During the earlier times, when trucks and planes don’t exist yet, riversides are the centre of commerce in a community or city. This is because the merchandise arrives through boats from different places, and business will be done at the port. This was what Clarke Quay in Singapore was before.
Starting off as a swampy land and then transformed into a bustling port by the British colonialists, Clarke Quay is now one of Singapore’s most recognisable tourist spot. It has been an important part of the country since it was created in 1836. As time goes on, this place became more prominent for its culture and trade.
Clarke Quay is a great place to visit if you are looking for some fun things to do in Singapore. Whether you want to enjoy the nightlife or explore the city’s various attractions, this vibrant area has something for everyone.
Let us show you some of the things that everyone can try, visit and enjoy in and around Clarke Quay.
Just a minute walk from Clarke Quay is Fort Canning. It is a historical site that is a Singapore landmark. Today, Fort Canning Park features nine historical gardens – the Pancur Larangan, Artisan’s Garden, Sang Nila Utama Garden, Jubilee Park (Phase 1), Raffles Garden, First Botanic Garden, Farquhar Garden, Spice Garden and Armenian Street Park. The site is currently being restored to its former glory, but visitors can still walk around and explore the grounds at their leisure.
One of Clarke Quay’s most popular tourist attractions, the Chinese Garden is located just down Fort Canning Road from Clarke Quay MRT Station. This garden covers over 15 acres and includes a lake, pavilions, winding paths with bridges flowing into the man-made water system. The garden was designed in accordance with Feng Shui principles as well as traditional Chinese gardening techniques.
The best time to visit is at night when it’s lit up by thousands of tiny lights that are hung on trees and buildings and be in awe of the enchanting view.
If you are an adrenaline junkie, then this is for you. But this is not your typical bungee. The G-Max Bungy is Singapore’s first and only Bungee Jump, where you are pulled back to the ground by a linear motor at speeds of up to 250km/hr.
It also has an additional side effect as it launches your body into a state of weightlessness for about 20 seconds which will make you feel like Superman.
Singapore River is in the heart of Clarke Quay, so your visit to the area will not be complete without going on a boat tour. It is the perfect way to enjoy Singapore’s stunning skyline with its futuristic buildings. Boat tours cruise the Singapore River passing famous bridges like Clemenceau Bridge and Anderson Bridge and landmarks like the Merlion and the Esplanade.
The gallery’s permanent exhibition is called “Journeys Across Asia” and it explores the diversity of Asian culture through four key themes: identities, connections, frontiers and transformations.
Apart from this you can also visit the Gallery’s temporary exhibitions or go on a guided tour to discover more about Singapore’s past as well as its transition up to the current times.
A guided tour of the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery will take you through Singapore’s rich history from World War II to its independence. You can see how wars took their toll on everyday civilian life in this beautiful country and witness the transformation it went through during these times.
The fascinating Central Fire Station is worth a visit not only for all those who look for Instagrammable sites but also for people who are interested in those colonial-era looking buildings and architectures.
If you’re still into visiting cultural sites, then head over to Hong San See Temple. A Taoist temple that has been in the country since 1820. It is a beautiful sight to behold and you can find its location at Keng Leong Street, Clarke Quay.
The best time of day for visiting this place would be sunset as it gives off an ethereal glow over the temple’s large grounds which are often filled with lights that highlight the statues and all over the place.
Located in the Clarke Quay Shopping Centre, you can find this real-life escape room that you can try with your friends. If you’re into problem and puzzle-solving, then this is a must-try.
The best part is that it’s not expensive at all. The entrance fee for this escape room game is only SGD$12 per pax, but if you’re a group of four or more people then the price drops to SGD$11.50 per person respectively.
Lockdown Singapore has five different rooms and each one offers different puzzles to solve, and difficulties vary. But don’t worry if your fear and anxiety gets the best of you, you can always ask the staff for help.
Exploring Clarke Quay is a bit tiring and you will need something to munch on during or after your tour. There are a lot of restaurants and cafes to choose from depending on your taste and budget. One of the most popular cafes in Clarke Quay is the Central Perk. It is the recreation of the famous F.R.I.E.N.D.S cafe in Singapore that will surely take you back on memory lane if you are a fan of the hit American series. This cafe offers a variety of dishes from Western cuisine to Asian delights.
To end your Clarke Quay visit, you shouldn’t miss the nightlife in the area. Head on to the Clarke Quay Signature Walk and you will find some of Singapore’s top nightlife destinations. Aside from the bright lights in the area, a lot of bars are also open that offer different kinds of drinks and party experiences. Two of the most popular nightclubs in Singapore namely Zouk and Attica are located here. So if you still have energy to burn, and feel like dancing your heart out, don’t ever miss the nightlife in Clarke Quay.
To sum it up, Clarke Quay has something for everyone and should be on your to-do and go-to list when visiting Singapore. What are some things that you want to do in Clarke Quay?
If you have kids and you want to take them on a customised educational tour, then visit the Science Centre Singapore. Ignite the inquisitive minds of your youngsters with different Science Experiments and Science Shows.
When traveling, make sure to bring cash for emergencies. If you can’t carry enough money with you and need backup funds in case of a last-minute emergency or unforeseen event. Your emergency fund is easy to get as soon as you get approved.
Head northwest on River Valley Rd toward Canning Lane then make a U-turn. After 550m, turn left onto Hill St, pass by Central Fire Station (on the left). Continue onto Victoria St and make a left turn onto Rochor Rd. At 300m, turn left onto Bencoolen St. and your destination will be on the right.
