Once upon a time, a petite pretty island sat in the middle of Singapore River. It was small and was nothing more than a mangrove swamp.

Not many people paid any attention to it. Not much of it is known, as no one kept a record of it. No one really knows why we called it Pulau Saigon. One might guess that it had something to do with Vietnam.

By the late 1800s, the British decided to use it as a warehouse area. An abattoir was later added to serve the public. One could have imagined Pulau Saigon might have been a bustling place during the formative years.

By the mid-1900s, especially after the departure of the British, things changed. Today, Pulau Saigon doesn’t exist anymore. So, it is true to say that an island can indeed disappear!

In this case, Pulau Saigon was methodically and systematically drained and reclaimed as part of mainland Singapore. The River Place condominium now sits proudly on it.

The history of Pulau Saigon is hardly ever mentioned. I suspect some of the residents at River Place condominium may not even be aware they are indeed sitting on Pulau Saigon.

I invite you to walk with me down this beautiful promenade and admire the beauty that technology and science can create. This is a pleasant walk down a colorful promenade all the way from Clarke Quay to Great World City.

We meet at Clarke Quay MRT at 9am on Sunday, 23rd April 2023. This tour will end at Great World City – another happy place! Upon alighting at Clarke Quay MRT station, please go toward Exit E and meet me at street level. I’ll meet you next to Singapore River, in front of the Clarke Quay Central Mall (facing Singapore River).

For reservations, contact:
UNCLE CHRIS WALKING TOURS
Chris WK Ng
T: 65 91814298
E: [email protected]

Note:
• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and No Shows.
• Please do not sign up for this tour if you are unsure you can make it. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule.