Life begins by the river, or more specifically, the Singapore River. Historically, seafaring folk such as the Orang Laut and Bugis people frequented the length of this river. The Kingdom of Singapura and the Colony of Singapore both found their beginnings at the mouth of this same river, which has paid witness to the rise and fall of civilisations. Now, the Singapore River is the linchpin and source of (night)life in Central Singapore. Museums, government buildings, memorials, embassies, clubs and bars alike can be found in this teeming region of the country.