Unfolding the Past, Discover the Present
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Clarke Quay is a historical riverside quay in Singapore, located within the Singapore River Planning Area. The quay is situated upstream from the mouth of the Singapore River and Boat Quay.Sunday, December 27, 2009
That’s right! The 1st destination that we visited is Clarke Quay.
A Little About the History
It was on the banks of Singapore River that the foundations for modern Singapore were laid more than 150 years ago. Starting as a humble bustling fishing village, it was soon developed into a busy seaport as trade increased between the East and West.
Today
Presently, Clarke Quay is buzzing with life and activities. There are five blocks of restored warehouses that house various restaurants and nightclubs. Clarke Quay today is one of the biggest entertainment zones of Singapore. It is taking centre stage with many new operators with funky styles, darling attitudes and sexy concepts to transform it into a world-class destination.
What to Eat in Clarke Quay
Set amidst a backdrop of old shophouses, you can savour the many delights of Chinese, Italian, Mediterranean and local cuisine. Whether it is haute cuisine, casual dining or alfresco, there are so many excuses for the ones who live to eat. Savour a lavish feast of international cuisines along the picturesque waterfront of Clarke Quay.
Some of the recommended restaurants:
King Satay, Satay Club
Block B #01-07 Tel: 6337 6201
Chunky and meaty satay skewers that come fresh off the chargrill to be dipped into their signature peanut sauce. It’s a meat lover’s dream come true.
Hooters Singapore
Block D #01-06 Tel: 6333 4868
Let out a hoot of pleasure as their Hooter hotties serve up large American meals that will surely satisfy even the biggest appetites.
L’Entrepot Bistrot
Block E #01-02 Tel: 6337 5585
Fronting the Singapore River, step into L’Entrepot and you’ll feel transported to a local French bistro in Paris with its beautiful wine cellar, dark wood bistro tables and warm lighting.
Peony-Jade Szechuan Cantonese Restaurant
Block A #02-02 Tel: 6338 0305
The only modern Chinese restaurant at Clarke Quay, offering a traditional Szechuan/Cantonese cuisines in a truly elegant and contemporary setting with its many windows offering wide ranging views of the Singapore River.
Quayside Seafood Restarant
Block A #01-Alfresco Tel: 6338 0138
Serving Singapore's classic all-time favourites Chilli/Black pepper crabs using only 'live' juicy and succulent Sri Lankan crabs, Quayside Seafood offers a nice touch of modernity to its setting & service.
Shiraz Authentic Persian Cuisine
Block A #01-06 Tel: 6334 2282
Sophisticated, imaginative, and as colourful and complex as a Persian carpet. Experience the taste of classical Persian cuisine, authentic fine dining shaped by centuries of culinary artistry.
Restaurant Madame Butterfly @ The Forbidden City by IndoChine
Block A #01-02 Tel: 6557 6266
Dine on exotic IndoChine cuisine in a stone enclave fringed by bamboo plants and guarded by terracotta warriors.
Our group chose to take a break at Shiraz Mazzeh at Block A and enjoy their famous Kebab before moving on to enjoy Turkish ice cream for our dessert at Dmado Turkish Ice Cream.
Getting my ice cream!
Where to Party and Chill Out in Clarke Quay
Answer to the call of the night as the party animal in you is growling and the dance floors are lighted up for you. Let loose your inhibitions at Clarke Quay’s many atmospheric nightspots.
Some of the recommended nightspots:
Attica/Attica Too
Block A #01-03/#02-05 Tel: 6333 9973
The latest ultra-hip New York-inspired nightspot with four different bar concepts.
AZZUCAR!
Block D #02-03 Tel: 6336 8718
Spice up your nights with Latin Soul Party from the very best talents of Havana and Cuba in a liberating atmosphere and heady contemporary Latin style.
Bar CoCoon @ The Forbidden City by IndoChine/Bamboo Bar
Block A #01-02 Tel: 6557 6268
Enter the gateway of forbidden entertainment and experience a hypnotic musical and gastronomic seduction like no other in this IndoChine paradise.
Crazy Elephant
Block E #01-03/04 Tel: 6337 7859
Live Blues and rock and roll the way they are meant to be at Southeast Asia’s Premier Blues Bar for the true blue Blues fan.
Gotham Penthouse
Block A #03-01 Tel: 6339 5595
This is one of Singapore's premiere Nightclub and Special Event venues that offer one-of-a-kind live entertainment Monday to Saturday. This beautifully designed venue houses an array of visual delights and an elective style of music with entertainment.
Le Noir
Block C #01-01 Tel: 6339 6365
Le Noir means ‘The Black’ in French. With its rich black surroundings and chandeliers, Le Noir is an ultra exclusive and intimate hideaway for the discerning, upscale customers.
REBEL Boutique Club
Block C #01-07/08 Tel: 6235 2292
An edgy boutique club with an attitude featuring hip hop, R&B and urban music. Enter this adult playground and be hit by life-sized toy collectibles on display to bring out the kid in everyone.
