Battlebox, Singapore
Battlebox
5
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
A former underground command centre in Fort Canning Hill, the Battlebox was part of the Malaya Command Headquarters during World War II. It was here that Lt-Gen Percival made the fateful decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Journey back in time to 1942 and discover the true causes of the Fall of Singapore and learn how an underground command centre functioned during the war.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Popular mentions
5.0
2,542 reviews
Excellent
2,102
Very good
383
Average
42
Poor
9
Terrible
6
Dickdob1053
York, UK74 contributions
Feb 2022
Visited my family earlier this year for the first time since they moved to Singapore in 2020. They recommended I take the guided tour of Battlebox and I am so glad I did. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and very pleasant. The tour explains a lot about the British surrender to the Japanese and it was all the more interesting as you were in the very rooms where the decision to surrender was taken. One of the highlights of my trip.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tom
Singapore4 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
The battlebox bunker is a great site to visit if you are into military history or curious about what is under Fort Canning Park. It’s a fascinating structure and the guided tour component offers some context and background behind what happened here in 1942. Keep in mind photos are not allowed in the bunker. The tour is around 30 minutes with a guide to specific rooms, and then you are allowed to roam the bunker at your own pace. Altogether I spent just over an hour on site, so one could consider this a quick stop while exploring Singapore.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
anyang14916
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Mar 2022
The 30-min tour was fairly comprehensive but if you want something more in-depth there's always the option of going for the 2.5h tour. I love how well maintained yet authentic the place feels. There are parts of the Battlebox that remain from all those decades ago. In a way, it helps you feel more connected to Singapore's roots.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
STANFORDHO
1 contribution
Mar 2022
Well presented, excellent guides. Full of history and provides a excellent summary of WWII. Regardless if you're bringing your kid or a your date, this place will not disappoint.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
colin1962
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK138 contributions
Apr 2022
This tour was a fascinating insight into the history of the Battlebox situated below Fort Cannon Hill, the enthusiastic guide explained all about the complex and the roll it had in the second World War, you are led through the complex with each room being explained as well as the overall picture of what happened there, at the end of the guided tour you are left on your own to explore at your own pace, well woth s few hours of your time if you are in Singapore.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BoonNJess
Singapore, Singapore16 contributions
Apr 2022
We were fortunate to miss the start of the tour by 10 mins, cos the museum director himself took us back to the start point to make up for that section. We heard many more stories, his wealth of knowledge is amazing and he spoke with a genuine passion for history that was palpable. We’d love to do a tour connecting all the other historical sites he mentioned like Kranji War Memorial, Fort Factory etc soon.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
eimertuite
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Family
The visit starts with an informative tour that explains what happened when Japan started the invasion of SE Asia through the Fall of Singapore to the Japanese surrender. Subsequently, there is an opportunity to explore all rooms of the Battlebox which are equipped with explanatory text and photos. There are also several movies showing original WW2 footage.
A visit to the National Museum provides additional information about Singapore during WW2.
A visit to the National Museum provides additional information about Singapore during WW2.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gabrielle Carolan
Cronulla, Australia5 contributions
Apr 2022
Fantastic tour, information from very knowledgeable guide. Unique location where all the action happened.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
James C
Singapore, Singapore3 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We went there during the Good Friday pubic holiday. Managed to catch the last guided tour of the day at 430pm and it was given by the director of the museum. Very passionate and detailed sharing of the battlebox, including its function, and the last day before the British surrender to the Japanese.
Very enjoyable tour. my two teenage sons enjoyed the tour very much. Recommend to plan 2 hours there. 30 to 45mins for the guided tour, and an hour to visit the place.
Very enjoyable tour. my two teenage sons enjoyed the tour very much. Recommend to plan 2 hours there. 30 to 45mins for the guided tour, and an hour to visit the place.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter A
1 contribution
Apr 2022
Very well put together montage of the history of the fall of Singapore during WW11. Duties and roles of the Officers & men working to plot and defend against the enemy was very well and simp0ly explained.
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
thenuts15
Penang, Malaysia61 contributions
Is the place open on Tuesday and Wednesday?
Is it compulsory to take the fix time tour?
Can we explore the place by ourselve if we arrived early?
