Clarke Quay ~ boys night out along Singapore River

3 River Valley Road,

Singapore 179024

This is what the scene always at night in Clarke Quay.

Ok I admit it, I am a nocturnal person and prefer to go to bars and disco to have some fun (Well, that was before I met Balong ~ ahahaha!). However, if there is an opportunity to have some bar hopping and rave parties, I do indulge myself for ‘guilty pleasure’ sometimes (ahahaha!). I know that Balong hated me to go to ‘bars’ but am always glad that he is always accompany every time that I have ‘urge’ to it (ahahaha!). Reasons why I prefer to dance as it seems like my whole body is in trance and most of the problems I have just disappear in a snap (really!). There is something into dancing that fells like it electrocutes me, it really hypnotize me, you know! I just let my body do the moves to the rhythm and that’s it (ahahaha!).

Balong spotted a mercedez benz taxi just beside a 7/11 store, he yelled at me saying "take a picture of me please'  ahahaha!'

I love dancing, I love night life and everything in between as simple as that (ahahaha!). Ironically, I hate drinking (beer, vodka whatever!) even socially and I hate smoking either. I just don’t know why but not a single alcohol brand even the mild one cooperate with my palate (ahahaha!). I always have those making faces stuff when I drink, while Balong on the other hand loves to enjoy his moderate drinking but not into smoking as well.

We’ve been to most parts of Singapore already but we haven’t visited some of the nightlifes that exist within yet. A vacation is not complete unless a visit to a pub, a night or two should be on your bucket list. We supposed to go to Avalon and Pangea near the Marina Bay Sands the 2^nd day that we’ve been here but  we changed our mind as we detour to Singapore’s Night Safari in Mandai Lake. It took us around an hour of travel to Bonlay from Marina Bay but it was worth it. To encounter the nocturnal animals firsthand was an experience not to forget.

But anyway, during our 4^th day of our stay in Singapore, our tour guide slash best friends Llowel and Lemwuel suggested that we need to visit one of the known night spots here. Well, who am I to refuse it, ayt? (ahahaha!). that’s my medicine, for goodness sake!…… am not a vampire that is for sure but wandering at night along with Balong and friends is the best ever. 

One of the many themed bars inside the Clarke Quay.

Since we were still in Sentosa, we headed to the hotel first. I told them that we need to freshen up first or take a power nap in order to have ample energy to enjoy. We have a full packed itinerary that day, we visited most of the attractions in Sentosa from 10:ooam until 8:oopm. It was almost 12 hours of wandering and if we combine all the minutes of walking that we’ve been through it’s around 3 to 4 hours max (non-stop! ~ ahahaha!). There are lots of mode of transportation available but to visit one attraction to another requires plenty of walking.

We wake up at exactly 10:oopm, we need to do so inorder to quantify all the days that we’ve been here. We headed straight to Kallang Station (EW10), the closest MRT from our hotel. It’s almost around 10ish when we left and feels like we own the whole train compartment as no one is around (ahahaha!). We direct then to Outram Park Station (EW16/ NE3) and alight to Clarke Quay (NE5), where crowds bustling around. 

On our way out of Clarke Quay MRT Station, the contemporary shopping mall of ‘The Central’’ located atop the station welcomed us right away. It’s a five-storey shopping mall along the Singapore River in the Central Area. It’s Singapore’s first purpose-built SOHO (small office/home office) units. What I fond about the place is their unique and distinct Japanese theme with wide variety of stalls and outlets to choose from.

The Red Lamshade on the hallway of 'The Central' attracts my attention as if there were already many people seated but to find out those extra feet were just mannequins (ahahaha!)

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Giordano outlet in 'The Central. The four of us were busy which color to choose.

There are so many art pieces scattered around too and I love the 'Red Lampshade' that can be found on the hall way. The artist made an illusion that there are so many people setting inside only to find out that there were only few and the rest were all mannequins (ahahaha!). The design is so unique and distinct as when you get in the mall, its striking red color will attract your attention. The stylish building has lots of shops comprising f&b and fashion related merchandise and services. 

After few minutes of roaming, the four of us (Balong, Llowel, Lemwuel and myself) decided to go to Giordano and buy one dress (plain color) each that cost us only SGD 12 around PHP 400 or USD 10 per piece. We’re glad because the store manager is a Filipino and he help us all along. They have discounted sale at that time but we only bought a few just a souvenir that we’ve been here.

The Promenade just outside of 'The Central'

On our way out of ‘The Central’, the long stretch of Singapore River Promenade for pedestrians to enjoy a pleasant walk along the waterfront from Anderson Bridge all the way to Kim Seng Bridge can be found. Visitors can stroll along the entire stretch of the river comfortably from Boat Quay, Clarke Quay to Robertson Quay and back. The comprehensive network of walkways, underpass and footbridges across the river provides connectivity and for recreational use. From here, you’ll see the Clarke Quay, the Riversidepoint, and the famous GMAX.

