Name: Fort Canning Park
Address: Singapore
Telephone: 1800 471 7300
Rating: 4.5

A well-known historical landmark, this grassy hilltop park hosts events such as concerts & plays.

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Fort Canning Park, a historical landmark rising above the urban sprawl of Singapore, is more than just a green lung. It's a layered palimpsest of Singapore's past, from its role as the seat of Malay royalty in the 14th century, known then as Bukit Larangan or Forbidden Hill, to its strategic importance during World War II. The park's Spice Garden, a recreation of the original 19th-century experimental garden, offers a glimpse into Singapore's early economic ambitions. Deep within the park, the Battlebox, a former underground command center, reveals the tense atmosphere of wartime planning. The Keramat Iskandar Shah, a sacred Malay shrine, marks the believed burial place of Singapore's last king before British colonization, adding a spiritual dimension to the historical narrative. Fort Canning Hill's strategic location provided a vantage point for signal flags communicating with ships, a vital function in Singapore's early maritime trade. The park's numerous archaeological digs continue to unearth artifacts, constantly rewriting and enriching our understanding of Singapore's pre-colonial history.

Introduction

Fort Canning Hill, now Fort Canning Park, was once the heart of ancient Singapura, a thriving 14th-century settlement. Known then as Bukit Larangan, or Forbidden Hill, it held a palace and significant political, religious, and commercial structures. The Yuan dynasty traveler Wang Dayuan referred to a settlement on the hill as Ban Zu, noting its honest inhabitants, distinct from those at Long Ya Men.

Archaeological digs since 1984 have unearthed workshops for glass and gold, dating back to the 14th century, along with a ceremonial area near the summit, confirming the hill's importance. A cache of gold ornaments discovered in 1928 during reservoir construction further underscored its significance. These artifacts, dating to the mid-14th century, included armlets, rings, and a jeweled clasp, indicating the presence of elites.

The hill's strategic location offered panoramic views, which later led Sir Stamford Raffles to build his residence there in 1822. Evidence, including remnants of a substantial wall, supports the notion that Singapore was a vital political and commercial center in the 14th century. Local lore associated the hill with ancient Singapura's royalty, where its last ruler was believed to be buried. Fort Canning Park stands as a testament to this rich history, preserving relics of a bygone era when it was the epicenter of ancient Singapura.

Ancient Singapura

Fort Canning Park features nine historical gardens that showcase the area's rich heritage through restored landscapes and curated spaces. These gardens, built between 2018 and 2019 to commemorate Singapore’s bicentennial, offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s past through nature and archaeological discoveries.

The Pancur Larangan, or Forbidden Spring, recreates an ancient bathing place used by the noble ladies of the royal court of Singapura. This garden features a mural wall handcrafted in natural volcanic rock, detailing life in Fort Canning Park from the 1300s to the 1800s, designed by Mr. Eng Siak Loy. The Artisan’s Garden marks the site of craftsmen's workshops and living quarters from the 14th century, where artisans under royal patronage created fine goods. This garden also serves as an archaeological dig site, offering insights into past excavations and their findings.

The Sang Nila Utama Garden, named after Singapore's first ancient king, recreates Southeast Asian gardens of old, incorporating traditional features like a symmetrical layout, Javanese split gates, and a reflective pool. Plants of significance in Javanese culture, such as magnolias, ixoras, gardenias, and vallaris, are showcased alongside fruit trees like duku, rambutan, and pomelo. Jubilee Park, Raffles Garden, First Botanic Garden, Farquhar Garden, Spice Garden and Armenian Street Park are the other historical gardens that can be found in Fort Canning Park. These gardens collectively transform Fort Canning Hill into a venue for historical exploration, cultural appreciation, and recreational activities.

Historical Gardens

Fort Canning Park is home to a famous spiral staircase, a popular spot for Instagram photos. The staircase's lower entrance is located off Fort Canning Road, near Dhoby Ghaut via the Fort Canning tunnel. Due to its popularity, expect queues, especially on weekends and public holidays; weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds. The staircase is near a large tree, creating a picturesque scene.

To reach the spiral staircase from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, take Exit B and head towards Penang Road. Cross the road, turn left, and take the stairs to the underground tunnel. Emerging from the tunnel, you'll find the staircase. Arriving early, around 9:30 am, may still require a 20-minute wait for a photo opportunity. The spiral staircase is known as one of Singapore's most Instagrammable spots. Many Instagram feeds feature photos of this location.

Instagram Famous Spiral Staircase

Fort Canning Park's military significance is deeply rooted in Singapore's history, evolving from a strategic vantage point to a pivotal military installation. Originally known as Government Hill, its transformation into a military stronghold began in 1859 due to increasing security concerns, leading to its renaming in honor of Viscount Charles John Canning. The hill became a crucial site for the British military, serving as the headquarters of the Singapore Base District until the outbreak of World War II.

A key feature of Fort Canning's military past is the Battlebox, an underground command center completed in 1938 with 30 rooms and its own generator. It was within this bunker that Lieutenant-General Arthur Ernest Percival made the momentous decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. The Japanese forces subsequently utilized the facilities until the end of their occupation in 1945, after which the British regained control.

In 1963, as Singapore progressed towards self-determination, the British handed over the fort to the Singaporean military. It then housed the headquarters of the 4th Malaysian Infantry Brigade until December 1966 before being transferred to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The SAF established the Singapore Command and Staff College on the grounds, which officially opened on 13 February 1970. Today, remnants of the fort, including its gateway and two nine-pound cannons, serve as enduring reminders of its military past.

Military History

Fort Canning Park

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