Raffles landing site is situated near the Boat Quay. For many Singaporeans, this educates and reminds them of the Singapore of the olden days, and how Raffles first set foot on Singapore to change our destiny. Understanding our roots helps to unite our people.

Background History
This is the place where Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (1781-1826), an agent of the British East India Company, is believed to have set foot on Singapore soil in January 1819. Raffles hoped to establish Singapore as a British port that can compete with the other Dutch ports in the region. He wanted to make Singapore a free port and an ideal stopping route for traders along the shortest sea route between India and China .

We also highly recommend that you take a half-hour River Cruise on board a traditional bumboat to experience an intimate perspective of life along the Singapore River while enjoying a lively commentary on the history of the River.