Fort Canning Park

Singapore has a rich and storied history that dates far beyond the time Sir Stamford Raffles set foot on our shores. Fort Canning Park, a bastion of our colonial heritage, is also a great place to catch a glimpse into a time when ancient Malay kings ruled our land.

Photo by Nguyen Thu Hoai on Unsplash

Visit the nine historical parks today to experience 14th century history, where Malayan princesses bathed in forbidden springs and ancient craftsmen plied their trade for the royal family. Fort Canning Park also saw the passage of British colonisation – Raffles built his residence here and established the first botanic gardens to stimulate agriculture in Singapore and the region. Its wartime history is no less fascinating, with evidence of the hill's time as an artillery fort complete with barracks, officers' quarters and underground bunkers.

Fort Canning Park has moved with the times. It has become a hotspot for various art and cultural events, with refreshed historical gardens for all to enjoy. Augmented reality trails via the BalikSG app and accessibility features make it easier than ever to appreciate the nature and heritage of the park. To help you along with your exploration, we pull together the best attractions of Fort Canning Park. 

Fort Canning Park is one of Singapore's most historic landmarks. It has witnessed Singapore's golden age, when Malay Kings ruled from its peak, and watched as the island transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a vibrant trading hub in the 19th century. During World War II, the hill was instrumental in Singapore's war efforts with numerous military buildings located there. One of these buildings was the Fort Canning Bunker or Battle Box, where the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese was made by the British. Many war relics from Singapore's colourful history have survived on the hill and are still visible today.Although the hill has since lost its imposing stature, its distinctive charm still remains. The lush lawns draw picnics, concerts, theatre productions and festivals, while weddings, parties and gatherings are a regular sight in the park's elegant indoor function rooms. Visit the park today and experience the tranquillity once enjoyed by the Malay royals of yore.

The Fort Canning Park, situated atop a hill in the Civic and Cultural District of Singapore, is a popular recreational, educational and historical spot. This place was once the headquarters of the British Army Barracks and Far-East Command Centre. Some iconic historical decisions have been made on Fort Canning Hill, including the one to surrender Singapore to the Japanese in 1942.

The reason for its popularity during ancient and medieval periods was its elevation. It is within walking distance of Downtown Core, the main commercial center of Singapore.The Fort Canning Park is known for its lush green lawns that sprawl over an area of 18 hectares. There are trails amidst the sweeping greenery which lead to various points of entertainment throughout the park. A total of nine historical gardens make up this place. 

They are:

• The Pancur Larangan

• The Artisan's Garden

• The Sang Nila Utama Garden

• The Jubilee Park (phase I)

• The Raffles Garden

• First Botanic Garden

• The Farquhar Garden

• The Spice Garden

• The Armenian Street Park

If you are looking to spend some time getting acquainted with Singapore's culture and history, visiting this place will be a treat. Even if you are looking to spend some time in solitude, you will enjoy the peace around this area. Its large size makes it peaceful even when a lot of tourists frequent this area. The Fort Canning Hill is also home to the Fort Canning Reservoir, which was built in 1929 over demolished forts. This reservoir is not open for public access.

Events at Fort Canning Park

The Fort Canning Park hosts several social events like enactments of Shakespeare's plays, ballet recitals, receptions, weddings, gatherings, theatre carnivals, food and music festivals, and official conferences. A notable ballet event held here is Ballet Under the Stars performance. Starlight Cinema is another unique event organized at the Park. Some of the most frequent events include international movies' screenings, medical and government conferences, awareness campaigns, social drives, and local competitions.

Occasionally, art workshops and fitness training drives are also organized at this place. Visitors can sometimes witness art exhibitions featuring works by local and international artists. The Singapore Bicentennial is celebrated at the Fort Canning Park from June to September 2019. This event marks 200 years of Singapore's founding and is a magnificent attraction for both locals and tourists visiting Singapore during this season.

While most of the events organized here are open to everyone, some of them require tickets. Private events, such as weddings and receptions, require invitations.For a truly magnificent view of the lit-up Fort Canning Park, visit it in the evening.

Things to Do at Fort Canning Park

For every visitor, Fort Canning Park offers a plethora of entertainment options. Some include:

1. Walk Along a Trail: 

Beautiful trails showcasing nature’s magic dot the Fort Canning Park. If you are looking to spend some time with the local flora of Singapore, taking a slow walk down one of these trials will be an incredible choice. Each trail goes through different portions of the Fort Canning Park and is roughly 2.5 km long. These trails are shaded with trees that boast of Singapore's environment-friendly approach towards development.

