12. Settlements in 14th Century Singapore

Wang Dayuan described people living all around a “hollow-topped summit”. In his accounts, the hill he was referring to is probably the present-day Fort Canning Hill. The settlements in 14^th Century Singapore began from the foot of the hill and stretched all the way to the Singapore River. The people living around this area were probably merchants who traded their goods with traders who docked their ships along the Singapore River. Singapore was a melting pot where traders from the east met with those from the west.

It is hard to believe that this area was once the economic centre of the city and bustling with activity. Today, the area (Clarke Quay) is really only alive at night!

Resource:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-know-about-singapore.htm