Singapore Walking Tour: Magical River

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Summary

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.

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

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.

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What’s included?

  • local English-speaking guide

  • cocktail sampling

  • Snacks

  • Alcoholic Beverages

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Transportation to/from attractions

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 3h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Operator Website

Operated by:

The Walking Singapore

About operator:

Our walking and scooting tours in Singapore are led by world-class guides who promise to bring a fun-filled experience of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. They will let you discover facts of Singapore that the guide books don't write about. We have following exciting tours to offer: Citiscapes - a 3 hour "dive" into history and back to modern times. Secrets of the Bay - discover secrets of Marina Bay, Singapore and it's management. Magical River (evening) - path of formation of Singapore, it's cultures and people. Harmony of Sound and Lights (evening) - awe to Singapore's most beautiful sights around Marina Bay. Our kiosk is located at the Esplanade Mall, facing the Marina Bay and comfortably located just 200m away from the famous Merlion Statue. Inside the kiosk, apart from souvenirs, you will be able to get your hands on Free Data Sim cards for tourists, discounted attraction tickets and get samplings of local delicacies.

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