Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park
4
About
Fort Canning Park is one of Singapore's most historic landmarks. It has witnessed Singapore's golden age, when Malay Kings ruled from its peak, and watched as the island transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a vibrant trading hub in the 19th century. During World War II, the hill was instrumental in Singapore's war efforts with numerous military buildings located there. One of these buildings was the Fort Canning Bunker or Battle Box, where the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese was made by the British. Many war relics from Singapore's colourful history have survived on the hill and are still visible today.Although the hill has since lost its imposing stature, its distinctive charm still remains. The lush lawns draw picnics, concerts, theatre productions and festivals, while weddings, parties and gatherings are a regular sight in the park's elegant indoor function rooms. Visit the park today and experience the tranquillity once enjoyed by the Malay royals of yore.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Museum
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See what other travellers are saying
- macedonboyGlasgow, United Kingdom179,494 contributionsBeautiful park with many things to seeThis park is set on a hill that used to be part of the Fort Canning Fortifications. Some military structures are still near the top of the hill and these are clearly marked with dire warnings for trespassing. The park is a beautiful area with several gardens inspired by the history of Singapore including the Raffles Garden, Spice Garden, and my personal favourite, the Sang Nila Utama Garden inspired by the first king of Singapore. There’s also a sculpture hiking trail published by the National Parks of Singapore that’ll take you through the park to see the many sculptures inside. The park is a great way to spend at least half a day hiking in a beautiful setting.Visited March 2020Written 11 March 2020
- Cameron SmithCelina, Texas27 contributionsGreat views of the cityMy wife and I so happened to accidentally walk into the park on our first explore day in Singapore. We had originally wanted to go later in our trip but because the park is so well maintained and beautiful, we decided to stay and walk around. Even though you're smack-dab in the middle of Singapore, you almost forget you're surrounded by a major city. This is definitely a must do thing to do while visiting.Visited January 2020Written 1 February 2020
- dyhx3,456 contributionsEasy walk to enjoy the green and abit of Singapore historyStarted from the Jubilee Park just a short walk from Fort Canning Station (downtown line - blue mrt line), which was pretty much a kids playground with swings, slides, sandplay, see-saws. Went up the stairs just next to the slides to Pancur Larangan, the old Bathing Court. Following the trail, up the escalator brought us to the Fort Gate, skipping the Fort Canning Hotel on the left. Thru the gate, past a large patch of green, down the stairs to the back of the Fort Canning Centre (toilet stop location). Gave the Battlebox a miss this time (it's ticketed by the way) and turned right towards the Cannon and then the Keramat Iskandar Shah, believed to be his burial place but is pretty much a resting shelter now. Moving on from there brought us to the Spice Garden, where we found mint, Pandan leaves, rosemary and some others but these are just the few I recognised. The garden led us to the Fort Canning Green on the left, which was in front of the Fort Canning Centre. Tracing out footsteps back towards the Artisan's Garden, with a small display on the archaeological work done in the area. Continuing from the path led us past the Registry of Marriages, then to Sang Nila Utama Garden filled with many stone carving statues and finally, the Raffles Garden, where an old Lighthouse stands. Great weather this morning, a little hot but could be worse really and actually there are quite a number of shady spots throughout. It was an easy walk, took us just over an hour and not quite as interesting as Botanical Gardens. We then exited along Hill Street. There are lots of food options nearby, at Funan Mall just opposite or turn right to Clarke Quay. One can also take a bus from opposite to Chinatown.Visited July 2021Travelled with friendsWritten 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,121 reviews
Excellent
444
Very good
534
Average
124
Poor
14
Terrible
5
shirley U
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Friends
I love this park❤️😘😍
It’s so quiet and tranquilit. We spent almost four hours exploring this place. The park is so big, a lot of local people came here to enjoy their weekends.
Besides, the are some small attractions in the park. I like the Spice Museum which introduces history about vairious spice.
It’s so quiet and tranquilit. We spent almost four hours exploring this place. The park is so big, a lot of local people came here to enjoy their weekends.
Besides, the are some small attractions in the park. I like the Spice Museum which introduces history about vairious spice.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lucycan
San Diego, CA3,378 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Fort Canning is a park on a high spot in the middle of Singapore. Lots of trees and open space for picnic or just relaxing. There is a hotel, some great photo spots, and views of the city. Must see!
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie
11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Nice place to walk round and see another view of the city - would recommend especially the interesting archeology stand in the spice garden
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hazel
Ajman, United Arab Emirates73 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Went early around 7am to avoid the heat. Jogging and walking around was the best way to visit this park because it’s very nice and big!!! I love that its very quiet and every place is beautiful!!!!
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HKeater
Singapore, Singapore31,460 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Accesible from many locations, perhaps easiest from Fort Canning station.
Just a small climb up to the plateau, even has escalators some of the way.
Many side off trails, but if you find yourself walking in circles, that’s correct. These are ringed circuits.
A good walk in cooler late afternoons, then drop off down towards Orchard road or Clarke Quay for dinner.
Just a small climb up to the plateau, even has escalators some of the way.
Many side off trails, but if you find yourself walking in circles, that’s correct. These are ringed circuits.
