 Clarke Quay, Singapore
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Clarke Quay is a riverside quay along the Singapore River. Clarke Quay is named after Sir Andrew Clarke, the second Governor of the Straits Settlements. Along with Clarke Street, it was given its name in 1896. Before that, it was simply called East Street and West Street, and was part of the Malay village of Kampong Malacca.
During colonial times, Clarke Quay was where godowns (dockside warehouses) were located. Barges would bring the goods from the ships anchored at the mouth of the Singapore River upstream to Clarke Quay. At the height of trading, Singapore river is choked with bumboats jostling for position. Needless to say, the Singapore River was very polluted at that time.
In the earlier days it was where bumboats moored. Lining Clarke Quay were warehouses. There would be coolies unloading the barges and bumboats, and the entire place was a hive of activity.
Clarke Quay (9 July 2011)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Those were the days, from the late 19th century until right the 1960's. However, as the harbour activities make the Singapore River very polluted, the Singapore government took steps to relocate the river warehousing to more modern facilities in Pasir Panjang. For a decade, from 1977 to 1987, Clarke Quay along with neighbouring Boat Quay downstream and Robertson Quay upsteam, underwent a massive clean up.
Today Clarke Quay is once again a hive of activity, especially when the sun goes down. That's when diners descend on Clarke Quay to enjoy and unwind. The river side is now taken over by al fresco dining, and on most nights, the place would be crowded. Canopy shelters are erected over the shophouses of the area to protect against the weather. The old warehouses have been given a new lease of life. Today they house restaurants and nightclubs.
Canopies of Clarke Quay (9 July 2011)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Getting there
Take the North East Line to the Clarke Quay MRT Station (NE5).
Another view of the Clarke Quay canopy (9 July 2011)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Sights at Clarke Quay
- Central Shopping Mall
Shopping mall along Eu Tong Sen Street facing Clarke Quay.
- Riverside Point
Popular eating place at Clarke Quay.
- G-MAX Reverse Bungee
A thrilling bungee ride where the gondola is catapulted to the air.
Pedestrians crossing Read Bridge at Clarke Quay (9 July 2011)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Bridges at Clarke Quay
- Coleman Bridge
Vehicular Bridge crossed by Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road.
- Ord Bridge
Pedestrian bridge upstream from Read Bridge.
- Read Bridge
Pedestrian bridge across the Singapore River at Riverside Point.
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