2. Know Singapore's History: 

Fort Canning is Singapore's most important historical site. Everything from battles to agreements has happened here. If you are a history buff, visiting the historic landmarks inside the Park such as the Battle Box, Raffles Residence, James Brooke Napier Memorial, Sally Port, and the Fort Canning Green can be an educative experience. Keramat Iskandar Shah is another historical monument worth your time. It is sacred and was built in the honour of the last non-Siamese ruler of Singapore. You can visit the Armenian Street Park if you want to enjoy the local flora. The plants here are displayed in tiny planter boxes representing the Peranakan culture.

3. Witness an Event: 

No matter where your interests lie, there will be something at this Park that floats your boat whenever you visit. You can buy tickets to an international music concert, witness a mesmerizing ballet performance, or watch a film screening with movie-admirers. If you are feeling exceptionally competitive, you can participate in one of the numerous art, music and food competitions organized here. To explore Singapore's local cuisine, visit a food festival. A fun way to relax in this park is to witness a music festival. These festivals usually showcase local artists and can be a treat to your ears.

4. Singapore River Cruise: 

At the River Valley Road, you can enjoy a river cruise that provides you with a breathtaking view of Singapore's incredible skyline. These cruises can be private or group-based, depending on your preference.

5. Organize a Party: 

You can organize a bonfire or a barbeque party at the Fort Canning Park. All you need is prior approval from the Park authorities and a fun spirit, and you are good to go. If you are organizing an event that requires the presence of fire, follow all fire safety rules.

6. Spend Time Exploring a Garden: 

You may explore any one of the 9 historical gardens located within Fort Canning Park. The Botanical Garden holds the record for being Singapore's first botanical park. The ASEAN sculpture garden offers insight into Singapore's international relations with the world. Other gardens have their specialties too. You must make time to visit them if you are a learner at heart.

The best historical gardens

Sang Nila Utama Garden

The Sang Nila Utama Garden is a relatively new addition to Fort Canning Park. Named after the Palembang prince believed to be the first ancient king of Singapore, it's a re-creation of Southeast Asian gardens from the 14th century. Majestic Javanese split gates greet you at the entrance, while statues of frogs, fish and ducks bring back the old fauna of the palace gardens. There's also a calm, reflective pool, where you can contemplate in the manner of ancient royalty.

Spice Garden

A keen naturalist, Sir Stamford Raffles (along with Nathaniel Wallich) started a Botanical and Experimental Garden on Government Hill (Fort Canning Hill) in 1822. The garden started out with 125 nutmeg and 450 clove trees, and were the grounds of experimentation for economic crops. Enter through the Gothic Gate and take the meandering paths within the gardens – there is ample signage marking out familiar spices like laksa leaf, cardamom, torch ginger and galangal. Don't miss the archaeological dig and exhibition area where 14th-century artefacts uncovered by researchers are on display. 

Raffles Garden

Inspired by Sir Stamford Raffles' love of plants, the Raffles Garden features a collection of plant species that the man encountered during his travels through Southeast Asia. The compact garden is easy to explore, with steps leading up on one end to Raffles House, a neoclassical style building that was once the abode of Singapore's founder. Other nearby points of interest are the Flame of the Forest heritage tree, flagstaff and lighthouse – the latter two of which are replicas of the originals that were crucial to ships arriving at the port. 

Pancur Larangan

Another pre-colonial relic is Pancur Larangan, or Forbidden Spring, where the wife and consorts of the Malay king used to bathe. Apparently, this spring was also the source of clean drinking water for ships docked in the Singapore harbour in the early 19th century. Today, the freshwater brings to mind Bali's holly springs. 

Jubilee Park

No park in Singapore would be complete without a special play area for children. At Fort Canning Park, Jubilee Park is it. Tucked on the western slope of Fort Canning, this playground comes complete with slides, swings, obstacle courses, seesaws, climbing nets and a lookout point. Good luck tearing your kids away from this one.

Artisan's Garden

It's hard to imagine Singapore in pre-colonial times, but the Artisan's Garden gives us a look into a small slice of it. This is one of Singapore's last archaeological dig sites, where researchers found evidence of an ancient artisans' workshop. Craftsmen would have lived and worked here, plying their trade for the royals on the hill. Visitors can experience the space as it used to be, learn more about the excavations made on Fort Canning, and even attend the occasional archaeology workshop. 

For history buffs

The Battlebox

Immerse yourself in military history at the Battlebox, also known as Fort Canning Bunker. Built in 1936, this was the command centre during the Malayan Campaign and the Battle of Singapore. This is also where Lieutenant-General Arthur E. Percival and the Allied Forces decided to surrender to the Japanese in WWII. Descend almost nine metres underground into the bomb-proof bunker, where there are interactive displays that recreate the morning in 1942 when Singapore fell to invading forces. 

Keramat Iskandar Shah

The Keramat Iskandar Shah is a site steeped in history. It was once believed to be the final resting place of Sultan Iskandar Shah, the last king of Singapura and the first sultan of the Melaka Sultanate. That's largely thought to be untrue now, but the place's spiritual significance remains especially for the Malay community. Archaeological excavations around the tomb have also turned up treasures from the 14th century, evocative of a bustling trading city even in pre-colonial times. 

