Clarke Quay

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.

Clarke Quay is located in the city’s traditional centre on the banks of the Singapore River. A gorgeous place during the day, sprinkled with beautiful colonial-era architecture, it undergoes a boisterous transformation at night when its famous nightclubs come alive.

Named after Singapore’s second Governor, Sir Andrew Clarke, Clarke Quay is a historical site located along the Singapore River. Having been the center of trade since modern Singapore was founded in 1819, goods transported to Singapore would often be stored in one of the many warehouses in Clarke Quay. With the amount of traffic the river was receiving on a daily basis, it did not take long before the rivers became heavily polluted. The government decided to relocate cargo services to the Pasir Panjang area, cleaned up the area, and refurbished the Clarke Quay site into a new residential and entertainment district.

Today, the old warehouses that once stored goods from all corners of Asia have been converted into modern dining restaurants and popular nightclubs. Old Chinese junks have also been refurbished into floating restaurants and bars. Bumboats repurposed as river taxis traveling along the Singapore River provide a nostalgic reminder of a time gone by.

The area has several condominium complexes available as residential properties. The adjacent Robertson Quay, a few minutes’ walk away from the crowds on Clarke Quay, also contains residential apartment blocks. The central location and abundance of restaurants, bars and active nightlife in the area attracts professionals working in the city, as well as younger couples.

Photo by Amos Lee on Unsplash

Clarke Quay is bordered on the north by Fort Canning, on the east by Boat Quay, on the south by China Square and Pearl's Hill, and on the west by Robertson Quay.

With an eclectic mix of local and international players this area has the most happening nightclubs and the best parties in Singapore. The most popular nightclubs here are Zouk, Canvas, Crazy Elephant, Attica, The Pump Room to name a few. One of the most thrilling experiences in Clarke Quay is the Reverse Bungee at G-Max. It is one of the most sought after attractions of adrenaline junkies. The speed goes up to 200 kmp as you are thrown up back and forth in the air. The challenge is to keep your eyes open when you are up there.

Attractions in Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay might be delightful at night, but this is still an area bursting with history. If you happen to be around during the day, check out the nearby Fort Canning Park, also known as Singapore Hill or Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill). This place is where the British colonial founder of Singapore, Stamford Raffles, built his residence. Some of the earliest graves from the colonial era can also be seen here.

Photo by Tom Hill on Unsplash

Interesting to note, it is called Forbidden Hill by the indigenous Malays because they believe the ancient kings of Singapore are laid to rest here – making this a solemn and haunting site. Check out the shrine dedicated to Parameswara, a 14th century king and ruler of Singapore who is believed to be buried there.

If you enjoy adrenaline-inducing fun of a different kind, the G-Max Adrenaline Bungy is a fun way to spend the day – that is, if you’re brave enough to get in. The bungy falls from 80m at speeds of 120 km/h. All this while you and your mates are held tightly into place between two swaying metal poles!

Bursting to life at night but with plenty of history to see during the day, Clarke Quay is a well-deserved addition to your Singapore itinerary.

Thing to do in Clarke Quay 

1. Take a River Cruise: 

The Singapore River is a popular attraction in Singapore and the River Cruise is a perfect way to enjoy the calmness of the river and the contrasting bustling atmosphere of Clarke Quay and its many attractions. In order to get a view of all the major landmarks of Singapore start the River Cruise from Clarke Quay Jetty. The cruise is for about 40 minutes 1.  

2. Explore Boat Quay: 

This is a food lover’s paradise. Boat Quay has an array of cafes, restaurants and bars serving some of the most delectable seafood and a variety of Indian, Japanese, Thai, Western and Korean cuisine.

3. Ride the G-Max Reverse Bungy: 

This is a fun filled and electrifying experience that gets your adrenaline pumping. This is a group reverse bungee jumping activity and the ride goes really fast at the speed of 200 KPH.

4. Visit the Asian Civilizations Museum: 

The Museum has an amazing collection of artefacts depicting Asian art, culture and heritage. 

5. Lockdown SG: 

A true mindbender, Lockdown SG is an exciting game room where you will be given puzzles to solve in order to get out of the locked room. There are themed scenarios, crime scenes to solve,  zombie apocalypse and several other puzzles.

Nightlife in Clarke Quay

If anything can be described as being Clarke Quay’s current claim to fame, it’s the nightlife. Two of Singapore’s biggest nightclubs, Zouk and Attica, are located within the vicinity, catering for those who enjoy banging dance beats and a wild, intoxicating atmosphere. F. Club is another popular venue with a focus on hip-hop and electronic music, and worth exploring for its splendid decadent interiors alone.

