Planning a little adventure to Fort Canning? Check out our ultimate guide of how to get to Fort Canning and what to do there.
Fort Canning is one of the best destinations to visit in Singapore that has something to offer for every type of traveler. If you are a party buff, then enjoy big celebrations at the concerts and festivals hosted here regularly.
On the other hand, history lovers can explore its artificial artifacts and nature lovers can witness its lush greenery and nature experiences. Moreover visiting Fort Canning Park is free!
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The Ultimate Guide to Fort Canning
How to get there:
By MRT:
Alight at Fort Canning Station (Exit B), Clarke Quay Station (Exit E) or Dhoby Ghaut Station (Exit B).
- Clarke Quay Station: Come out from Exit E, turn left and walk along Coleman Bridge. Turn left again at the end of Coleman Bridge and head towards the pedestrian overhead bridge (100m away) along River Valley Road. Cross the overhead bridge and you will enter Fort Canning Park.
- Dhoby Ghaut Station: Come out from Exit B, cross Penang Road, turn left and keep a lookout for the tunnel leading to Fort Canning Park.
Park Size: 18 hectares
Park lighting hours: 7.00pm to 7.00am
Nearby Parks/Park Connectors:Dhoby Ghaut Green, Istana Park, Raffles Place Park
Top Things to do at Fort Canning
1. Mural Wall
It is a large wall showcasing the historical events of Singapore that take place in the 14th century. All the activities of the Malay culture are depicted in the Mural wall that stretches throughout the pathway in the park. There are many mural motifs in the Fort Canning part that are quite impressive and allow you to have a great look at the visual presentation of the history.
The history buffs will get to know about the Siamese attacks on Singapore that resulted in the death of countless people. Additionally, the park features the fame of the country and how it attracts the people from the Southeast Asia. It will be quite fun to know about Singapore in detail ranging from war to destruction and construction.
2. Raffles Terrace
Named after the founder of the Singapore, Raffles Terrace is one of the most iconic places to visit in the Fort Canning. It is the site where Sir Stamford Raffles built his bungalow. One can have a beautiful view of the town center from the location.
If you are coming with your lover, then you should have a romantic walk and dwell around the Raffles Terrace. This place is a beautiful gem located next to the Clarke Quay. A visit to Raffles Terrace will give you lots of memorable experiences.
3. Maritime Corner
Maritime Corner will let you witness the rich maritime heritage of the Singapore. It is a beautiful place that attracts young as well as adults and visitors. It underlines the importance of the sea trade and port in the early part of the 19th century.
There is a flag staff, time ball, and lighthouse at the Maritime Corner that will let you explore the maritime culture of the Singapore. A quick tour of the Maritime Corner will take you the time of the country’s early maritime trade and how important part it plays in guiding ships to the port.
4. 9 Pound Cannons
At Fort Canning Park, there are two 9-pound cannons that adds the beauty to the location. These cannons plays were fired three times in a day to announce the hour during the ancient time. Additionally, it was utilized as a warning of town fires and a salute. During that time, the fort was having seven 68 pound guns, two 13-inch mortars, and eight 8-inch guns.
9-Pound Cannons make the perfect location for a wonderful photo-taking shoot that will stay in your memories for a long time. So, don’t forget to click some photos here.
5. Keramat Iskandar Syah
Keramat Iskandar Syah is a holy place dedicated to the Iskandar Shah, who was the last ruler of the Singapura. He is also known by many other names, such as Sri Tri Buana and Parameswara. According to the legends, Iskandar Shah and his chief minister Demang Labar Duan are buried here.
A walk around to the Forbidden Hill will take you back to the golden age of the 14th century and the era of the five kings. If you want a chance to have an encounter with the ghosts of the past, then don’t forget to visit the Keramat Iskandar Syah.
6. Archaeological Dig
Archaeological Dig in the Fort Canning is a unique place that will give you a glimpse of the Singapore’s ancient history. It is situated near the path leading from the spice garden. The research on this site starts in 1984 and since then, there are thousands of artifacts from the 14th century founded here that range from glass, pottery, Chinese coins, ceramics, etc.
If you love to see unique and ancient things, then it is a must-visit place for you. You may find something special in the Ancient Dig at the Fort Canning.
7. Spice Garden
The majority of us has tasted clove and nutmeg in different cuisines. So, imagine if you get a chance to see their trees, is it not amazing? Spice Garden is one of those sites where you can experience this feeling. It is the first Botanical and Experimental Garden in Singapore, which is started by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822.
