I had the pleasure of experiencing the Singapore River Cruise during my trip back in 2009, and even after all these years, it still stands out as one of the highlights of my visit to Singapore.
The cruise offered a truly unique and relaxing perspective of the city. Gliding along the river in a traditional-style bumboat, I got to see both the modern skyline and the colonial charm of the historic quays — Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay — all lit up beautifully at night. The reflections on the water and the gentle breeze made it a peaceful escape from the busy streets.
Back in 2009, the commentary was informative and easy to follow, giving historical background and interesting facts about the landmarks we passed, including the Merlion, the Fullerton Hotel, and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. It was a great way to learn more about the city without feeling rushed.
I remember the staff being friendly and the boats clean and comfortable. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, the cruise was — and still is, I imagine — a wonderful way to explore Singapore from the water.
Even after all these years, I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. A relaxing, scenic, and memorable experience!
Jian Seah
5
Excellent river cruise on a classic bumboat. They currently offer great discounts for Singaporeans. 2 adults + one child were only $45 for the 8 pm cruise, between the 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm light show sessions. Friendly and helpful staff from the ticket booth to the boat itself; the captain pointed out the light show on a building to my toddlers. Plenty of room inside the boat, several empty seats despite the long queue to get aboard. There were 3 boats leaving at a time, some with tour groups. Informative video about the history of various landmarks. Prams are kept outside the ticket booth until your return.
Mark Kwek
5
Memorable photo opportunity to capture Singapore's river area and financial district by night. Try to get on the boat by 6:45-7 PM for the best photos: the light is the best at that time.
Navin Ghani
5
Taking a Singapore River Cruise at sunset is an experience that blends city sophistication with a touch of magic. As the sky shifts from golden hues to deep twilight, the boat glides gently past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks—each one transforming in the changing light.
Starting from Clarke Quay, the brightly lit, pastel-colored waterfront immediately sets a festive tone. The quayside is buzzing with life, and from the water, the canopy-covered restaurants and historic warehouses now transformed into nightlife spots offer a lively contrast to the serenity of the river itself. Booking a cruise just before sunset allows you to catch the golden reflections on Marina Bay Sands’ towers—a shimmering display that photos can only partly capture.
Drifting along, the route unfolds like a curated tour of Singapore’s architectural diversity. The statuesque Fullerton Hotel, with its neoclassical grandeur, commands attention as it lights up in the evening glow. Nearby, the Merlion fountain delivers its signature spray, backed by a skyline that gradually illuminates with office lights and high-rise reflections. The scene becomes cinematic as the sun sets and the city skyline—towers bearing names like CapitaLand, Maybank, and OUE—takes on a crisp silhouette against the warm sky.
Passing under historic bridges and alongside Boat Quay and Marina Bay, the cruise offers a layered narrative of Singapore’s past and present. Skyscrapers rise behind rows of preserved shophouses, and modern art venues like the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum mark the city’s cultural ambition.
The boats themselves, modeled after traditional bumboats, feel sturdy and nostalgic, with open sides that invite the breeze. The commentary provides a light touch of historical context, but it’s the visual journey that really captivates.
If there’s one tip, it’s this: time your ride to start about 20–30 minutes before sunset. That way, you catch both the golden hour and the city’s shift into night mode, with reflections dancing in the river and the lights gradually coming alive. It’s not just a touristy boat ride—it’s a scenic immersion into Singapore’s identity, told through water, architecture, and light.