Park & nature
Fort Canning Hill
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Fort Canning Hill is a 48-metre-high hill in Singapore's central business district. It is a popular spot for exhibitions, concerts, and outdoor recreation, and offers a mix of historical relics, lush greenery, and expansive lawns.
Don't miss
- The Battle Box, a former underground military bunker used as an operations centre during World War II
- Fort Canning Park, a historical park with lush greenery and expansive lawns
- Remains of a 14th-century gold jewellery cache discovered during reservoir excavation
- The Gothic gateway and brick wall from the 19th-century Christian cemetery
- Two nine-pound cannons from the original fort
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Fort Canning Hill
You can explore Fort Canning Hill at your own pace. A tour is worth it mainly for transport, or for pairing it with nearby sights in one day.
Cheapest way inSingapore: Jewel Changi Airport4.5★ · 105 travelers3-5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →
Most bookedLion City Bike Tour of Singapore5★ · 6,372 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$67 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Singapore Walking Tour: City Highlights & Hidden Gems5★ · 98 travelers2-6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$87 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- The park is a green lung in the downtown area, offering a variety of recreational activities.
- The park hosts outdoor events like theatre carnivals, art festivals, and starlight cinemas.
A bit of history
The hill was once the centre of ancient Singapura in the 15th century, with a palace and various buildings. In 1819, Stamford Raffles built his residence here, and it became known as Government Hill. A military fort was built in 1861 and named Fort Canning. During World War II, the British surrendered to the Japanese at the underground bunker on the hill, now known as The Battle Box.
Common questions
What is the historical significance of Fort Canning Hill?
It was the centre of ancient Singapura in the 15th century and later the site of Stamford Raffles' residence and a British military fort.
What is The Battle Box?
It is an underground bunker that served as the British military headquarters during World War II, where the surrender to the Japanese took place.
Are there any archaeological finds on the hill?
Yes, a cache of 14th-century gold jewellery was discovered in 1928, and digs have uncovered evidence of workshops for glass and gold from the 15th century.
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