We missed our free tour bus, so Carlo and I had to fend for ourselves. It being a Sunday, we took a taxi to St. Joseph's Church in the morning. After Mass was over and with a map at hand, we walked to the riverside. It was drizzling a bit, and we found out, most people don't go out of their homes on a Sunday until after noontime.

       The Singapore River has two popular hangouts, the Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. All around the riverside, night life comes alive until 2 am. Its quaint waterfront shophouses were once warehouses skillfully restored and rejuvenated to their original 19th century style. There are specialty restaurants, themed pubs and wine bars, a food court, and pedestrianised streets, and airconditioned shops.

       There's also the Sunday Classified Flea Market for great bargains (9am to 5pm) with over 70 stalls selling antiques and collectibles , handicrafts and more.

       There are even moored Chinese junks (tongkangs) refurbished into floating pubs and restaurants. (We arrived hours before lunchtime and people were not around, nor were the floating pubs operating yet.)

Now, Singapore river is a 'recreational' river, offering waterfront housing, riverside dining, water-sports and night entertainment.