Battlebox
5
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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,583 reviews
Excellent
2,137
Very good
386
Average
44
Poor
10
Terrible
6
deniseohern
Perth, Australia6 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Very interesting history, well presented. It is well worth a visit. Easy to find and close to the museum so can cover both places. Much bigger than we thought it would be. Run by volunteers who do a great job.
Written 26 May 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.
Ipohboymartin
Bedfordshire, UK12 contributions
Superb historical representation on the events leading up to the Japanese Invaion World War 2. Well worth the visit. Historical footage explains a lot.
Written 21 May 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.
Tash W
Pukekohe East, Auckland, New Zealand40 contributions
Apr 2023
It was good but too expensive. It's quite small and not good value for money. If you are going to Sentosa, Fort Siloso is a must do. It is huge, very interesting and Free! Absolutely loved going there, don't miss it.
Written 29 April 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.
Lark1962
Perth, Australia258 contributions
Worth a visit for all ages to understand the history of Singapore. The ticket includes a complementary guided tour which is well worth it. Our guide was very informative.
Written 16 April 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.
Hugary1
Sydney, Australia5,646 contributions
Jan 2023
If you didn't read about it you could walk straight past the site. An excellent example of WWII defensive thinking, well maintained and with excellent people explaining the events and uses of each of the many rooms in the complex.
Great for teens doing history.
There is also an information and salesroom for items.
NO images inside are allowed so you will have to go to see it for yourself. Well worth it if your in Singapore and and easy walk fro say the Carlton Hotel
Great for teens doing history.
There is also an information and salesroom for items.
NO images inside are allowed so you will have to go to see it for yourself. Well worth it if your in Singapore and and easy walk fro say the Carlton Hotel
Written 10 April 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.
Kirsten B
Wallasey, UK21 contributions
We booked this prior to our visit to Singapore and would fully recommend a visit if you have time during your trip. We conveniently arrived just before the complimentary tour was due to start and were able to sign up, I would advise looking up the tour times as this really added to our experience. The battlebox was much bigger inside than I would have expected and had several rooms with historical footage that you can watch following the tour. Similar to other reviews, I found the displays and stories to be quite moving.
Written 9 April 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.
nickgoodfellow458
Baldivis, Australia79 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This tour is very informative and interesting. Which ever side you go from it is a flog up hill or steps. Our tour guide was very interesting to listen to and provided much information.
The Battlebox tour goes into the history of the fall of Malaya (Malaysia) and Singapore in 1942 and provides many insights into what went wrong and what happened.
The tour is about half an hour but I recommend you take a couple of more hours wo wonder round the whole facility to get a good feel for what went on back then.
Worth every cent.
The Battlebox tour goes into the history of the fall of Malaya (Malaysia) and Singapore in 1942 and provides many insights into what went wrong and what happened.
The tour is about half an hour but I recommend you take a couple of more hours wo wonder round the whole facility to get a good feel for what went on back then.
Worth every cent.
Written 26 March 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.
tumbleweedchris
Richland, WA900 contributions
Feb 2023
There are not as many historical attractions in Singapore as compared to other countries. This is an excellent attraction for those that want to get a sense for an important event preceding the creation of the country as it is today. This is the bunker the British used during WWII to defend against the invading Japanese. Japan secured a quick and huge victory here early in the war and these are the rooms where the British made the decision to surrender. The guided tours are free and you do not have to book in advance. The tour walks you through the tactics from both sides and what led to this quick defeat. Make sure you go on a guided tour as that is the best way to get a sense for what happened in these bunkers. This is a great stop that doesn't take too much time out of your day.
Written 18 March 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.
gfsc5
Perth, Australia1,350 contributions
Mar 2023
We visited Battlebox and chose to work our way through the 'museum' at our own pace rather than taking a tour. It gave us lots of flexibility.
Battlebox is situated in the former underground command centre in Fort Canning Hill and has a number of rooms that you move through sequentially to get the story of the fall of Singapore during World War 2. It contains photographs, documents, wax figures (very well done) and film. Take the time to look at as much as you can especially the films.
Well worth a visit. A highlight of a Singapore trip.
Battlebox is situated in the former underground command centre in Fort Canning Hill and has a number of rooms that you move through sequentially to get the story of the fall of Singapore during World War 2. It contains photographs, documents, wax figures (very well done) and film. Take the time to look at as much as you can especially the films.
Well worth a visit. A highlight of a Singapore trip.
Written 11 March 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.
why-not-have-a-go
Scotland42 contributions
Mar 2023
Beautifully curated exhibition in the original bunker command centre built during the Second World War. We took our time to look carefully at the photographs, videos and information boards. The wax statues brought everything to life and were very poignant.
The bunker is kept spotlessly clean, and Paul takes great pride in his job.
The whole Fort Canning site is interesting and worth dedicating at least a half day to.
The bunker is kept spotlessly clean, and Paul takes great pride in his job.
The whole Fort Canning site is interesting and worth dedicating at least a half day to.
Written 7 March 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.
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
59 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, UK96 contributions
Is the site accessible for someone with limited mobility
Janice T
Singapore, Singapore8 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, Australia29 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
Battlebox, Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions about Battlebox
- Battlebox is open:
- Fri - Sun 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Battlebox admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost S$21.16, while a popular guided tour starts around S$41.23 per person. See all 6 Battlebox tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Battlebox can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 6 Battlebox tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Battlebox:
- (0.08 km) Hotel Fort Canning
- (0.17 km) YWCA Fort Canning
- (0.28 km) Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore
- (0.29 km) YMCA One Orchard
- (0.43 km) Rendezvous Hotel Singapore by Far East Hospitality
- Restaurants near Battlebox:
- (0.07 km) The Salon
- (0.08 km) Le Jardin
- (0.10 km) Tisettanta Lounge
- (0.32 km) Flutes
- (0.20 km) Ywca Cafe Lodge