Boat Quay

Boat Quay is a historical quay in Singapore that is situated upstream from the mouth of the Singapore River on its southern bank. It spans from the shophouses near UOB Centre, stretching along one bank of the Singapore River, all the way to Elgin Bridge. Boat Quay is the personification of Singapore's spirited nightlife entertainment and gastronomy with its assortment of wine bars, beer pubs, and 4-chefs-hats restaurants. Another plus for the patrons which is a wide mix of locals, professionals, expatriates, and tourists, is the relaxing waterside ambience of the Singapore River. A stone’s throw from party central aka Clarke Quay and not too far from Robertson Quay, Boat Quay is one of Singapore's top places for unwinding. Despite the bustling nightlife that it boasts, the old world charm of Boat Quay is well-preserved.

Public transport and amenities in Boat Quay

Boat Quay Area Summary

During the early days of modern Singapore, the Singapore River was a major trading and commerce hub, in particular at its southern bank (Boat Quay). Following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Boat Quay was busier than ever with steamships and tongkangs loading and unloading a wide range of goods from raw materials, to textiles, to provisions, and more. The trading activities at Boat Quay began their retardation in the 1980s when technology spurred the building of a more modern freightage centre in Pasir Panjang. By the mid-1980s, Boat Quay was just an abandoned quay.

Though serving aquatic trade is no longer Boat Quay's primary role, the shophouses on it have been carefully conserved. In 1986, the Urban Redevelopment Authority announced that the Singapore River area, including Boat Quay and the shophouses by the riverbank, would undergo a preservation plan. Now, it houses various bars, pubs, and restaurants. Therefore, Boat Quay's social-economic role in the city has shifted away from that of trade and maritime commerce, and now leans towards more of a role accommodated for tourism and aesthetics for the commercial zone of which encloses the Singapore River. 

Stay - Boat Quay

Available housing in the area primarily consists of condominiums. One of the most popular is The Riverwalk which stands 26 storeys tall. The Riverside Piazza can also be a good option when you are considering buying a condo in the Boat Quay neighbourhood. With their modern facilities and favourable location, which guarantees stunning views from their apartments, it is no wonder why these condos are in high demand. The area is also dotted with hotels for temporary stay. These include Hotel Clover The Arts, Jayleen 1918, and Swissotel Merchant Court.

Shop - Boat Quay

Other than the many shophouses in the Boat Quay neighbourhood, you can head to Clarke Quay for a one shop destination. Clarke Quay Central is the newest shopping mall in the area and it is accessible from Clarke Quay MRT. Designed in such a way as to fully take advantage of its riverside location, its design has won several awards. Clarke Quay Central features a plethora of retail and F&B outlets, including specialty Japanese restaurants with stunning views of the river. There are also many clothing boutiques that cater to different fashion styles to please any fashionista, and the mall also has a sky garden and recreational facilities.

Eats and Drinks - Boat Quay

Boat Quay offers a lot of dining choices that will please all taste buds since the eateries here range from elegant cafes to upscale restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world. Generally, the food prices here are quite high, but cheap supper can be found at the coffee shops on the outskirts of Boat Quay. While you are in the area, do not miss Kinara West Frontier Cuisine. Do not think twice to go there if you crave North Indian deliciousness. Apart from offering the cuisine’s usual stars, such as tandoori grilled meats, biryanis, fiery curries and savoury naans, Kinara also has vegetarian-friendly options. Its assorted paneers and dals make it the perfect spot for a catch-up with your vegetarian buddies.

Ramen Bar Suzuki is also on the list when it comes to food near Boat Quay. Suzuki offers ramen variations like emerald green tonkotsu (tonkotsu broth enhanced with fresh basil and cheese) and sakura pink tonkotsu (the pink comes from the addition of three types of shrimp). It is really a place to go if you are bored of the conventional versions of ramen. However, you can always go for the ‘safer’ options of cardinal red or jet black ramen. Lastly, if you cannot decide between Peranakan and Japanese cuisine, you can get the best of both worlds in Babasan. After trying intriguing dishes like buah keluak ramen, sambal Iberico pork sando, unagi kueh pie tee and spicy rempah crab fried rice, you will be wondering why this culinary collaboration has not happened sooner. 

