Best bridges in Singapore

Our favorite Singapore bridges -- from the well-trodden old ones (ok, so not really as old as some in Europe) to futuristic, brand spanking new ones -- and the interesting stories behind them.

On CNNGo TV this month, we showed off Henderson Waves, which you can find out more about further below.

Earlier this year, we picked 24 of the world's most amazing bridges. How do you think Singapore's rate?

Alkaff

Looking like a work of graffiti rather than a pedestrian bridge, the 55 meter-long Alkaff bridge spans the Singapore River at Robertson Quay. It had been situated near the former Alkaff Quay -- the name Alkaff came from a prominent Arab family, the Alkaffs, who were amongst the wealthiest in early 20th century Singapore.

The unique shape was inspired by a tongkang -- a light boat used in the early days to transport goods along rivers and was built in 1997. In 2004, Filippina artist Pacita Abad took on the bridge with her crew and adorned it with 55 different colours in more than 900 liters of paint to make it Singapore's first "Bridge of Art."

More than an eye-catching work of art, few realise the bridge had successfully brought together art, government agencies and individuals, all of whom donated time and effort to raise greater awareness of the appreciation of public art in Singapore.

Read bridge

One of the lesser known bridges, Read Bridge has stoically straddled the Singapore River since 1889.

It was the initiative of businessman William Henry Read, a Scotsman who used to own a cardamom plantation on the site of today's Istana, the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. He was the first non-government member of parliament in colonial Singapore who also made notable contributions to public service.

The bridge used to be the haunt of Chinese migrant workers, particularly the dialect group of Teochews. They would gather at night to listen to the storytellers who spun folk tales and legends. Storytelling rates were based on the duration of a burning joss stick, as the storyteller would light a joss stick before starting a story and collect his money once it finished burning.

Now, bar and club-goers cross the bridge to reach the watering holes of Clarke Quay. Other folks simply hang out by the sides of the spacious bridge.

Between River Place and The Quayside, Robertson Quay

Anderson bridge

The Anderson bridge, which celebrates a century this year, was named after Sir John Anderson who was the Governor of the Straits Settlements and High Commissioner for the Federated Malay States from 1904–1911. Most young Singaporeans would know it better for being part of the Singapore Grand Prix's Marina Bay street circuit.

Unlike any other bridge in Singapore, the Anderson bridge is made up of intricate plaster and metalwork with rusticated archways and a fluted pier at each end.

However, beneath its elegance lies a gory past. During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore from 1942 to 1945, the severed heads of criminals were hung on Anderson Bridge as a warning to discourage citizens from breaking the law.

Along Fullerton Road.

Helix Bridge

This baby of local bridges has already made waves in local and international architecture scenes. The 280-meter long pedestrian bridge that took the city two years to plan and build is already a highlight of the cityscape.

Steel tubes form the minor and major helix that spiral in opposite directions and canopies made of fitted-glass and perforated steel mesh are incorporated along parts of the inner spiral to provide shade for pedestrians.

The bridge is particularly beautiful at night, with lights dotting the structure. You can make out two pairs of colored letters on the bridge -- 'c' and 'g' and 'a and t' lit up at night in red and green. They represent cytosine, guanine, adenine and thymine, which are the four bases of DNA.

The pedestrian bridge is centrally-located at Marina Bay and directly links to the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.

The bridge also doubles as a gallery where children's paintings and drawings are exhibited for public viewing.

Next to Bayfront Avenue.

Henderson Waves

In the west of Singapore, the Henderson Waves unfurl amongst the tree tops, 36 meters above the roads making it the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore.

The photogenic snake-like structure spans 274 meters long and a generous 8 meters wide and is part of a two-year-old nature trail called the Southern Ridges built at a cool S$25.5 million in an effort to conserve nature and to lure Singaporeans out of malls and into the greenery.

As word has gotten out about this steel and timber treetop snake, the decks are now never devoid of visitors following its form as it bends, undulates and ascends.

Along Henderson Road.

Esplanade Bridge

Evenings are the best time to enjoy a stroll along the Esplanade Bridge because the views of the city at dusk obliterate the maddening peak-hour traffic.

The 260 meter long vehicular and pedestrian bridge spans the mouth of the Singapore River and was built to provide easier access to the financial district of Shenton in 1997.

After completion, it was found that the bridge blocked views of the iconic Merlion statue from the Marina Bay waterfront, causing the statue to take a more prominent place at the front of the bridge.

Because of the panoramic views it affords of both sides of the river, it is often closed during National Day and New Year's Eve and the street lamps along it will be shut off to allow revellers who pack the bridge an unadulterated view of the fireworks.

It is also completely closed during the Singapore Grand Prix racing season as it is part of the circuit.

Along Esplanade Drive.