Quaint Little Riverside Town? Or Bustling Center of Global Commerce? – CityScape Photography

This tranquil scene shows Singapore’s Boat Quay, shortly after sunrise on a quiet morning. 

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Spanning centuries 

Stretching along a few hundred meters of riverbank, tiny Boat Quay is one neighborhood that retains the traditional charm and ambience of “Old Singapore.” 

With the new, grey towers of the business district rising just behind, these traditional shophouses have been converted into bars, cafes, and restaurants. Here, customers can relax in 21st-century style and comfort, while surrounded by early 20th-century ambience.

Ideal lighting   

I caught the above scene early one weekend morning as I returned from cycling. (Since it was early on a weekend, there was no activity, and nary a soul in sight.)

The early-morning sun was bathing the east-facing shops in a soft, warm light. The dawn light created an ideal photo-op.

For comparison, see this other photo (right) of the same area. This second photo was taken on a rather dull day with plenty of cloud cover.

The contrast with the first photo is obvious and striking.

Location – Boat Quay, Singapore, on Google Maps

This is my entry in @juliank’s CityScape Photography contest.