Everything You Need to Know About Taking a Bumboat Ride in Singapore

A Bumboat ride Singapore is not merely a touristic exercise – it is a mystifying ride from the past across the heart of the city. Once used for ferrying cargo across the Singapore River, these boats have been carefully preserved and restored to be exhibited along the Lion City’s most iconic riverside landmarks. Whether you’re doing it for the first time, with a deep interest in history, or simply looking for a fair balance of sightseeing and relaxing, this guide explains everything you need to know about the Bumboat in 2025, prices, timings, how to book, and much more insider information.

What Is a Bumboat Ride in Singapore?

Bumboat Ride Singapore

A Bumboat ride in Singapore is a river cruise aboard a traditional wooden vessel, which nowadays is motorised with comfortable seating and an audio commentary. These boats rubbed shoulders with Singapore maritime history, and in 2025, they were re-envisioned into an electric suit for disposal; hence, these boats glide more smoothly, quietly, and majorly with the environment. Operators of these boats include Singapore River Cruise, whose operators are authorised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority as well as the Singapore Tourism Board. Every cruise features multilingual audio guides (English, Chinese, Japanese, and Bahasa Indonesia) that tell the story of the transformation of the city from a fishing village into a financial hub.

Route Map: Top Landmarks Covered on the Bumboat Ride

Each cruise lasts about 40 minutes, sailing from Clarke Quay to Marina Bay. The experience is scenic, breezy, and surprisingly educational.

• Clarke Quay – a riverside entertainment district
• Read Bridge – a historical footbridge from 1889
• Boat Quay – lined with colonial shophouses
• Fullerton Hotel – a restored neoclassical post office
• Asian Civilisations Museum
• Merlion Park – Singapore’s most iconic statue
• Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
• Marina Bay Sands & the Helix Bridge

Each point is narrated during your ride with interesting historical and cultural facts, making it one of the best ways to combine leisure with sightseeing Singapore.

Bumboat Ticket Prices & Timings (2025 Guide)

Here are the latest ticket prices and schedule as of July 2025:

Category	Price (SGD)
Adult (13+)	$28
Child (3–12 yrs)	$18
Infants (<3 yrs)	Free

• Operating Hours: Daily from 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM
• Last Boat Departs: 10:00 PM sharp
• Boats run every 10–15 minutes

Night rides are the most popular, arriving early to avoid long queues.

How to Book a Bumboat Ride in Singapore

There are multiple ways to secure your tickets:

• On-site: Head to Clarke Quay Jetty or Marina Bay Jetty ticket counters
• Official Website: Singapore River Cruise

Some packages also include dinner cruises or boat tours in Singapore with unlimited rides for a day.

Best Time to Take the Bumboat Ride: Day vs Night

For photographers and sunset enthusiasts, opt for a ride between 6:30 and 7:30 PM. You’ll witness the transition from golden hour to a city lit up in lights, the perfect time to experience Singapore at night.

Daytime rides offer clearer views of architecture and vibrant city life. If you’re short on time and want a one-stop view of the city’s heritage, this is one of the best places to visit in Singapore.

Is the Bumboat Ride Worth It? Here’s What You Get

Still wondering if it’s worth the $28? Here’s what you actually get:

• Comfortable cruising in air-cooled, open-air seating
• Historical storytelling with multilingual narration
• A unique view of riverside landmarks from the water
• Stunning photo opportunities
• A meaningful way to experience historical boats Singapore

Compared to walking tours or city buses, a Bumboat ride Singapore offers a relaxed, intimate, and well-paced introduction to the city.

Travel Tips for Your Bumboat Experience

• Eco-Upgrade Alert: As of April 2025, all bumboats are now fully electric, cutting down noise and carbon emissions
• Accessibility: Most jetties are wheelchair-friendly, and staff are trained to assist
• Weather Notes: Rides operate rain or shine. In heavy storms, services may pause temporarily.
• Best Seats: Get in line early for a spot near the front or side rails

Conclusion: Why the Bumboat Ride Is One of the Best Things to Do in Singapore

A Bumboat ride in Singapore is more than just a photograph with Singapore It’s a journey through time. From colonial structures to the modern skyline, one landmark narrates Singapore’s story. Should you choose to work out your list of things to do in Singapore, do not miss this entertaining and waterfront outing. It has that nostalgic charm and scenic beauty with stories tucked away, all of which lend context to the shiny city facade.

Make strides in booking your cruise so you can set out with a camera in hand and have the river take you through what is one of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia.