Raffles Landing Site, Singapore Overview

The historic Raffles Landing Site marks the location where Sir Stamford Raffles, British sailor and the founder of modern Singapore, is said to have first set foot on the island. Situated at Boat Quay on the banks of the Singapore River in the Central Area, the site is now marked by a towering while poly-marble statute or Sir Raffles himself, and is a famous tourist destination and photo-op. Raffles Landing Site is popular among history buffs and tourists looking to learn the story of Singapore from a nondescript fishing village to the huge metropolis it is today.

When Sir Raffles first arrived in Singapore on the 28th of January 1819, the island was ruled by the Temenggong of Malaysia. He convinced them to construct a British trading port along the Singapore River, which then skyrocketed the island country’s popularity through trade deals. Originally, a bronze statue of this pioneer was set up in 1887 but was replaced by the marble masterpiece in 1972, to honour the 150th anniversary of Singapore’s founding. The magnificent statue also holds a commemorative plaque at the base that details his achievements.

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Sir Stamford Raffles Statue and the Plaque

The plaque ar Raffles' statue reads 'Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles first landed in Singapore on 29th January 1819, and with genius and perception changed the destiny of Singapore from an obscure fishing village to a great seaport and modern metropolis.'

The people of Singapore often describe Raffles as the 'Pioneer' of Singapore. This 20 ft high white statue of Sir Stamford Raffles is a commemoration of Raffles' vision and the progress of Singapore through his initiation of a trading port on the coast of a little village.

Sir Stamford Raffles Statue Singapore — Sir Stamford Raffles Statue (Source)

How to Reach Raffles Landing Site

The Raffles Landing Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles is situated at Boat Quay. Buses NR1 and NR3 stop at a walking distance of 2 minutes. The nearest MRT Station is the Raffles Place MRT. Alight at Exit G and walk for 3 minutes to get to your destination.