Fort Canning Park
A historic hill in the city centre, once called 'Forbidden Hill,' with the ruins of a 14th-century Malay palace, a WWII underground command centre and the popular 'Tree Tunnel.'
Fort Canning Hill was once known as 'Forbidden Hill.' In the 14th century it was the site of the royal palace of the Malay Temasek dynasty. Archaeologists have found relics here, including Chinese ceramics. Raffles later built a residence on the hill, and it later became a British military fortress. The park has a reconstructed spice garden, a colonial-era Gothic gateway and old tomb walls. The Battle Box, the underground command centre where the British decided to surrender in WWII, can be visited with a ticket. Near Exit B of Fort Canning MRT station is the 'Tree Tunnel,' a spiral staircase that looks surrounded by green trees when viewed from below. It is a popular photo spot. The park is free, and it is a walk to Clarke Quay and the National Museum.
Opening hours
All day (free)
Nearby sights
- National Museum of Singapore
- Clarke Quay
- National Gallery Singapore
- Raffles Hotel
- Asian Civilisations Museum
- Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
- Merlion Park
- Chinatown