What I like about the promenade, it’s spacious and there are no blockage buildings that interrupts the view of the river. It is surrounded with flowering plants and trees. Lots of benches and tired seats besides the river too for visitors to seat on. Aside from strolling along, you can also explore Singapore River on a river taxi and you can find one station in the boat quay area. 

Rules and regulation to follow. Obey or pay the fines! (ahahaha!)

As a norm here, we’ve seen lots of reminders and rules around. It’s just a piece of advice for the locals/visitors to be aware of all the do’s and don’ts here. Please note that once you violate the law expect yourself to pay fines or either way you’ll do community service or worst be put in jail.

The lovely and graceful street performer just near the bridge to Clarke Quay.

The detailed map of Clarke Quay, showing the 5 blocks within the area.

We’ve seen few performers along the promenade too but one performer struck our attention. We stopped for a while and glued our eyes because she is so good! She is using a metal ring and how she use it as a props is way beautiful. Her lines and extensions are just amazing. If you love the show, an SGD 5 ‘tip’ is very much appreciated. If you want to see some street performers, you can usually find them at the underground MRT’s or if you’re lucky along Central Business District (CBD).  

  At the Central Fountain, a battle of the band from different countries is about to start!

Along the way, we bought 4 pieces of ‘in can’ Carlsberg beer in 7/11 just nearby. Since I don’t like any alcoholic beverages, I gave to Balong what I have and I order a block of dirty ice cream along the bridge (ahahaha!). Well, I just don’t like the taste of beer, vodka, gin or whatever liquor is in there, am perfectly fine with the ice cream (ahahaha!).

At last, after few minutes of wandering we’re in Clarke Quay. Just on the bridge alone, you’ll see crowds hanging around. Can’t stop myself stomping as loud music can be heard everywhere. It’s quite hard to roam as party goers swarm the place. It feels like you’re in United Nation gathering as different nationalities do gather here to have some fun! (whew!)

The only bar I remember: Octapas! (ahahaha!)

We did check various restaurant and nightclubs that surrounds the vicinity too and Octapas is the only bar/dine in that struck to my head (ahahaha!).   We’ve seen also some tongkangs (moored Chinese Junks) docked near the bridge that have been refurbished into floating pubs and restaurants.

Unique dinner roof just beside the River. It looks like an inverted tart (hehehe!)

International bar outlets can be found in here too.

I can’t imagine how do this beautifully transformed Clarke Quay be a busy commercial hub plied by stevedores, traders, fisherman and other’s in the past. The transformation is really amazing as these 5 blocks of restored multihued shophouses,  warehouse and godowns turns out to be a lively lifestyle and entertainment center of restaurant, wine bars, entertainment spots, retails shope and lot more!

Famous umbrella-like canopies that covers the whole winding lanes.

The distinct features that you can find along Clarke Quay is their winding lanes which are all covered by umbrella-like canopies. Each stand has its own climate controlled unit to battle the humid weather of Singapore. It also shield shoppers and pub goers from seasonal tropical rains. It’s interesting to watch as every minute the color change into purple, yellow, red and blue creating a modern and cosmopolitan ambiance amidst the traditions and history.

Wanna try? hmmmmm not now! (ahahaha!)

First franchise in Singapore which was brought from New Zealand.

It's like you were thrown 200 meters away from the ground to the sky (ahahaha!)

Just in the corner of the promenade is the newest attraction in Singapore, the GMAX Reverse Bungy & GX-5 Extreme Swing from New Zealand. If you love adventure then challenge yourself here, it’s more than 100 percent adrenaline rush! Confidence is a requirement plus prepare yourself to squeal! The louder you scream the better! (ahahaha!).

It's scary yet there are so many people lining up just to experience the reverse bungy! (ahahaha!)

Hmmmmm since we have no plan to try, Balong find his way to experience it. Sit like a king, huh? (ahahaha!)

After spending few minutes, we headed to Central Fountain Square and fortunate enough to see Music Matters LIVE night out. It’s awesome to see local and international bands performing in here and Balong seems enjoying as he was jumping up and down while listening to the music. If I am not mistaken the lyrics were in Malay and he’s like ‘O YEAH!’ (ahahaha!).

The host of the mini battle concert.

USS

NIDJI

Clarke Quay is worth a visit for dining and entertainment destination while in Singapore. It’s friendly, colorful and festive ambiance filled our night here and we enjoyed it BIGTIME! We will visit this spot all over again once we’re here. If you like to barhop furiously with everything under one roof, then the place is perfect for you. No one will judge you on what you wear as long as you’re comfortable like we do (ahahaha!). To find out the latest updated and happenings; visit their official page: www.clarkequay.com.sg.

We ended up Balong having some time talking with these friendly girls. hmmmmm, ok! (hehehe!)

That’s it for now guys.

Have a great day and night!

Cheerioooooooooooooossss!!!

Enan signing off.

SMILE.

:)

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