This is a photograph of Singapore River taken from Coleman Bridge in September 1982. Bumboats (also known as twakows or tongkangs) and goods lighters line both sides of the river at Boat Quay. In the foreground of the picture, a goods-laden barge lighter is seen moving along the river. Shophouses...

This is a photograph of Singapore River taken from Elgin Bridge in September 1970. Bumboats (also known as twakows or tongkangs) and goods lighters line both sides of the river. Commercial buildings in the vicinity, like the Bank of China Building and the Asia Insurance Building (now known as Ascott...

This 1981 photograph shows Clarke Quay (between Coleman Bridge and Read Bridge). There are shophouses along the bank of the Singapore River and bumboats are docked at the quay. The area has been converted into commercial use for shopping, dining, recreation and entertainment needs, with the restoration and redevelopment of...

This 1980 photograph is a close-up view of the bumboats in Boat Quay. The picture depicts details like the semi-circular structure at the aft of the bumboat that serves as shelter for the boatmen, as well as long canvas sheets covering the open deck of the bumboats. Shophouses and other...