A good walk in cooler late afternoons, then drop off down towards Orchard road or Clarke Quay for dinner.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenn Djangkar
Jakarta, Indonesia260 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Went for a quick visit to Fort Canning Park during our visit to Singapore. It is situated on a hill overlooking Orchard Road and the mind immediately imagines how things would have looked if there were no buildings around. It is a very beautiful park but get ready for uphill walks. There is a spiralling staircase which has become famour on social media and where people gather to have their pictures taken but this staircase does not seem to be that impressive in real life.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
Oxford, UK1,469 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
And along with the nice views there is a lot of interesting history behind Canning Park! It's the site of the (currently closed) Command Bunker during the WW2 siege of Singapore.
It can be very hot in mid day so dress accordingly - light and with shorts and short sleeves - especially, as other reviewers have pointed out, as there are a lot of stairs to climb!
It can be very hot in mid day so dress accordingly - light and with shorts and short sleeves - especially, as other reviewers have pointed out, as there are a lot of stairs to climb!
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy Traveller
Sydney, Australia5,398 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Well what a beautiful park. I’ve been to Singapore 10 times and I’ve never been here before. Why is that. Now I have to say it’s quite steep and there’s quite a few stairs but it’s well worth it alcoves everywhere is the most beautiful flowers and green plants everywhere. And stunning Birdsnest ferns and all types of homes growing up trees. It’s absolutely amazing. There’s toilet blocks in a few places. And there were people sweeping up fallen leaves and any rubbish. Consequently, the place was immaculate. You must see it.
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hieatsreych
Philippines182 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Discover the hidden gem of Singapore at Fort Canning Park! Immerse yourself in its rich history, wander through lush gardens, and soak in breathtaking city views. From ancient ruins to outdoor theater events, this park offers a captivating escape for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan C.
La Jolla, California, USA472 contributions
May 2023
This park was located right across the street from my hotel - a bit of an uphill climb, but lots to see and a great place to walk around with friends.
Written 10 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Александра Т
26 contributions
what time is it better to come to make an iconic instagram photo in the Fort Canning Tree tunnel to avoid crazy queues?
Nigel G
Singapore, Singapore8,591 contributions
If your mobility is limited climbing stairs, is it still possible to visit / enjoy a visit here. Can a taxi drop you off t the top?
Anand Pande
Singapore, Singapore150 contributions
Hi Nigel Accessibility will be very limited . Best bet would be to drive the nice winding path to the hotel lobby and have a coffee. I would recommend going to the Botanical garden instead . I have just now posted a review for you with photographs for you to see what I mean as well as enjoy the surroundings
Thea J
Tilburg, The Netherlands82 contributions
hallo, Klopt het dat je entree moet betalen voor dit park, en zo ja hoeveel is dat dan?
CC
sunderland, England410 contributions
Can you take a picnic with bottle of wine into the park to enjoy?
Peter Lanky
Wigan, UK875 contributions
Better to be armed with the facts rather than a guess. Drinking alcohol in public places, which includes parks, is only banned after 10:30pm so unless you are having a very late picnic, there is no issue.
If you do a search "What you can or cannot do under the new alcohol law Singapore" and read the Straits Times article at the top of the search list, you will be able to read the facts.
Tripadvisor does not allow me to post the actual link.
johnmi2014
Mapleton, Queensland12 contributions
Can my wife and I walk in and see the park on our own? What is the admission just to enjoy the green space?
Barry Webster
Waipukurau, New Zealand331 contributions
Hi, yes you can walk the park on your own at no cost A really lovely park
sallycallalabay
callala bay14 contributions
Will the battle box bunker and museum/shop be open again by March 2015.
Joshua Y
Quezon City22 contributions
No, likely it will open in Sept 2015. You can access it by doing a 55SGD walking tour of "Through Fog and Fire" conducted by SG History Consultants. Call Changi War Museum for more details on schedule. We took a Wed 2:30-6pm tour.
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Claim your listingFORT CANNING PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Canning Park
- We recommend booking Fort Canning Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 9 Fort Canning Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Fort Canning Park:
- Of Graves, Guns & Battles™: A Tour of Fort Canning Hill (From S$41.07)
- Singapore Full Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private (From S$222.87)
- Singapore Layover Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private (From S$292.51)
- Private Singapore Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% Personalised (From S$104.46)
- Singapore's Stories and Histories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (From S$7.10)
- Hotels near Fort Canning Park:
- (0.35 km) Park Avenue Clemenceau
- (0.48 km) Village Residence Robertson Quay by Far East Hospitality
- (0.41 km) Paradox Singapore Merchant Court
- (0.47 km) Grand Park City Hall
- (0.49 km) Fraser Place Robertson Walk, Singapore
- Restaurants near Fort Canning Park:
- (0.01 km) Tiong Bharu Bakery
- (0.13 km) The RANCH Steakhouse & Bar
- (0.09 km) Bayang
- (0.11 km) Marutama Ramen (Liang Court)
- (0.12 km) Tampopo
- Attractions near Fort Canning Park:
- (0.02 km) Keramat Sultan Iskandar Shah
- (0.16 km) Singapore River Cruise
- (0.20 km) Natureland Clarke Quay
- (0.18 km) Clarke Quay
- (0.15 km) Zouk