Clarke Quay, Singapore (must see)

Clarke Quay is a historic riverside area in Singapore, situated in the Singapore River Planning Area. It can be found upstream from the mouth of the Singapore River and Boat Quay.

The name Clarke Quay is derived from Sir Andrew Clarke, who served as Singapore's second Governor and Governor of the Straits Settlements from 1873 to 1875. He played a pivotal role in establishing Singapore as the primary port for the Malay states of Perak, Selangor, and Sungei Ujong.

Starting in the early 1800s, Clarke Quay functioned as a dock for loading and unloading goods destined for the warehouses and commercial establishments along the Singapore River. As port activities gradually shifted to Keppel Harbour and other locations starting in the mid-1800s, coupled with a cleanup effort of the river in the early 1980s, Clarke Quay declined in importance. However, in 1989, it was designated as a heritage conservation area and subsequently transformed into a commercial and entertainment hub.

Upon its reopening in November 1993, Clarke Quay was marketed as a family-friendly attraction featuring over 170 retail stores, 17 dining establishments, and an adventure ride incorporating elements from Singapore's history.

To evoke a sense of nostalgia, the streets were adorned with 80 gaslights that were manually lit every evening. Additional historical elements included river cruises and tongkangs, which were preserved as floating dining platforms. Visitors could enjoy wandering minstrels, street performances, and even performances on Read Bridge, occasionally used as a stage for buskers, similar to the Teochew storytellers of the past.

Over the years, Clarke Quay has attracted notable tenants and introduced various attractions. In 1994, a popular Sunday flea market started, offering second-hand items, curios, and antiques. That year, Singapore's first virtual reality ride, Reality Rocket, was launched. In 1995, the famous Satay Club from the 1940s relocated to Clarke Quay after leaving its previous location at the Esplanade, which was being developed for the arts. After redevelopment, Clarke Quay became a venue for events like Mid-Autumn by the River, the Singapore Food Festival, and the Singapore Million Dollar Duck Race. This revitalization turned Clarke Quay into a bustling destination.

Tip:
Take your pick of Asian: Clarke Quay has Chinese, Indian and Malay (Indonesian) restaurants, as well as Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai. Western choices include an Aussie seafood house, British and Irish pubs, a steakhouse, a Spanish tapas bar, German and Cuban restaurants, as well as more downscale taco joints, chicken wing joints, etc. Also lots of serious bars and other nightlife.