Singapore River and Bay

There is so much to see wandering along the riverfront in the warmth of the late morning.  Workers as well as tourists throng around and there is a happy atmosphere as the business skyscrapers loom over their colonial ancestors.

The Fullerton Hotel was once the General Post Office and, in the 1800s/early 1900s, was where all incoming vessels would have had to report in order to collect and deliver mail.  A nearby stone commemorates the life of writer and master mariner Joseph Conrad-Korzeniowski ('Heart of Darkness') for whom Singapore was a regular destination and home port in the 1880s.

  

Around Cavanagh Bridge there are a number of bronze sculptures depicting life-size scenes from the colonial days.  Arguably the most spectacular is 'First Generation' which appears to freeze a group of naked boys excitedly jumping off the quay into the river.

 

The 'River Merchants' sculpture shows Alexander Laurie Johnston, a prominent 19th century trader, mediating a deal with Chinese and Malay traders. Next to this, coolies load bags onto an oxcart.

A slightly off kilter police notice on Cavanagh Bridge prohibits use by all cattle, horses and vehicles exceeding 3cwt.  Nearby, a bronze cat watches her kittens play.

 

Along the quay are many food stalls and restaurants as well as business monoliths towering over them.  On the opposite side of the river, work is ongoing to renovate and landscape the buildings around the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall and the Old Parliament building (which lies behind the new one!).

Walking in the direction of Raffles Hotel, one comes across St Andrew's - an oasis of calm contemplation in this busy metropolis.

Meanwhile, around the bay unmissable sights are: the  Marina Bay Sands hotel, formed by a trio of towers supporting a 'ship'; the lotus flower shaped Art Science Museum; the Helix Bridge; the Lion Fountain and of course part of the F1 track - the Singapore Grand Prix takes place in the next couple of weeks!

 

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

 

Art Science Museum