Fort Gate and Fort Wall

As you pass through Fort Gate, try to imagine the fortress that used to stand at Fort Canning Hill. This was a low and thick wall that was strong enough to withstand artillery bombardment, with an additional moat around it to deter intruders. What you see today is a mere remnant of what it used to be, but in those days, it was all that stood between Singapore and attacks from the sea. 

Fort Canning Centre

Fort Canning Centre is temporarily closed but is currently being reimagined as a heritage centre that will take visitors through the history and natural history of Fort Canning through the 14th, 19th and 20th centuries. The building itself has stories held within its walls. It passed through military hands, including the Malaya Command, the British army and the Singapore Armed Forces before enjoying a stint as an arts centre. For now, you can admire its stately neoclassical architecture from the sprawling Fort Canning Green.

The best photo spot

Spiral staircase

There are many great photo opportunities at Fort Canning Park, especially for nature lovers. But the spiral staircase is by far the best, and most famous. Many love to perch at the midpoint of the stairs – taken from below, the rim of the staircase forms a perfect round frame for the sky and branches of the tree above. The easiest way to get there is from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Exit A. Head towards the UBS building (former Park Mall) and find the spiral staircase at the entrance to the park on the left. If you're already in the park, there are clear directions to the staircase posted at Battlebox (that's how popular it is). 

Hotels Near Fort Canning Park

1. Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay: 

This hotel offers a range of amenities including free Wi-Fi, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a daily breakfast buffet, and a bar. Suites here have whirlpool baths. You can also avail of airport transportation.

Location: 177A River Valley Road, Singapore, 179031

2. Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore: 

Amenities at this hotel include free Wi-Fi, a spa, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a banquet room. This hotel has two restaurants, one of which is located poolside.

Location: 20 Merchant Road, Near Clarke Quay MRT Station, Singapore 058281.

3. Park Hotel Clarke Quay: 

This hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a gym, airport transportation service, minibar, and in-room refrigerator. Its outdoor pool has a swanky poolside bar and grill.

Location: 1 Unity Street, Singapore 237983.

4. Jayleen Clarke Quay Hotel: 

This 3-star hotel offers services like free Wi-Fi, breakfast buffet, wheelchair access, and a self-serve laundry facility. This hotel is ideal for those looking to enjoy Singapore’s vibrant nightlife.

Location: 25 New Bridge Road Jayleen Clarke Quay Hotel, Singapore 059390, Singapore

5. Hotel Fort Canning: 

Amenities here include 2 outdoor pools, free Wi-Fi, a business conference room, a fitness center, a spa, and a restaurant. If you want to stay right inside the Park premises, you should choose this hotel.

Location: 11 Canning Walk Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore 178881, Singapore

Restaurants Near Fort Canning Park

Since Fort Canning Park is a popular tourist destination, you can enjoy a wide range of cuisines at restaurants near the Park. Some of the most favoured restaurants here are:

1. Spice World Hot Pot: 

For an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine, do not forget to visit this restaurant. It brings you the spicy cuisine of the Sichuan province of China in the heart of Singapore.

Must-try: Barbie Doll Wagyu Beef slices and Teddy Bear Spicy Broth

Location: 3B River Valley Road, 179021

2. Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse: 

This restaurant offers a taste of Italian cuisine. If you love meat and wine, this place is your heaven.

Must-try: F1 Australian Black Wagyu

Location: 26 Mohamed Sultan Road, 238970

3. Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro (Robertson Walk): 

For wine connoisseurs, visiting this place is a must. You can enjoy a perfect tenderloin, rib eye or a salad. This place offers dishes from a variety of western cuisines, and you're sure to love them all!

Must-try: Steak Tenderloin.

Location: Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street, 237995

Essential Information

Location: River Valley Road, Singapore, 179037

Timings: The Park is open 24 hours a day on all days of the week.

Tips for Visiting Fort Canning Park

• Always wear comfortable shoes when you are visiting the Park. Wearing sneakers or flats will help you walk comfortably along the trails and on the grass.

• Wear clothes that are light and breezy, especially if you are visiting during summer months. For spring, wear light clothes during the day as long as you have a jacket for the evening.

• Carry a camera with you to capture the picturesque Park. You will love to take pictures of the lush trails and the historical monuments located in Fort Canning Park.

• Follow the signs guiding you through each trail. These will help you in finishing your walk effortlessly and will prevent you from getting lost.

• Check the events that are being organized at the Park a bit in advance. This will help you decide what events you want to be a part of before getting there.

• Download a map of the park from the Nparks website. In case you are a tourist, you will not have to spend your time asking everyone about the trails.