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Tag Archives: Singapore River


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53) Circles of rainbow on the Bridge

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Welcome to Alkaff Bridge, you are strolling on a rainbow now.

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The Alkaff Bridge is a pedestrian Bridge spanning across the Singapore River in length 55m, height 35m.  As the name suggested, it is related to the nearby Alkaff Quay.  Alkaffs is also a wealthy Arab family who settled in Singapore during the early 20th century.

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One side is connected to the “River Place” condominium.

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The other side is connected to “The Quayside” condominium.  What a home sweet home for these estate residents!

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This bridge resembles a wooden boat (Tong Kang) is a gift from a lady artist, Pacita Abad (1946-2004) who transformed it to a rainbow bridge with an artist touch of joy and vibrant colors!

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She used 120 liters for white base paint after scraping the old paint away.  And subsequently, using 630 liters for two coats of 6 base colors for this Art piece.

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And finally, applying 2,350 circle stencils, using 46 colors painted with hands.   In addition to these, the railings are also full of wonderful circles.

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Imagine staying in a home next to the rainbow friend…

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Or a ferryboat passing by here and there outside your doorstep, what else do you ask for…?

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51) Throw up your New Year resolutions

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Who dare to “Bungy” your New Year resolution in this way?

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Get ready! And wish you all the best!

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Smoke gets in your eyes!

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One more time for stage effect!

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And let’s go and let it go!

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Up, up to the sky! (1st bounce)

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Up, up swing, can’t hear your scream! (2nd bounce)

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Down.. down again, hear you now! (3rd bounce)

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Did you regret it or you like the thrills and spills? (4th bounce)

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Come for Reverse Bungy in Singapore.

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At the bank of Singapore River in Clark Quay, forget about the muddy water and the gloomy sky.

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It is near the colorful MICA building, you can also follow the sound of people screaming to find it.

Make your reservations at this cart and make your resolution in the air!


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40) The two arms of The Fullerton Hotel

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In my opinion, The Fullerton Hotel, from the direction of Victoria Theatre is a giant man standing in between two spreading arms with a warm cheering face!

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Cavenagh Bridge, the right arm was built in 1870.  It is the oldest bridge existing in its original form on Singapore River.  It named after the last India-appointed Governor of the Straits Settlement, Major General William Orfeur Cavenagh.
The bridge was designed by John Turnbull Thomson, under supervision of Captain Charles Edward Faber, the Madras Engineer who have Mount Faber named after him.
Before the bridge was born, there was one shaky bridge connected the both sides.  Travelers just need to pay 1 cent for passing the bridge.

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And now, Cavenagh Bridge is one of the Singapore bridges fav by lovers, after it overtook by Anderson Bridge due to overloading problem.

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Steel rivets stand still throughout the era.

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Anderson Bridge, the left arm was built in 1910.  Given a name after the Governor of the Straits Settlement and High Commissioner for the Federated Malay States, Sir John Anderson.
This beautiful steel arc shape structure was built intended to lighten the load of Cavenagh Bridge.  It is so far the last bridge built in steel along the Singapore River.

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In the past, there is a belief that men and women tossing apples and oranges respectively into the River will be blessed with a happy marriage.
And for singles hurling oranges into the River will be blessed with a partner soon.
Not so sure if this belief is still concurrence, but the reverse effect may end you getting a fine for littering the River.

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The Fullerton Hotel, glimpsed through steel arches and ribs.


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14) Where is your Tunnel of Memories?

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If you asked around the locals about this pedestrian tunnel, they will concur with a smile of contentment.  This is a well-known pedestrian tunnel connecting Queen Elizabeth Walk (Esplanade Park) to Empress Place.  Apart from crossing over on the Fullerton Road that leads to Anderson Bridge, this is a leisure way to enjoy the beauty of the Singapore River.  In the past, it’s a park where families spent their weekend on.  Couples holding hands, dress up like super stars in their bell-bottom pants meet up in the park.  Gone were those days, where happy couples, groups of youngsters, families with kids gathered around on weekend in this memorable park of pride.  It leaves good memories in most children in the 60s/70s.

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On top of the tunnel is Anderson Bridge, a famous local landmark visited by countless.

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The concrete parapet wall remains the same standing under the rain and sun unlike the landscape of Esplanade Park that has changed tremendously.

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It is quite amazing to see those trees still standing green and lavish while those who once saw them were long gone…

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This is my tunnel of memories, where is yours?


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39) 2 sculptures by the bridge

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On the left of the Cavenagh Bridge, along the fringe of the Singapore River, there are 5 bronze naked boys frolicking, driving off the bridge for a swim.
This First Generation sculpture halted the movement of olden days kids playing along the river while the river is still polluted by mud and garbage.  It is a common sight during those days where children swing on trees and take plunge into the river, an uncommon sight these days.

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Sculptor, Chong Fah Cheong designed this lovely piece depicting scenes of early days Singapore.  You can see the scene played out all over Asia, though the young laughter of the boys were heard no more.

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On the right corner of the bridge, a family of Singapura Cat rest themselves there.  Kitty mama watches over her 2 lovely kittens frisking happily by the side, though 1 of her kittens was stolen.

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Kitty mama guards the heart of Singapore day and night, never missed a single movement along the busy riverside.


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38) It’s big, but it’s not the Sesame Street Big Bird!

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Where do we see this round butt?
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Or is this something else?

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“Bird” sculpture is made of bronze, created by renowned sculptor, Fernando Botero.  This beautiful 3-dimension art piece signifies the joy of living and the power of optimism.  It has a “vital statistic” of 245 x 310 x 250 cm and is located outside UOB Plaza, next to Singapore River.

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UOB (United Overseas Bank) believes so long as there is peace and optimism, the nation will continue to grow and prosper.

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Personally, I like its shape in round form.  It epitomizes an eternal strength and inspiring hope to every passerby.
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“Bird” join tip with the UFO-like Supreme Court
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Viewing through “Bird” underneath is the 5-star Fullerton Hotel, it’s a breezy view.
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“Bird” under the blue sky, waiting to take wing.


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37) Brother Bridges to Chinatown

There are two bridges leading us from the direction of east to Chinatown. 
One is on the left, the “Elgin Bridge”, while the one on the right is “Coleman Bridge”.

Elgin Bridge

Elgin Bridge was built as an unnamed footbridge in 1819.  The existing bridge was built in 1929 and named after Lord Elgin (Governor-General of India).  It was the first bridge across Singapore River that linked two roads to Chinatown core, South Bridge Road and North Bridge Road.

Coleman Bridge

The second one is Coleman Bridge, which was built in 1840.  It was the second bridge built across the Singapore River.  Designed and named after an Irish, George Drumgoole Coleman, Singapore’s first architect. 
In 1865, the original brick bridge was replaced by timber.  And in 1886, an iron bridge was built to replace the wooden one.
To withstand the increasing heavy traffic flow, the iron bridge was finally demolished in 1986 and replaced with the present concrete bridge while the iron lamp post and railing were retained under historical conservation.
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Day and night, Elgin Bridge stood still as strong as an iron man, bearing travelers without any complaints.

Singapore - River Ferry

Ferry with tourist sight seeing the landscape of Singapore River.

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The little Bodhi tree witnessing the hustle and bustle of our footsteps and the history of the two bridges in the heart of the Singapore river.
 
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