This is a portrait of Singapore River in the past. As seen, there were several sampans parked at the harbour, which reflected the glamourous past of Clarke Quay.

The Chinese junk was a ship that transported Chinese immigrants to Singapore. It also carried cargoes like dried and salted fish, Chinese medicines, silk, nankeens and earthenware.

Due to the prosperity of Clarke Quay, there were many coolies hired to transport the cargoes. As the numbers increased, conflicts were common. Chinese clans of different dialect groups were set up to mediate conflicts between coolies of different dialect groups.

About Clarke Quay... Some historical background

Clarke Quay was named after Sir Andrew Clarke, governor of the Straits Settlements from 1873 to 1875. As land was more plentiful here compared to the mouth of the river, Clarke Quay developed into an area of godowns (warehouses) for the long term storage of goods. The majority of the godowns in Clarke Quay were constructed between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century by Southern Chinese Hokkiens who traded in beans, copra, coffee and sugar, and Teochews who traded in rice and dried goods.

Credits of pictures in this post: Elias Park Primary School's SH@PE Dioramas

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Here is just a little view of the bridges to make you curious!!! Once you get there, you'll be amazed! You'll feel like it's a paradise! With the exception of the heat... SO, get ready your caps and sunglasses!

If you can't see the pictures clearly, please click them to enlarge it.

A scenic view of Read Bridge

This is the Ord Bridge from afar!

Coleman Bridge from afar!

These information will get you started before your actual trip!

ORD BRIDGE

Ord Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in Singapore. It spans the Singapore River at Clarke Quay, located in the Singapore River Planning Area within the Central Area, Singapore's central business district. WHEN was The Ord Bridge built? Let’s find out!!! Do you want to GUESS the year built? I shall give you a CLUE, This year is 2009, it was built 123 years ago! So, 2009-123=1886! Did you guess it correctly? The Ord Bridge was built in 1886 to replace a demolished footbridge known as the ABC Bridge. The steel truss bridge was named after THE ONE AND ONLY….. Colonel Sir Harry St. George Ord (1819-1855)! He was the first British Governor of the Straits Settlement (1867-1873) after it was given the Crown Colony status. The new name was also an abbreviation of its old name, Ordnance Bridge. It was also known as Toddy Bridge as there were teddy shops in nearby Pulau Saigon, an island on Singapore River which has since been reclaimed. Read Bridge is a beam-structured bridge located at Clarke Quay within the Singapore River Planning Area in Singapore. The bridge crosses the Singapore River linking Clarke Quay to Swissôtel Merchant Court. The bridge was built in 1881 and completed in 1889.The bridge is opened to pedestrians and bicycles, and has been modified several times.

READ BRIDGE

Read Bridge was named after William Henry Macleod Read, who was a prominent resident in Singapore between 1841 and 1887 and Consul for Holland between 1857 and 1885.The bridge's construction took place in 1881 and was completed in 1889. The bridge was opened by then governor Clementi Smith in 1889, Read laid the first cylinder in 1887, before he left the colony. The locals called the bridge Malacca Bridge, given its proximity to Kampong Malacca at Merchant Road.

The Hokkiens refer the bridge as kam kong ma lah kah kio (Kampong Malacca Bridge). It was also known as Green Bridge because of the colour of the bridge during the period of time. In the past, labourers and tongkang rowers gathered there to listen to Teochew storytellers. The southern side of the bridge was called colloquially cha chun tau, a reference to the boats that carried firewood from Indonesia to the shops that sold them there. Piles of firewood lined the streets in the area. Near the cha chun tau area were two Teochew opera theatres, Ee Hng and Diat Hng. Part of the area around the bridge was locally known as cha chun tau, a jetty for boats carrying firewood. Tongkangs carried firewood will unload their cargo at the bridge.

On 3 November 2008, the bridge was selected for conversation as part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's expanded conservation programme.

COLEMAN BRIDGE

After visiting the bridges, another interesting activity

awaits you!

A.... mini coin tree!!! How cute! For just $25, you can have this mini coin tree at Royal Selangor as a souvenir! Give this coin tree to your friends and family! You could also have one of the coins on the coin tree for just $5! Watch how the friendly workers there make the coin with pewter!

Here are some pictures on how the above mini coin tree is made.

The worker pours the liquid pewter into a mould and within seconds, it becomes solid! Amazing!

These are the COLOURFUL shophouses of Clake Quay at different angles! When you see these buildings, I'll bet you'll take tons of pictures of them! They're just so pretty!

Find out about the different factory processes involved in pewter making at the Royal Selangor Process Demonstration Tour. Then drop by the adjoining store to shop for the latest pewter designs. A unique experience is the Royal Selangor's School of Hard Knocks course, where you will learn how to create your very own pewter dish.

You'll even be presented with a certificate and your very own pewter masterpiece. Adrenaline seekers will want to try out G-Max Reverse Bungy - Singapore's first and only reverse bungy. Direct from New Zealand, the open-air capsule catapults you to a height of 60 meters at a staggering speed of 200km/hr. for an easier ride, hop onto a traditional trishaw and take in the spectacular views. Or cruise down the historic waterways in an authentic bumboat for a rare glimpse of old shophouses and godowns.

This is Riverside Point, a HUGE place for shopping and dining. Speaking of dining, aren't you hungry after touring all around Clarke Quay? If you are, you could head straight to Riverside Point's restaurants to have a snack, including Haagen-Daaz, Verve Expresso Bar and more!

RIVERSIDE POINT