Singapore River

Singapore River has a very rich history. It used to be the river mouth for trade activities. Many bum boats will carry goods from bigger ships in the sea to this river. Here the coolies/workers (see earlier post) will carry the goods from the bum boats to the warehouse, etc.

The river used to be dirty and smelly cause of the congestion of boats but since the big clean up in 1977, the river is so much cleaner and not smelly anymore. It is a beautiful view to look with all the tall buildings beside the river. For more information of Singapore River, you can view them here.

Anderson Bridge

Day view of Anderson Bridge

Night View of Anderson Bridge taken from another direction.

Anderson bridge was opened in 1910. It was named after Sir John Anderson, the governor of the Straits Settlement from 1904-1911.

It comprises three steel arches with supporting steel ribs extending across them, two rusticate archways and a fluted pier at each end.

Anderson bridge is a typical 3-hinged arch bridge. The arches use a curved structure which provides a high resistance to bending force.

Today, Anderson Bridge continues to serve as a carriageway for the many vehicles travelling between Connaught Drive and Shenton Way(Source: http://www1.moe.edu.sg/learn@/singaporerivertrail/sec/G041_Dunman_Sec/bridges.htm)

Cavenagh Bridge

This bridge built in 1869 was originally known as the Edinburgh Bridge to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The bridge was renamed in honour of Colonel Cavenagh, the last India-appointed Governor of Singapore. It was originally planed as a drawbridge. However, it was found upon completion to be suitable only as a fixed structure. It is now a pedestrain bridge.

It used to be accessible to people, rickshaws and ox carts but it was overloaded with the flourishing trade of Singapore and now the bridge is only accessible to pedestrians.

Kucinta Sculpture

I did not take a good photo(not the perfect angle) of these cat sculptures cause it started to rain and I was trying to protect my camera, so this is the only photo of the cats. There are about 15 such cat sculptures along Singapore River, sadly some are stolen.

These cats are known as the Singapura Cat or Kucinta. To know how the name come about or the origins of the cat you need to read this story.

The River Merchants

These sculptures are done by by Dr Aw Tee Hong.

The sitting sculpture is one of Singapore's earliest merchants, Mr Alexander Laurie Johnston, interacting with the local merchants.

The sculpture of these coolies(workers) loading goods onto a bullock cart, a common sight during the earlier days of Singapore.

Behind this sculpture is the Maybank which is sponsoring these sculptures. The Maybank Tower site is the original site of Mr Johnston's godown - Alexander Laurie Johnston & Co.

A common sight of teachers bringing students out on a live history lesson. A lesson out of the classroom. I think it is great.

Note: There are about 30 sculptures along the Singapore River, I hope to find them all but some are quite small and the river is quite long.