One of the things you must do in Singapore is visit Clarke Quay and hop on one of the iconic bumboats operated by Singapore River Cruise. This scenic ride lasts about 40 minutes, taking you along the Singapore River all the way to Marina Bay Sands. While you enjoy the city’s skyline aboard the now emission‑free electric‑powered bumboats, the audio commentary shares the rich history of “The River” and the quays that line its banks.
These quays—now hotspots of nightlife with numerous bars and alfresco dining—once housed godowns, warehouses, offices, and jetties. Boat Quay was the first, established in 1823 with offices, warehouses, godowns, and jetties; development then progressed upriver to Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, eventually reaching even further upstream near the river’s source.
For over a century, the Singapore River played a pivotal role in trade through the “Free Port” of Singapore and endured heavy industrial activity. By the late 1980s, it was heavily polluted with industrial, human, and animal waste. That prompted the transformation to its current state with the Clean Up Rivers Campaign.
Cruise Timings & Booking Info
- Operating hours:
- Mon–Thu: 1 PM–10 PM (last cruise at 9 PM)
- Fri–Sun & Public Holidays: 10 AM–10 PM (last cruise at 9 PM)
- Frequency: Cruises depart roughly every hour during operating hours
- Duration: Approximately 40 minutes, covering Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade, and back
Tickets
- Book online (via official Singapore River Cruise site or partners like Klook, Traveloka) for the best rates and to guarantee your spot—prices start from about SGD 25 (~INR 1,600)
- You can also purchase on-site at Clarke Quay Jetty, Bayfront South Jetty, or Clifford Pier Jetty: Mon–Thu: 11 AM–10 PM, Fri–Sun: 10 AM–10:30 PM
- Booking details: Redeem your online booking at Clarke Quay Jetty by presenting a QR code or voucher
Why Book in Advance?
- Guarantees your departure time, especially on weekends and public holidays when demand is high.
- Offers flexible ticket types, including standard bumboat, drink/cocktail combos, seafood dinner options, and heritage commentary.
- Convenient—no queues at the counter, just scan your QR code, hop on
