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Battlebox

Battlebox, Singapore

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Battlebox

See all things to do
See all things to do
Battlebox
5
2,541
#13 of 1,121 things to do in Singapore
Military Museums • Historic Sites
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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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Neighbourhood: Museum
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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
Excellent guided tour
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
Roaming the Bunker
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
Every Singaporean should visit at least once
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
RICH IN HISTORY
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
Fascinating visit
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
Gem in my backyard!
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
Superb insight to history
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.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gabrielle Carolan
Cronulla, Australia5 contributions
Wartime history
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
A Great Place to hang out with teenage sons
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.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter A
1 contribution
Fabolous History
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Battlebox
Battlebox is open:
  • Fri - Sun 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
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
Restaurants near Battlebox: View all restaurants near Battlebox on Tripadvisor