The party tends to last until the late hours compared to other parts of the city, and the eclectic music choices mean you will rarely be bored. The fact the clubs are located so conveniently near each other also allows you to hop from one spot to another with ease.

If you’re looking for something more underground, Headquarters by The Council is probably what you’re after. This mysterious spot offers some of the most experimental musical takes that are as far from the billboard charts as you can find them. Only for the brave and bold.

Bars and restaurants in Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay’s bars are another great place to hangout. A pro-tip: if you happen to be on a budget, check out Get Juiced for some cheap beverages. It’s a great place with a decidedly frenetic and upbeat vibe. Then stop by Chupitos Shots Bar for some unique shots that are guaranteed to kick in.

For those who like to have a good time but with a different taste in music in mind, Crazy Elephant is a cool joint that brings out some classic beats reminiscent of 70s bars in the US. Then we have the more niche options like Level Up, Singapore’s first ever arcade bar. This is where you get to relive your 80s and 90s fantasies, playing Donkey Kong and Super Mario with your drinks in this neon-dripped haunt.

Clarke Quay also offers some great eating options and you cannot go wrong at Ramen Keisuke Lobster King. Though a Japanese restaurant, it utilises a French culinary approach in its preparation, creating an unforgettable taste. Check out the tantalising Lobster Broth Ramen, one of their specialties.

If you’re looking to dine very close to the river, Tongkang Riverboat Dining is a novel restaurant located right inside a bumboat docked to the side. The specific boat is called a tongkang, which happens to be a lighter type of bumboat. There are two of these for the restaurant. Some of the best choices here are its seafood, which is fresh and lovingly prepared onboard by the skilled chefs.

Restaurants at Clarke Quay 

1. Princess Terrace Cafe: 

This iconic restaurant in Clarke Quay has been successfully serving the most loved Penang buffet for decades. The mouth-watering spread mainly consists of satay chicken, duck mee sua, Penang laksa and Penang curries. 

2. Kinara Northwest Frontier: 

This is a popular restaurant serving popular North Indian delicacies and styled in the Rajasthani Haveli style. The restaurant offers a range of tandoor and tawa items in an elegant and refined ambience.

3. Octapas: 

This is a colorful eatery serving some delectable Spanish delicacies such as paella, pan-fried chorizo and many more alongside fruity and refreshing sangrias. The live music makes this place more colorful and high-spirited.

4. Peony Jade: 

With two Michelin Bib Gourmand under their belt, Peony Jade serves the most delectable selection of dumplings. These dumplings come in many shapes, colors and sizes forming a collection of traditional dumplings as well as in-house creations. 

5. Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill: 

This wonderful restaurant serves a great selection of authentic Peranakan cuisine with specialities such as Hae Bee Hiam Sea Bass with chinchalok relish, Prawn satay, Pan fried pork belly and Chicken Satay.

6. Ricciotti:

A wonderful Italian restaurant along the Singapore River serving classic Italian dishes such as tortelloni di bufala, raviolis, grilled sea bass and Tartufo. 

Best Places to Shop at Clarke Quay 

1. Clarke Quay Central:

 A contemporary styled structure with over 280 shops. The Mall is mainly a fashion and accessories hub with an extensive food court. There are many well known fashion brands outlets here such as Giordano, Charles and Keith, Hang Ten, bYSI, Skyroom and several other well-known brands.

2. Liang Court: 

This modern structure is a mixed-development complex comprising a shopping mall, the 326 roomed Novotel Hotel and Somerset serviced apartments. The mall has stores such as MEIDI-YA supermarket, Kinokuniya, Audio House and Kopitiam. Liang Court also has many salons, banking services, retail stores and about 20 restaurants.

3. Sunday Market at Clarke Quay: 

This is the most renowned of all flea markets in Singapore opened every Sunday from 10AM to 6PM. Here you can find a myriad collection of curios, collectibles, comic books, designer wear, accessories and many more.

4. UE Square Shopping Mall: 

UE Square is a large futuristic complex primarily catering to retail and F&B as well as office rentals. The Mall has a variety of stores such as independent wine and liquor retailers such as Temple Cellars and The Straits Wine Company. Beauty salons, restaurants serving Vietnamese, Japanese, Western cuisines, a ballet studio, spas and many more.

5. Funan Digital Life: 

Also known as Funan IT Mall, this is the most extensive gadgets, electronics and electrical stores in Singapore. A comprehensive range of  Computers, phones, TVs, cameras and homewares too are available here. It also has an excellent selection of fashion outlets, salons and restaurants as well.

6. Clarke Quay independent stores: 

Clarke Quay is a wonderful mix of excellent shopping malls, boutiques, quaint shop houses, street shopping and a variety of retail stores. Purchase a range of pewters from Royal Selangor Pewter Store or unique jewellery, pottery and other things from the many colorful pushcarts. If you are keen, you can also learn the art of pewter making from Selangor who offers such classes. 

