Fort Canning Park

Take time out on a historic hilltop
Word to the wise: As you enter Fort Canning Green, take a moment to appreciate the gateway embedded with tombstones from the former 19th century Christian cemetery housed here.

As Singapore's highest natural point, many of the city's pivotal moments have unfolded in this centrally located park since the first Malayan kings ruled from its peak. Naturally, Sir Stamford Raffles built his residence here for the stunning views awarded by the hilltop, and planted a spice garden that became the original site of Singapore's Botanic Gardens. During World War II, the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese was made in the underground military bunker on Fort Canning Hill known as the Battle Box.
These days, visitors can tour the Battle Box complete with wax figures depicting its wartime occupants, or simply saunter around the grounds taking in the fragrant spice gardens, the tomb of an ancient Malayan leader, the impressive Fort Gate and views from Raffles' Terrace. The lush Fort Canning Green regularly hosts concerts, theatre productions and festivals—see Fort Canning Park's webpage for details.