Class SLP: Fort Canning and its attractions

14th Century Walk

Fort Canning is the most historic part of Singapore. Malay and Chinese historical records point to this hill as the centre of a kingdom that arose around AD1300. The royal palace of ancient Malay rulers probably stood on the summit of this once "Forbidden Hill". Begin your 14th century walk near the Keramat Iskandar Syah. Take a leisurely stroll back in time, to the era of the five kings and the golden age of 14th-century Singapore.

The Keramat Iskandar Syah

Meaning "a sacred place" in Malay, a Keramat is the traditional burial ground of a revered leader. It is uncertain who was buried here, though some people believe this to be the resting place of Iskandar Syah, a ruler of Temasek. A 14th century-styled Malay roof called a "pendopo", supported by twenty wooden pillars carved in a fighting cock motif of Javanese origin, shelters this structure.

The Archaeological Dig & Exhibition

Archaeological research at Fort Canning began in 1984. Thousands of artifacts have since been uncovered, confirming the historical significance of Fort Canning even before the arrival of the British in 1819. Most likely an area used by palace craftsmen manufacturing items of glass and gold in the past, the Archaeological Dig showcases an actual archaeological excavation site, the only such exhibition in modern Singapore.

The Parit Singapura

Ancient Malay and Chinese sources mentioned that Singapore had a moat and wall. It ran along the edge of a stream called "Fresh Water Stream", which was probably the Parit Singapura (Moat of Singapore). This has now completely disappeared. Part of the moat run up to the side of Fort Canning Hill, but whether this trench here is related to the ancient moat is not known with certainty.

The Singapore River

The western part of Fort Canning Hill offers some relaxing views of the Singapore River, the hub of trade for old Singapore. At the mouth of the river once stood the Singapore Stone (a fragment of which is now displayed at National Museum of Singapore). The Singapore Stone is linked to the story of the legendary 14th-century strongman, Badang. He is said to have thrown a stone from the audience hall of the king at Fort Canning Hill to the mouth of the Singapore River.

19th Century Walk

The 19th Century Walk links Fort Canning Park's key historic features which recaptures Singapore's first century. Begin your walk at Dobbie Rise, near the roundabout and information kiosk.

The Fort Gate

The Gate, the adjoining wall and the Sally Port are all that remain of the fortress which occupied this hill from 1861 to 1926 when it was demolished to make way for the reservoir. Some 400 coolies were mobilised in leveling 3 hectares of hilltop and constructing the elaborate fort complex of barrack blocks, hospital, gunpowder magazines and supporting artillery. In 1867, the fort had seven 68-pounder guns, eight 8-inch guns, two 13-inch mortars and some 14-pounder cannonades. A cannon was fired 3 times a day (at 5 a.m., 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.) in colonial times to announce the hour. Be sure to look behind the Fort Gate's massive wooden door for the narrow stairway leading to the roof.

Fort Canning Green

This used to be the old Christian Cemetery until 1865. The entrances to the cemetery are marked by gateways designed by Captain Charles Edward Faber, Superintending Engineer. The gateways are the earliest examples of work in Gothic Revival style to be introduced in Singapore. Pause for a moment and imagine the famous men and women who gave their lives to the young colony ... and the children who lost theirs, their short histories embedded in the walls that line the former cemetery.

The Spice Garden

This is the site of Raffles' original experimental and botanical garden, the brainchild of Nathaniel Wallich, a Dane who became superintendent of the Royal Gardens at Calcutta in 1815. He came to Singapore in 1882 and wrote to Raffles to recommend that a botanical and experimental garden be established.

Raffles Terrace

Raffles chose to build his bungalow here for the beautiful view it commanded, and the site served as residence for a long line of Governors. As you stroll along, imagine the superb view of the town below, bustling with horses and carriages, bullock carts, sailing vessels, and the vast panorama of harbour folk plying their wares back in 19th-century Singapore.

Battle Box

The Battle Box is located some 9 metres underground, in one of the bunkers in Fort Canning Park. It was the largest military operations complex in Singapore and was part of the Malaya Command Headquarters during World War II. The facility is now managed by The Legends Fort Canning Park.Through the use of specially arranged audio and video effects, high quality animatronics and specially crafted figurines, we bring visitors back to the morning of 15 February 1942, when the surrender decision was made by British Officers and Singapore fell to the Japanese. At the Battle Box, complete all recruitment procedures and an Orderly (Guide) will take you on a fully guided tour. Surrounded by bombing outside The Battle Box, you will walk through the complex and experience the recreated events in its various rooms.

ASEAN Sculpture Garden

These sculptures were created in 1981 for the ASEAN Sculptures Symposium in Singapore. As a symbol of ASEAN unity and cooperation, each member country - the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore - donated a sculpture to this garden in 1982. Brunei added its contribution in 1988 when it became an ASEAN member.