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Fort Siloso in Singapore
Written by Krishnamoorthy V on May 5, 2020 Share on

Fort Siloso in Singapore – Travel back to the times of WW II


When travelers visit Singapore, they often notice that the country seems untouched by the hardships and wars of the past. This impression is a testament to the remarkable transformation of Singapore under visionary leadership. Today, Singapore stands as one of the most harmonious and peaceful countries in the world. However, it is crucial to remember and honor history. Singapore was not immune to the challenges of World War II, and during those difficult times, Fort Siloso played a significant role in defending the country. As you plan your Singapore tour packages, take the opportunity to delve into the rich history of this remarkable nation. A visit to Fort Siloso will provide insights into the wartime experiences and the resilience of the people of Singapore. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the importance of preserving peace. Immerse yourself in this historical journey and gain a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s remarkable transformation into the peaceful nation it is today.

Fort Siloso is the only coastal gun battery that was reinstated from twelve batteries that concluded the “ Fortress Singapore “ during the eruption of World War II. Earlier known as the Pulau Blakang Mati, This fort is situated and can be found in Sentosa, which is an island in the southern region of Mainland Singapore. Today, The fort has been transformed into a military museum that is accessible for the public to visit. One of the landmarks at the fort which got its revamp recently is the Surrender Chambers, which is a must-visit for all history lovers who want to witness what it was like during the times of the war.  

Entrance of Fort Siloso, Singapore.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

History of Fort Siloso

Siloso derived its name from the Malaysian Language which means “ Rock”. During the time when the fort was being constructed, there was a huge rock right at the heart of the Singapore harbor which was considered a danger for shipping. When trade started taking off quite well in the country, because of the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, the people then understood that the rock was a necessity. Because it protected the port of Singapore. The top of Mt. Siloso was broken down as a part of the fortification process. This was done to flatten the surface in order for the gun platform to get installed. During the ’80s, The gun batteries were then launched in Mt. Serapong and Mt. Siloso on today’s Sentosa Island. 

Attractions at Fort Siloso

It has been 70 long years since World War II happened but Fort Siloso and the museum stands strong at Fort Siloso Beach. The best way to tour at this fort would be with the Fort Siloso Skywalk. Admission to this attraction is completely free of cost and one can enjoy Heritage Walk or Gun Trail here which leads up to the Fort Siloso Indoor Maze. The top attraction and most visited place of the fort is the Fort Siloso Surrender Chambers which has an excellent depiction of Japanese and British surrenders. How about time traveling to the times of WW II? Yes, you can travel back to the days when the infamous Japanese invaded. Through the high-quality sound, light, and video effects present in the Surrender Chambers will take you to the 1980s. In fact, This place even holds actual footage of what happened at these chambers during the time of war. 

Gun Battery at Fort Siloso
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Visitor Information

  • The Fort Siloso is open from 9:00 in the morning till 7:00 in the evening. 
  • The best time to visit Fort Siloso would be early during the day as it becomes hotter as the day progresses. 
  • Fort Siloso is located at Sentosa and is well accessible through the public transport system.

If you are a history buff, then be sure to add Fort Siloso to your bucket list when you travel to Singapore. Plan your very own itinerary to the city of Singapore with Pickyourtrail. You can also choose the available packages to Singapore and customise based on your needs and preferences.

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