Sunday Stroll Along The Singapore River: what to see and savour at Clarke Quay

Problem
Where to meet and walk with friends? We wanted somewhere near an MRT station - no danger of being late and up running breathless and hot and flustered.

Answers
We started from the aptly named Clarke Quay MRT station. We had lunch at Riverwalk Indian restaurant which has indoor and outdoor seating. (Riverwalk Tandoor. Separate post.) Afterwards, perhaps unconsciously inspired by the restaurant's name, Riverwalk, we walked off the calories and continued our conversation with a stroll along Clarke Quay.

On the train to Clarke Quay, my first question to a long-term resident had been: 'Which one is Boat Quay and Which one is Clarke Quay?'

Boat Quay was the one with the boats nearest the mouth of the river. Later Clarke Quay was developed. (Named Clarke after a VIP man in charge in that era.)

If you look at the map of the railway lines you see Harbourfront and Marina Bay. Marina Bay is a recently developed waterside like a square of water enclosed by dramatic skyscrapers, notably Marina Bay Sands triple skyscraper like a giant cricket stub. Harbourfront is to the west, left on the map, but the shipping will soon be moved further west, allowing redevelopment of the prime land nearer the city.

Meanwhile, if you are rushing for a train and need to know whether to take the train to Harbourfront or Marina Bay, most likely you are going to Marina Bay with its waterside walks and major attractions.

Along Clarke Quay you will pass live cats and fish:
The Cat Cafe (upstairs).

Fish
Several waterside restaurants on Clarke Quay enjoy views of Marina Bay Sands.

Boat Tours & Meal Discounts
Boats chug up and down the river carrying tourists on guided tours. Wait at a vantage point to get a boat in your photo. Look for the kiosk where you can buy the boat tickets - which give you discounts at several of the restaurants along the river.  So book the river cruise first and look for the discounts before having your later drinks or meal by the river.

Your choice of cuisine includes burgers or Indian and lots of cocktail bars.

Seafood
At least two seafood places have fish or huge crabs in tanks. Not just for decoration. In the UK most fish comes out of the fridge or freezer. Singapore and China and many Asian countries, the fish and shellfish is kept in tanks and keeps growing and is killed and cooked fresh.

Useful Websites and addresses
The River Walk Tandoor, 20 Upper Circular Road #B1-38
Clarke Quay MRT exit E
www.riverwalktandoor.com.sg
Singapore Airlines:
singaporeair.com

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.