Best Hotels to Stay in Clarke Quay

1. Swissotel Merchant Court: 

This riverfront hotel is a luxury hotel with 2 in-house restaurants, a bar, a full service spa and several other amenities for a comfortable stay. Located next to an MRT station near the Boat Quay and overlooking the Clarke Quay Swissotel Merchant court is an ideal place to stay while in Singapore.

2. Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay: 

This is a comfortable hotel overlooking the Singapore River. The hotel offers a swimming pool, free wi-fi, bathtubs, fitness centre, air conditioning, business centre and play area. There are many attractions within walking distance of this hotel such as the Boat Quay, Peranakan Museum and many others.

3. Hipstercity: 

Ideally located near City Hall MRT station this comfortable hotel has all the basic amenities to make your stay in Singapore a comfortable and memorable one. The hotel offers free wi-fi, airport shuttle and air conditioned rooms.

4. Park Regis Singapore: 

Located within walking distance from Clarke Quay Central and Singapore River the hotel features an outdoor pool, free wi-fi in public areas, fitness centre, business centre and concierge services. Room amenities include a minibar, ensuite bathrooms, LCD TVs, etc.

5. Holiday Inn Express Singapore: 

The hotel features 442 rooms and within walking distance from Singapore River, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay Central. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a 24-hour business centre, free wifi in public areas, rooftop terrace, in-house restaurant and designated smoking areas.

6. Heritage Apartments @ Clarke Quay: 

Located at about 10 minutes walking distance from Clarke Quay MRT Station and Raffles Place MRT Station, Heritage Apartments offers fully furnished, air-conditioned Service Apartments with free wi-fi, ensuite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchenette and a complimentary Handy phone.

7. Carlton Hotel Singapore: 

This is a luxury hotel in downtown Singapore offering 940 rooms, 4 in-house restaurants, a bar and lounge, a full service spa, an outdoor pool, a business centre and free wi-fi in public areas.

Places to visit near Clarke Quay 

1. Singapore Flyer: 

This giant observation wheel located in Marina Bay is the largest in Asia and offers the most spectacular views of the city of Singapore. Each capsule is fully air conditioned and the ride takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The best time to ride the Flyer is at dusk.  

2. Little India: 

The beauty of Little India is the vibrancy of the place and the tradition it upholds. This district is famous for its beautiful Hindu and Buddhist Temples, traditional eateries and 24/7 shopping arcade. Located about 3 Km from Clarke Quay, Little India has several attractions to keep you enthralled.

3. National Gallery Singapore: 

Located at a mere 1.4 Km from Clarke Quay, The National Gallery Singapore has over 8000 pieces of modern Singaporean and Asian artworks. It is housed in two of the most iconic places of Singapore - the City Hall and the former Supreme Court. 

4. Gardens by the Bay: 

located approximately 4Km from Clarke Quay, Gardens by the Bay is a spectacular, massive and unique garden next to Marina Bay Singapore. The special features of this Garden are the Supertrees which are vertical structures about 9 to 16 storeys tall.

Essential Information

Clarke Quay is a riverside quay and it is the biggest entertainment center of Singapore. The highlight of this place is its riverside location offering river cruises, riverside cafes and restaurants, heritage sites and vibrant nightclubs. 

Location: 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024

Timings: 10AM to 10PM Daily

Price: There is no entry fee to Clarke Quay. You need to pay separately for activities such as River Cruise, Reverse Bungee, etc.

Tips for Visiting Clarke Quay

• Best time to visit Clarke Quay is between 5 to 7PM to catch the Happy Hours in many of the Bars here. Happy hours are generally till 7 PM or 9PM in most bars. Check before you go.

• The nightclubs here are a rage, however the drinks are exorbitantly priced. If you want to enjoy the nightclubs but not spend so much on drinks then buy a bottle from outside and finish your drinks before you go to these nightclubs.

• Take a boat cruise just before sunset for the best insta-worthy pictures of the River and the Quay.

• Try to keep valuables at a minimum, wear comfortable shoes and carry a camera.

• Take the river cruise to enjoy the views as you cruise along the river.

• Book entry tickets prior to going to reduce waiting time. Most tickets are available online for facilities like river cruise, reverse bungee, etc.

• If you want to explore Clarke Quay during the day and also eat in the area then make sure you find out which restaurants are open during the day. Most of them only open in the evenings and at night.

• Head to the North Bridge Road near Clarke Quay station to enjoy a great view of the fantastic laser show put up at Marina Bay Sands that starts at 8:30PM and 9:30PM every evening.