Doggy73
BIRMINGHAM UK35 contributions
You can check for days and times on the website for availability. Schedule can change.
As for exploring by yourselves. No, it is an escorted, time scheduled tour.
A lot of hard work and history have been retained and established in this bunker.
Obviously you can’t have the public going around in a war time Bunker full of history,doing their own thing.
Not everyone is sensible and for open to abuse. If you get my drift.
Plam S
1 contribution
What the different between THE BATTLEBOX TOUR
- A Story of Strategy & Surrender ™ (1 hour 15 minutes) and OF GRAVES, GUNS & BATTLES
- A Tour of Battlebox & Fort Canning Hill ™ (2 ½ hours)
Cause we have limit the, would like to know with one is worth to visit?
Travel AL 04
54 contributions
The 1Hr 15 Min tour is the must do, it is extremely interesting. The other tour takes in the bunkers but also shows you around Fort Canning Park. If you have limited time make sure you do the 'A Story of Strategy & Surrender' tour. These tours are very popular so suggest being there for the first tour of the day and arrive prior to opening.
ChrisAM2013
Cornwall, UK95 contributions
Is the site accessible for someone with limited mobility
Janice T
Singapore, Singapore6 contributions
Hi Chris, I had sent an email to battlebox and received reply:
“As the Battlebox is an underground bunker, the only way to access the bunker is through one flight of stairs; about 12 steps.
However, we have a wheelchair available for use inside the bunker.
Do let us know if you have any further queries“
Hope the above helps you to decide if battlebox is a place to visit.
Belindatlh
Singapore, Singapore
We are from enrichment school, we plan to visit during weekday in November 2017 with about 40 students. Any promotional rate and guided tour?
Xiaoling10
Singapore, Singapore130 contributions
I am not sure about this. You will have to contact them directly.
Usuff O
Thornleigh, Australia5 contributions
When are there guided tours?
SpikerKenA
Bogor, Indonesia46 contributions
From the Battlebox com sg website (which also has lots of additional up-to-date info:
THE BATTLEBOX TOUR
- A Story of Strategy & Surrender ™ (1 hour)
Adult: S$18
Child (7 – 12 years): S$9
Timings (Mondays, including public holidays):
1.30pm, 2.45pm, 4.00pm
Timings (Tuesdays to Sundays, including public holidays):
9.45am, 11.00am,
1.30pm, 2.45pm, 4.00pm
Debbie Tan
Albany, New Zealand
How much are tickets?
Barbara S
Adelaide, Australia28 contributions
I think it was $18. it was well worth it.
leraiurasova
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
здравствуйте! есть ли у вас русскоговорящий гид?
и в какое время проходят экскурсии
со сколки до скольки вы работаете
Alienory
Mexico City, Mexico252 contributions
Нет, экскурсии проводятся на английском. Экскурсия занимает примерно час, начало экскурсий: в понедельник -- 1.30pm, 2.45pm, 4.00pm, со вторника по воскресенье -- 9.45am, 11.00am, 1.30pm, 2.45pm, 4.00pm, в праздники музей работает как обычно. Лучше приходить за 15 минут до начала экскурсии, чтобы купить билет.
Steffeny
13 contributions
Ok. I would like to know if we can hire you for a couple of days
Battlebox S
Singapore, Singapore
Dear Steffeny,
We do not offer multiple day tours, only tours at set timings everyday. You can find the timings on our website.
Visitors usually purchase tickets 20 minutes before the tour starts and are able to join in with no problems,
Hope that helps!
-The Battlebox Team
Frequently Asked Questions about Battlebox
- Battlebox is open:
- Fri - Sun 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- We recommend booking Battlebox 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 4 Battlebox tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Battlebox:
- (0.08 km) Hotel Fort Canning
- (0.17 km) YWCA Fort Canning
- (0.29 km) YMCA One Orchard
- (0.43 km) Rendezvous Hotel Singapore by Far East Hospitality
- (0.25 km) Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore
- Restaurants near Battlebox:
- (0.07 km) The Salon
- (0.10 km) Tisettanta Lounge
- (0.13 km) Le Jardin
- (0.32 km) Flutes
- (0.20 km) Ywca Cafe Lodge