To quote the HAL brochure, “Singapore is an island city-state, a WWII battleground, a global economic superstar, and a crossroads of the world. British colonial administrator Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived in what was then a tiny fishing village in 1819. In 1824 the Sultan of Johor deeded the site to the East India Company, and a major British trading post in Southeast Asia was created. In 1867 Singapore was put under direct control of the British crown and consolidated into one administrative unit. Though Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942, it was restored to British rule after the war. Internal self-government began in 1959, and in 1963 Singapore became a semi-autonomous state within the Federation of Malaysia. On August 9, 1965, Singapore was separated from Malaysia and became an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. Today Singapore has grown to an affluent and vibrant city that attracts visitors from all over the world.” I wrote about Singapore and posted lots of photos last year while on the 2017 HAL World Cruise. So today, I’ll simply show you photos from our day in Clarke and Boat Quays:
On the dock in SingaporeOn the dock in Singapore. That road on the bottom left leads into town. It’s about a 15-minute ride with many wonderful sights along the way.The MS Amsterdam, docked n Singapore, as seen from the cab on our way into town.This parkland around the South Marina dock area will soon be under consruction for more condos and apartments.The construction has already begun in parts of the area.This was all reclaimed land. I guess they’ll have to reclaim more!The real trees with the sculpted trees behind. Those “metalic” trees, called “Supertree Grove”, are located in the Gardens by the Bay.Clarke Quay along the Singapore River. Not too busy in the daytime; many of the restaurants don’t open til late in the afternoon. The river boat tours leave from here (45 minutes for S$25.00)Clarke Quay is a bustling place in the evening. During the day it is pleasant to leisurely stroll about. (The downtown lunch crowd frequents Boat Quay on the south bank of the Singapore River.)One of the old Clarke Quay warehouses.Looking across the Singapore River from Ord Bridge to Clarke Quay and the Riverside Point Complex. Those are the cute river boats tied to the dock awaiting the next departure.We had lunch at the Brewerkz in Boat Quay. They provide lessons and tastings in the room behind that large sign. There is a lot of A/V equipment set up in there along with seats for at least 20 students of brewology!Lunch at the Brewerkz in Boat Quay was exceptional. The hamburger plate was the best we’d seen in ages. The only disappointment was the pickle. It was a dill, but not a kosher dill!Views from the Singapore River.View of Clarke Quay from the Singapore River.I’m such a sucker for murals as well as greenery. I took this photo simply because I liked the mural and colors! Hope you do , too!Street view of Singapore as we head back to the ship.
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