This extensive location offers quick relief from the tropical heat and astonishing panoramic views of Singapore. Spice Garden creates a beautiful environment where you can have the feel of the colonial-era botanical garden.
8. Gothic Gate
Gothic Gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in Fort Canning Hill. It is an imposing and somber gateway that was built in 1846. The structure is designed by Captain Charles Edward Faber, who was a superintending engineer of the Straits Settlement at that time.
These two Gothic Gates now serves as the gateway to the Fort Canning Green. Exploring this location will let you feel the colonial past of the Singapore. Don’t forget to take a camera with you for clicking some precious memories at the Fort Canning.
9. Fort Gate
Fort Canning Gate remains in the same condition when it was newly built in 1859. There is an adjoining wall that shows the beautiful sculptures of the ancient Singapore. The gate works the entry point for visitors who came to the large outdoor concerts organized in the Fort Canning. Some of the recently organized events are Beastie Boys, WOMAD, Singfest, and Muse.
This place offers a very quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of the Singapore.
10. The Battlebox
The Battlebox is one of the best tourist attractions in Fort Canning where one can have a powerful sense of history. It is a museum that was built as an emergency bombproof command center during the Battle of Singapore and Malayan Campaign.
The walls of the museum show the pictures and stories regarding the last days of the Battle of Singapore. It is completely enjoyable and exciting to the visit the Battlebox at the Fort Canning.
11. Armenian Street Park
This new attraction is made to create a new park and public space for larger events. The Armenian Street Park can hold parties and events to give more happy and memorable experiences to its visitors.
You would also enjoy strolling through the pretty mobile planters that are related to daily lives and food recipes! Plus, you would smell the goodness of potpourri flowers. Cultural heritage is the main theme of this new park, so make sure to visit it today.
What is there to do in Fort Canning for kids?
So your kids want to go for a hike? Look no further than Fort Canning Hill. The hill has many historical sites, all packed into one. And if they’re feeling adventurous, there are also lush gardens with diverse plant species in different gardens. Check out this list of where you can take your kids within Fort Canning:
1. Jubilee Park
Jubilee Park is a playground for all ages. It’s the most popular spot in Fort Canning Park, and there are several reasons why. Hop on the long slide to reach the park, where you can enjoy swings and see-saws.
2. Botanic Garden
Preserved for centuries, this garden is a garden and an important site of Singapore’s colonial era.
3. Armenian Street Park
It’s a tough hill, but it’s worth the climb. Armenian Street Park is now a pedestrian paradise, which means more room for skating and scootering.
Is Fort Canning worth a visit?
If you’re thinking about adding some historical flavour to your Singapore trip, we highly recommend a visit to Fort Canning. Once used as a military fortress, the hilltop park has since been transformed into a peaceful green space right in the heart of Singapore’s bustling city centre.
But the historical significance remains, and the site has important links to various significant events and figures such as WWII and Sir Stamford Raffles.
Take a stroll through the peaceful woods and lush gardens, go on a guided tour to learn about the history of the place, or simply bask in the surrounding area’s calm vibes.
All in all, a visit to Fort Canning makes for a fascinating and relaxing experience for people of all ages.
Why is it called Forbidden Hill?
Fort Canning in Singapore is famously known as Forbidden Hill due to its history of being a sacred site for the Malays and the belief that the hill was cursed. Legend has it that the Malay kings buried their dead in the hill and would conduct animal sacrifices to please the spirits.
It was forbidden to build on the hill or to remove anything from it, leading to it being called Forbidden Hill. In 1859, the British built a fort on the hill, leading to the name Fort Canning. However, the hill still holds a special place in Singapore’s cultural heritage, with regular archaeological findings being made there.
How to Get to Fort Canning and What to Do There: FAQs
Fort Canning Hill in Singapore was an important communications center. In 1819, a flagstaff was built to communicate messages in the early days. Later in the century, a time ball, lighthouse, and telegraph office were added.
Fort Canning Park has various plant life and a lot of green scenery. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those who want to get in some good exercise before they sit down and enjoy the view. So you can bring your bicycle to Fort Canning Park and enjoy the natural views, but be careful on the stairs!
Fort Canning is a scenic and beautiful park with many outdoor adventures and dog-friendly areas. Take your pup on a leisurely stroll through the four trails and experience the space. The grass will be so fun for them to run around and play on.
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