Other than the wide range of restaurants, Boat Quay with its wide range of colourful bars is also one the most popular places for a waterside drink in Singapore. The main stretch comprises a walking lane that loops around the Singapore River. Several places that definitely worth visiting include 4 Hero's, Molly Malone’s, and 5 Southbridge. The laid-back 4 Hero's is known to many as a live music and sports bar. Rock and roll are often played at this space, which is designed to look like something right out of an old Western flick, so you can sit back and enjoy the tunes, or watch football games on the big screen with your mates while throwing back a few cold beers. If you prefer unwinding with a pint of beer, live music, and good old-fashioned Irish cheer, you can drop by Molly Malone’s, Singapore’s first-ever Irish Pub. And if you cannot resist a knockout view, head up to rooftop bar 5 Southbridge on Boat Quay for the perfect combination of fresh New Zealand Pacific oysters, Champagne, and pretty, unobstructed views of the city skyline.

Play - Boat Quay

When you are thinking about a fun thing to do in Boat Quay, hopping on a bumboat and cruising the Singapore River might be on top of your mind. It can take you through Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, and Clifford Pier, and you will marvel at the stark contrast of the old world architecture against the modern skyscrapers. However, the real fun starts when the sun goes down. It is no secret that Boat Quay is very popular for its spectacular nightlife.

At night-time, the bars and pubs here see many professionals and expatriates from the Shenton Way business district and beyond. These patrons' wine, beer, or liquor-drinking sessions are often accompanied by live music from the local and international acts employed by most pubs and bars here. Should the drinking place be void of music, simply gaze at the waterfront view of the Singapore River. 

For an amazing nightlife experience at Boat Quay, 99.co would like to recommend RedDot BrewHouse as one of the places to go. It serves some beer selections that are truly unique and worth trying. Check out the Monster Green Lager Beer, which is literally green. The place offers a great chilled ambience with views over the Singapore River. The venue is part indoor, part alfresco, and is one of the go-to spots for a quality ale around the Boat Quay area. The Spiffy Dapper, on the other hand, is probably the best cocktail spot along the stretch of Boat Quay. Their in-house mixologist puts his unique touch on classics such as the signature Bloody Mary and Old Fashioned. Expect a price tag that goes from S$20 and up to match the atmosphere. The upstairs’ setting is a nod to its ‘speakeasy bar’ approach.

Move - Boat Quay

The nearest stations to the Boat Quay area is the Raffles Place MRT Station and Clarke Quay MRT station. Clarke Quay MRT is an underground Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station on the North-East line in the Singapore River planning area. Despite its name, Clarke Quay station is not physically located within Clarke Quay which lies on the northern bank of the Singapore River. Rather, the station is built along the southern bank of the river, near the Boat Quay neighbourhood and is directly connected to Clarke Quay Central. This MRT station is near Fort Canning MRT Station and Chinatown MRT Station.

Parks and Gardens - Boat Quay

It is not hard to find open spaces in Boat Quay. Hong Lim Park is one of the nearest parks. It is a place with a rich history that tells Singapore’s story. The Speakers’ Corner was established in September 2000 at Hong Lim Park to provide a place for Singaporeans to express themselves in various ways, such as delivering public speeches, holding peaceful demonstrations, exhibitions or performances. With almost a hectare of parkland, Hong Lim Park has sports fields, sculptures, event conducting areas, a wonderful garden, and paved walking trails. 

However, if you are looking for more greenery, you can go to the nearby Fort Canning Park which is only a station away. You can indulge in the tranquillity of nature in the expansive lawns and greenery. Fort Canning Park is the perfect destination for people who love nature as much as they love historical stuff. Here, you can find a variety of arts and ancient artefacts, giving you the ultimate experience of nature slash heritage. For the children, there is also an outdoor playground namely Jubilee Park on the western slopes of Fort Canning Park. 

Other than that, Pearl’s Hill City Park situated nearby, is also worth visiting. Built around a reservoir on top of a hill, it is a romantic hideout just 5 minutes away from the Outram Park MRT station. You can enjoy the wooded ambience provided by the mature Tembusu trees while basking in the serenity of the park. Alternatively, just sit back and relax by the pond and admire the beautiful lotus plant. This quiet ambience of the park makes it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Residents of One Pearl Bank will be delighted that a park as beautiful as this one is located so close to home.