Want to do something fun over the weekend? Or have some free time during the weekday? Head on to Fort Canning Park to discover new places. Before we enter the scenic Fort Canning Park, let’s first get to know a little bit more detail about this park and how it has become one of the most ‘must-visit’ parks in Singapore.
Origin Of Fort Canning Park
The origin of Fort Canning Park is a compilation of Singapore’s historical milestones. Back in the day, there are palaces of 14th century Kings and it served as the Headquarters of the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks. According to history, the Battle Box is where the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942.
Now, Fort Canning Park has several attractions that you can stroll and enjoy with your loved ones! There are various places that are ‘Instagrammable’ for you to strut your stuff at this 18 hectares park!
Here are the six things that you can do at Fort Canning Park:
6 Things To Do at Fort Canning Park
#1 Fort Canning Spiral Staircase
This iconic staircase is located near the Fort Canning Park Tunnel. You can walk along the Canning Rise to spot it!
To complement the spiral staircase that is made out of bricks, it has a tree backdrop for a perfect picture. Hence, it explains why this spot is always full of people.
You just need to get the best angle (and the best photographer) to take your pictures. Or else, you can simply refer to the above picture, okay?
Price: Free
Location: Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, underground crossing along Canning Rise
#2 The Battlebox
Here we have the Battle Box which is previously known as the Underground Far East Command Centre. This was the exact site where the British decided to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942.
You can explore the inside by going around the rooms and checking out various wartime artefacts that are displayed here. They also have a guided tour to guide and share more interesting details about this historical site. You can also take pictures with the real-life cannons near the Battle Box.
Simply buy the ticket and enjoy a new experience at the underground bunker here.
Price:
- From $20 (Adult)
- $10 (Child)
Address: 2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622
#3 Sang Nila Utama Garden
One fact about this garden is that it is named after Sang Nila Utama—the founder and first King of ancient Singapore. It is modelled after the royal gardens back in the day.
If you look at it closely while you are here, you will feel the Balinese vibe. This is because the architecture was inspired by Bali’s famous Empul Tirta Bali and Pura Lempuyang temples. Don’t forget to snap for a few pictures while you are at this picturesque garden! I bet your pictures will look aesthetically pleasing!
Location: Near Registry of Marriages and National Archives Singapore
#4 Gothic Gates, Fort Canning Green
This is the perfect place for gothic aesthetics’ fans!
Gothic Gates is located near the Registry of Marriages. It is popular among couples because of its pristine background that makes a perfect picture for a beautiful couple!
One fact about this gate is that it is a doorway to the Christian graveyards. Nevertheless, it is so pleasing to look at!
Location: Fort Canning Green
#5 Fort Canning Cemetery
If you are keen to visit more historical sites, here at Fort Canning, there is also Singapore’s first Christian cemetery.
For your info, there used to be about 600 graves at Fort Canning Green! Sadly, there is only a small amount of tombstones remain today. They do not look like your typical tombstones because the gravestones are impeded on a brick wall.
#6 Jubilee Park
Last but not least! Jubilee Park is one of the parks that has many recreational spots for Singaporeans where you can bring your families every evening or during the weekend.
You can enjoy yourself at the River Valley Swimming Pool, Van Kleef Aquarium and the National Theatre in the 20th century.
This family-friendly park is also complete with swings, see-saws, logs and cool slides planted on the side of the hill slope. Not only that, but they also have spaces for performances, events or outdoor art installations.
This is a perfect place to bring your little ones to play at the awesome playground. They can enjoy themselves there with the park facilities.
Location: Near River Valley entrance
But how does one get to this park? Well, here’s how to get there!
How to Get to The Fort Canning Park?
By MRT:
There are several ways you can enter Fort Canning Park from different MRT stations.
Stop at Fort Canning Station (Exit B), Clarke Quay Station (Exit E) or Dhoby Ghaut Station (Exit B).
- Fort Canning Station: Take the exit on Exit B, turn left to Jubilee Park.
- Clarke Quay Station: Exit 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 reach your destination!
- Dhoby Ghaut Station: on Exit B, cross Penang Road, turn left and look out for the tunnel leading to Fort Canning Park.
Park hours: Open 24 hours
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible (from drop off at Cox Terrace roundabout)
Now you know what to do on the weekends! Visit Fort Canning Park to explore endless greens and park facilities. You can also just walk around and appreciate nature as it offers many lushes trees to look at. Have fun at the park!