FORT CANNING PARK

Description

Essentials about Fort Canning Park in brief

Fort Canning Park, located in the center of Singapore, is one of the most interesting sights of the city because of its versatility. The 18-hectare park is not only worth a visit for nature lovers, but also has a lot to offer history buffs and music fans.

The history of Fort Canning Park

The park of the same name, located on Fort Canning Hill, which is only 48 meters high, is one of Singapore’s historical hotspots. In the Middle Ages, the Malay kings resided here. Since the Malays believe that the hill is haunted by the ghosts of the kings buried here, they still call the place “Forbidden Hill”.

The British colonial rulers did not care much about the ban and built the residence of their governor here. The park was named Government Hill and was renamed Fort Canning in 1861 when the fort of the same name was built on its site (of which only ruins remain today). During World War II, the underground British headquarters for the armies in the Far East (the so-called “Battle Box”) was located here.

Events in Fort Canning Park

But the time of kings and generals in Fort Canning Park is long gone. Nowadays, the park’s green spaces are used primarily for concerts, festivals and theater performances. For example, Shakespeare in the Park, Ballet Under the Stars and Films at the Fort are held here every year. Of course, Fort Canning Park is also a popular location for parties, weddings and gatherings of all kinds.

The sights in Fort Canning Park

In addition to the park’s scenic and cultural attractions, visitors can learn about Singapore’s evolution from a small transshipment port to an international shipping center at Maritime Corner @ Fort Canning. Military enthusiasts can get a glimpse of British military history in the Far East at the war museum in the Battle Box. And beyond that, Fort Canning Park also features a spice garden and the ASEAN Sculpture Garden. Beginning in 2019, Fort Canning Park’s landscaping underwent a major redesign.