Fort Canning Park Singapore: Complete Visitor Guide & Hidden History Walks

Fort Caning Park, Singapore, was the home of ancient Malay kings, which was called Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill) in the 14th century. It was later used as a home to the British governors, and as a military fort, and eventually it became one of the most beautiful and historically rich parks in Singapore.

The park is 18 hectares of fertile vegetation that is saturated with archaeological findings, colonial structures, places of worship and spice gardens and heritage sites. Here is the place where the layers of the formation of Singapore live in peace. Fort Canning Park, Singapore, is today not just a serene getaway but also an outdoor museum which provides a fantasy combination of history + nature + culture, + photography avenues.
Fun Fact: It is believed that this hill was the royal palace land of the latter age of Temasek, way before Singapore was a British colony.

This is what makes Fort Canning Park Singapore one of the most distinctive sightseeing places in the city:

• Fort Canning is an iconic spiral tree tunnel.
• Underground Battle Box - WWII command centre.
• Keramat Iskandar Shah (sacred tomb of ancient times)
• Fort Wall and Gate- British colonial fortification.
• Sang Nila Utama Garden - ancient kingdoms in thinking.
• The Heritage trees and Spice Garden.
• Gothic gates & archaeological excavation.
• Concert lawns and picnic lawns.

This park demonstrates that Singapore is not only futuristic, but it is also very much secured in its cultural history.

Fort Canning Tree Tunnel – The Most Instagrammable Spot in Singapore: It is among the most Instagrammable Singaporean places. There is a spiral staircase covered with vegetation forming a fairytale tunnel that is viral worldwide. It is an Instagram dream place, a destination that should be visited by lovers of Instagram, couples and influencers.

• Time of year: Early mornings (before 10 AM)
• Ideal weather conditions: Soft afternoon sun.
• Photo tip: A wide-angle lens is used to capture the whole tunnel.

Battle Box Singapore – Secret WWII Bunker Experience: Underground military base Battle Box is 9 meters underground and narrates about the surrender of Singapore to Japan in 1942. This is the only place that renders Fort Canning Park Singapore a best historical site.

• 26 secret rooms
• Original equipment maintained.
• Actual war plan charts and communication channels.
• It was one of the most dramatic experiences of WWII in Asia.

Sang Nila Utama Garden – Step Into Ancient Southeast Asian Royalty: This area is the idea based on the antique Southeast Asian palaces, named after the legendary founder of Singapore. It is an ideal part of the couple, history and culture photographers.

• Javanese split gateways
• Stone water fountains
• Sacred Balinese layout
• Royal vibe atmosphere

Fort Canning Spice Garden – Singapore’s Historic Spice Trail:

Singapore used to be a trading post of spices. This garden is a replica of the original spice plantations that made Singapore known to the whole world. Here you'll find:

• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Clove trees
• Pepper plants

Archaeological Excavation Site – Traces of 14th-Century Singapore: It is here that actual artefacts dated 14th century were found - evidence that Singapore was around long before Raflles came. This park is one of the key archaeological areas in Singapore.

• Location: River Valley Road in Singapore.
• Closest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut / Clarke Quay.
• Entry Fee: FREE
• Opening: 24hrs (Battle Box 10 AM - 5 PM)
• Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours

• Morning walks
• Pre-dinner dates
• Solo journaling
• Photography walks
• Meditation & picnics

The flora is even more magical during the season of monsoons in Singapore (Nov- Jan) and the most opportune moment to visit Fort Canning Park, Singapore is:

• Early morning (7 AM - 10 AM)
• Late afternoon (4 PM onwards)
• Weekdays for fewer crowds

Tips: No midday, because of heat and dampness.

At various parts of the city:

• MRT: Dhoby Ghaut / Clarke Quay.
• Bus: Routes 7, 14, 65, 197
• Taxi/Grab: 10-15 mins Marina bay.
• Walking: 15 min walk in Orchard Road.

• Bring comfortable shoes (you will walk + go up and down steps)
• Carry a water bottle
• Go to the tunnel in the morning so as not to be in a queue.
• Try sunset from the top
• Carry a mini tripod
• Combine with the Clarke Quay dinner after

You can mix your visit to the Fort Canning Park in Singapore with:

• Clarke Quay (5 min walk)
• Orchard Road
• National Museum of Singapore.
• Peranakan Museum
• Sri Krishnan Temple

1. Take photos in the tunnel and make them go dreamy.
2. Tour Battle Box WWII bunker.
3. Visit Sang Nila Utama Garden
4. Visit the heritage spice trails.
5. Take a relaxing picnic sunset.

Fort Canning Park, Singapore, is centrally located, provides free entry, expresses historical value and is extremely Instagrammable. It is among the peaceful spots in the city, perfect for couples and nature lovers.  This is where you will find the balance to all the energy-consuming days you are visiting Singapore. In case you are planning to book a customised Singapore tour package, Pickyourtrail can help you with a hassle-free trip.