the time of the festival.
Clarke Quay has been an important venue for some of the greatest live band shows during the River Festival. Although it is a great place for party hoppers at night, the area is steeped in history. During the day, tourists would do well to visit the Fort Canning Park, also called Bukit Laragan or Singapore Hill. And if you are all for adventure sports, check out the 80 meter Bungy jump at the G-Max Adrenaline Bungee at Clarke Quay.
Bus routes 143 and 32 passes through Clarke Quay, and for visitors who wish to get there from Genting Highlands, visit www.redbus.sg for discounted online bus tickets.
Boat Quay
It is another popular area in between Clarke Quay and Marina Bay. With numerous pubs and restaurants, it is a great place for a drink or a night out with friends. The best part about Boat Quay is the row of brightly colored houses. A little ahead of it, towards the Elgin Bridge, the impressive CBD skyline can be seen.
Like the Clarke Quay, the Boat Quay has been a venue showcasing many reputed live band shows, fireworks, and restaurants cooking up authentic local food at the Riverfest.
The bus routes passing through the Boat Quay bus stop are 147E, 174, 190, 197.
Robertson Quay
Robertson Quay was once said to be one of the biggest wharves by the River Singapore. During the redevelopments in Singapore in the ’90s, this area was made commercial as well as residential. In today’s time, this Quay area is dotted with fine-dine restaurants, posh condominiums, pubs, art galleries, offices, etc. The 150-year-old Lau Pat Sat Market with a Hawker Centre on its premises is especially very popular.
With its hand-painted multi-color design, the Alkaff Bridge at the Robertson Quay is another striking piece of artwork that is worth a visit. Like the other two Quays, Robertson Quay gets a huge crowd during the Singapore River Festival too. Although otherwise, quieter than the other two Quays, it becomes vibrant and noisy during the two-day festival.
Other Activities for Tourists
Other than soaking in all the fun and festivities at the River Fest, there are many other exciting activities that visitors to the Lion city can indulge in.
Take a Singapore Boat Tour or Bumboat Rides
Taking a Bumboat Singapore River Tour is one of the cheapest and fun ways to see the beautiful view of Downtown Singapore. Bumboats are small painted boats with a face which are, in a fun way, meant to look for any danger ahead.
The two Bumboat tour companies in Singapore offer a 40-minute Singapore boat tour. Passengers can board and get off at Esplanade, Boat Quay, Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay, and Clemenceau. A Bumboat Singapore River Tour can cost anywhere in between SG$ 5.00 – SG$ 25.00 (Adult).
Bounce Away at Amped River Valley
The Amped Trampoline Park at River Valley, Singapore, is very near to Clarke Quay MRT and Somerset. Visitors can jump on the trampolines at a ticket price of SG$ 12 per hour on Mondays and SG$ 18 on peak days. Grip socks are an absolute necessity to enter Trampoline Park to avoid slipping.
The opening hours are 10:00-19:00 (Monday), 15:00-22:00 (Tuesday), 10:00-22:00 (Wednesday-Friday), 9:00-22:00 (Saturday) and 9:00-21:00 (Sunday).
Being close to Clarke Quay, visitors can take either of the bus routes 143 and 32 to Clarke Quay and take a 10-15 minute walk to the Amped River Valley.
Address: Unit #2-11 the Herencia, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
Be a part of the Singapore River Festival 2020 and experience the madness like never before. For discounts on online bus tickets to travel around Singapore, visit www.redbus.sg and have a blast at the River Fest.