About 200 years ago, the Singapore River started as a trading post that opened up not only this small city-state but the entire region to trade with the rest of the world. The establishment of Singapore as a logistics hub started way back when Sir Stamford Raffles realized the importance of this entrepot and how it can benefit – and play a part in – world trade which at the time was dominated by the British empire. Today, the success of Singapore’s logistics industry proves the foresight of its founder.
Not to be confused with River Hong Bao, the Singapore River Festival celebrates Singapore’s waterways and waterfronts and their role in shaping the Singaporean history, culture, psyche and economy (the former celebrates Chinese New Year). Started in 2008, the festival is abloom with fluvial parades in major waterways that are part of the Singapore River.
Businesses and stakeholders in Empress Place and Clarke, Boat and Robertson Quays wanted to drum up business in the area, and the resulting success in its first year called for a comeback that has become even more spectacular through the years.
The core event centers around dazzling aerial-aquatic acrobatics and larger-than-life choreography that depict the river as source of life and the continuity it brings between the past and present, dream and reality. Over-the-river productions include illusions performed by magicians from around the world, stunts and light shows that delight spectators watching from the banks of Singapore River. All around the other quays, there are also simultaneous performances and musical and dance numbers that thrill spectators of any age.
In its early years, the festival was scheduled in June. Last year saw the festival held in September. Below is a photo primer on what you can expect from Singapore River Festival 2013.
The Read Bridge connects Clarke Quay and Riverside Point. This beam-structured bridge was completed in late 19th century, and is now mainly used by pedestrians and bicycles after having undergone several modifications. The Read Bridge is also where wire-rigged artists perform on and above the river for aerial shows.
Bumboats were very useful during the days when ships were moored away from the port and in deeper waters, and even continue to be useful today where big ships cannot get into smaller waterways. As an entrepot, Singapore exploited the capabilities of bumboats to carry supplies and provisions to and from bigger ships which facilitated a lively exchange of goods – and people – from far near and far away. Now as a bustling tourist region, Singapore still finds the vessel useful, but this time to ferry passengers on river cruises.
The banks of Singapore River come alive with neon lights strung on river steps. Cruising along the river during the festival comes with a twist, an experience that avid pub goers will certainly delight in: Pub-hopping on a river cruise is promoted during the festival.
This vehicular bridge is where you want to stand to take in “full frontal” Singapore’s skyline. Historically, this is the first bridge that spanned the Singapore River, connecting the Chinese merchants in its south and the Indian settlers in the north. It is said to be the (foot)bridge when Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819. Today, Elgin Bridge connects the Downtown Core to the Central Area.
Clarke Quay used to be lined with historic warehouses that have seen the passage of time. Now, it has been rebuilt – more specifically, “gentrified” – to provide open air entertainment, wining and dining venues to Singaporeans who would like to unwind after-hours. During the festival, Clarke Quay is the center of food, fashion and parties.
Singapore can certainly be enjoyed on foot in various walking tours, but the fastest way to take in the city sights without much effort is to just hop onto bumboats that offer river cruises. This tradition is not only celebrated during the Singapore River Festival, but is done on a daily basis by the hordes of tourists eager to enjoy Singapore’s waterways and see the highlights while kicking back to relax.
