Fort Canning Park is a hilltop park in central Singapore, within walking distance of Clarke Quay and City Hall. The hill was the site of palaces of 14th-century Malay kings, and later the British used it for a fort, an arms store, barracks and a hospital. Today its nine historical gardens, shaded trails and old stone gates make it a calm place to walk, picnic or photograph the city skyline. The Battle Box and the Tree Tunnel are its best-known stops.
From royal palaces to a colonial fort
The hill was known as Bukit Larangan and later as Government Hill. In the early days of Singapore it was home to the island's governors. Earlier, it was the site of palaces of 14th-century Malay kings, and archaeological digs on the hill have revealed remains from that period.
Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, had his personal bungalow on the hill, and it is one of the historic buildings you can see today. The Spice Garden is a replica of the 19-hectare tract Raffles set up in 1822 to grow spices.
The British later used the hill as an arms store, barracks and hospital, and built a fort there.
The Battle Box and the fort remains
The Battle Box is an underground command centre from World War II. It is where the British decided to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Entry is ticketed, so check the fee before you go.
Above ground, the Fort Gate is a remnant of the 19th-century British fortifications. Maritime Corner tells the story of Singapore from its days as a trading post. The Fort Canning Centre explains the history of the park and shows its archaeological finds.
Gardens, the Tree Tunnel and the lawns
The park holds nine historical gardens. The Raffles Garden and the Spice Garden are among them, and the Spice Garden is fragrant with the plants Raffles studied.
The Sang Nila Utama Garden is named after the first king of Singapore and is inspired by 14th-century Javanese gardens. It lies close to the Clarke Quay entrance.
The Tree Tunnel is the best-known photo stop, a shaded avenue of trees. A spiral staircase nearby is another popular backdrop. Fort Canning Green is a large lawn surrounded by old gateways and gazebos, and it hosts concerts and performances. Jubilee Park has a playground for children.
Getting there and walking the hill
Fort Canning MRT station is on the Downtown Line, and covered escalators run up from the station into the park. The walkways are hilly, with steep stairs, so you can take the climb at a gentle pace or tackle the steeper sections.
An augmented reality trail, run through an app, takes walkers on a route of about 2.5 km through the park's history. Higher up the trails is the Forbidden Spring, a pre-colonial spring.
The park has a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Entry to the park is free. The Battle Box is a ticketed attraction, so check its fee before you visit.
How do I get to Fort Canning Park?
Take the Downtown Line to Fort Canning MRT station. Covered escalators lead up from the station into the park.
Is Fort Canning Park good for children?
Yes. A playground near the Fort Canning MRT station has slides built into the hillside, swings, climbing nets and see-saws.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
The park has a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating and parking.