THB Singapore Sling Boutique
Block B #01-05 Tel: 6334 4033
Immerse yourself in this timeless colonial bar and enjoy a uniquely Singapore Sling to add the fun into the late night partying.
The Arena
Block B #01-08 Tel: 6338 3158
The Arena in Clarke Quay proudly presents Singapore’s first ever permanent illusion show. The show is a perfect magical personification of the contemporary trendy characteristics of The Arena and Clarke Quay.
ZIRCA Mega Club
Block C #01-02/05 & #02-01/08 Tel: 6333 4168
At ZIRCA, you can expect a brand new dance club that begs to differ. Get treated to an audio-visual spectacle every night with interactive and engaging live performances.
Where to go for New Experiences and Excitements in Clarke Quay
Singapore River Cruise (River Taxi)
These traditional Chinese bumboats played a vital role in developing the island into one of the world's busiest port. Beginning with just 4 bumboats to commute locals and tourist, the service now caters to a larger crowd with over 24 boats.
There are several pick-up and drop-off points for the River Taxi. To name a few: Esplanade, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Pay between S$3 to S$12 and enjoy a scenic ride along the river that holds so much history and memories.
There are several ticketing booths located at Merlion Park, The Fullerton, Boat Quay, Riverside Point, Grand Copthorne Waterfront, Robertson Quay, Liang Court, Raffles Landing Site & Esplanade.
Hippo River Cruise
Jetty Tel: 6337 7511
Take a scenic cruise down the Singapore River and soak in the tranquil ambience and journey to discover the past, present and possibilities the future with unlimited free & easy hop on and hop off services along 9 designated jetties. There are a choice of 2 tours to suit every visitor’s needs.
Basic Tour : HiPPO River Cruise
For visitors with time constraint, the 30 minutes tour is the best way to catch a glimpse of the surrounding sights and scenes along the river.
Admission:
$15/ Adult, $9/Child (3-12yrs old)
Day Pass : HiPPO River Access
Maximise the river experience with a full day hop on and hop off pass. You will get to explore the malls, attractions and museums along the river banks up close. You will also get to revisit the river in the night to enjoy a different groovy feel of the night lives along the river. It is now possible with the HiPPO hop on and hop off system. Every 25 minutes, you can hop back onto the HiPPO River Cruise and explore various sections along the river.
Admission:
$23/ Adult, $13/Child (3-12yrs old).
Enjoy a FREE Moonlight Night City Tour.
G-MAX Reverse Bungy
Block E Whampoa Garden
Get flung to the skies and back on Singapore’s first and only Reverse Bungy.
GX5 Extreme Swing
Block E Whampoa Garden
Ride the latest horizontal bungee that goes sideways right across the Singapore River.
Ride Prices:
G-MAX Reverse Bungy; $45
GX5 Extreme Swing; $40
Max Combo; (G-MAX and GX5) $60
SUPERMAX-Combo; (G-MAX, GX5, DVD, Photo and Cap) $100
Opening Hours:
2pm – 1am, Monday – Thursday
2pm – 3am, Friday
1pm – 3am, Saturday
1pm – 1am, Sunday
G-MAX Ride Restrictions:
Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Minimum rider age; 12 years.
Minimum rider height; 1.2m tall.
Intoxicated persons will not be permitted to ride.
G-MAX Management reserves the right to refuse entry.
Where are the Shopping Centres near Clarke Quay
Liang Court
A unique family mall centrally located in the vicinity of Clarke Quay, along the Singapore River, Liang Court offers a great shopping experience to both tourists and locals. The refurbished Liang Court provides a uniquely Asia Fusion shopping experience at a desirable riverside location.
Central
A mall with 5 exciting levels with 280 shops of F&B and fashion related merchandise and services. The mall offers a unique layout for Riverfront Shopping experience and Riverside Dining by the Singapore River. It has a new LevelOne@Central catering to the chic, stylish and confident shoppers. Central is located in the city center, above the Clarke Quay MRT Station along the historic Singapore River.
Where to find Hotels in Clarke Quay
Swissotel Merchant Court
Swissôtel Merchant Court is a luxury hotel ideally located close to entertainment and dining hotspots such as Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Chinatown. The 476 guest rooms and suites serve the demand of all travellers and offer a choice of accommodation options. The Business Executive floors offer luxurious rooms and suites with upgraded amenities, including an Executive Club Lounge. Facilities include a choice of two restaurants, a bar, Amrita Spa & Wellness, a free-form swimming pool, 24-hour gym, a column-free ballroom and 4 function rooms.
How to get to Clarke Quay
From City Hall MRT Station:
Take bus service 32 or 195 along North Bridge Road
From Orchard MRT Station:
Take bus service 54 along Scotts Road
From Raffles MRT Station:
Take a river taxi at the Raffles Place jetty
From Clarke Quay MRT Station:
Take a 5-min walk along Singapore River
For Tourist Information
Singapore Visitors Centre @ Liang Court
177 River Valley Road, Level 1, Liang Court Shopping Centre, Singapore 179030
Tel: (65) 6336 7184
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 9.30pm daily
Labels: By Wan Teng
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