Historic Boat Quay of Singapore

One of the most visited destinations in Singapore with amazing entertainment and dining options, Boat Key has become a stronghold for locals, expats and travelers. The scenic area with its own flavor has firmly established itself as a must-see destination in Singapore.

What’s the history of the Singapore Boat Quay?

While you may be disappointed when we talk about history, you cannot deny the fact that knowing a place’s past helps us better understand it and how that place turned into what it is today.

Since 1819, the Singapore River has been a very busy place, where economic and commercial activities continue to take place. The southern bank of this river, where most of these events took place, was (and still is) Boat Key.

At the direction of Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore, the Singapore Boat Quay was completed in 1842. Most of the Chinese workers and traders in large numbers have made this place their home. Boat Quay flourished at a rapid pace. The volume of trade that took place on the Singapore boat promenade even exceeded the volume of trade on the north bank, where European merchants had their offices.

In those days, Boat Key was the seat of Singapore’s most important commercial offices. During the busiest hours, bamboos will have a hard time finding a seat on Boat Key. Coolers and lighters delivered goods from ships, while traders were busy buying and selling various items such as tin, rubber, steel, coffee, rice, and some other manufactured goods.

However, in the 1960s, the boat quay restaurants fortunes fell sharply when the introduction of mechanization and computerized systems took over their leading role in the water trade.

With the opening of the high-tech port of Singapore in September 1983, the river trade on the Boath Quay has suffered greatly. From there it was a descent. However, in 1986, the City Improvement Authority prepared a conservation plan for Boat Quay.

In July 1989, the commercial buildings (two- and three-story) of the Singapore Waterfront were preserved, as well as its upper floors, which had a unique ledge. These commercial spaces have become businesses based on certain new ideas. Shops and tombs were restored in the 90s. They are now lively restaurants, shops and bars, an integral part of Singapore’s nightlife.

Boat Key and its role in Singapore nightlife

The restaurants, shops and bars of Singapore’s Boat Quay provide a wealth of entertainment options for visiting tourists. You will welcome this escape from the mundane life as you enter the Boat Key area. The natural splendor of this place, surrounded by a large aquamarine zone, is striking to say the least.

Boat Quay is the perfect place for a fun and easy evening. If you want to get a taste of Singapore’s nightlife, you can’t miss visiting Boat Quay.