Fort Canning Park, Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant, heaving and modern metropolis. A must see city. But sometimes a welcome change from the urban hustle is warranted. Enter, Fort Canning Park.
Fort Canning Park is steeped in history and also provides a lush green respite from the city. The opportunity to breathe if you will. Centrally located and easily accessible via the Fort Canning MRT stop, or on foot. I walked from my hotel in nearby Clarke Quay.
Fort Canning holds strong historical significance to Singapore, dating back numerous centuries. Malay Kings once resided here, and during the British colonial period it was a site of civil and military importance.
Fort Canning Centre, Fort Canning Park, Singapore. Fujifilm X100V, ISO 160, 1/450s, f/8, circular polariser.
It had just rained heavily before my arrival which gave the gardens an almost rain forest like feel. A walk through the gardens of Fort Canning park, even that is all you do, is well worth it. Numerous locals could be seen on their morning walk or run throughout the park. You could notice that the park was an area of Singapore that was visited less by tourists than other sites in the city.
An expansive and well manicured lawn sits in front of the Fort Canning Centre, a neo classical styled building originally constructed in 1926 as a British Army Barracks, and now utilised to showcase the arts of Singapore.
Ferns grow in the strangest places. Fort Canning Park, Singapore. Fujifilm X100V, ISO 160, 1/70s, f/5.6
In a nod to Fort Canning’s significant contribution to World War II history, is the Battlebox museum. The Battlebox is an actual WWII underground bunker that was used by the British command, and was the site where the fateful decision was made in February 1942 to surrender Singapore to the advancing Japanese forces.
Entrance to The Battlebox a former WWII bunker. Fort Canning Park, Singapore. Fujifilm X100V, ISO 500, 1/60s, f/8.
Entrance steps to Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore. Dating to 1926, the building was once the headquarters of the British Far East Command, was used by the Japanese during the occupation of 1942-1945, and is now a luxury hotel.
Just prior to approaching Fort Canning Green, and Fort Canning Centre, stands the imposing Gothic Gate of 1846. The gates once formed the entrance to a Christian cemetery. The letters IHS atop the gate signify the first three letters of the Greek word for Jesus.
Gothic Gate, Fort Canning Park, Singapore. Fujifilm X100V, ISO 160, 1/450s, f/8
"Walkin'on through" Gothic Gate, Fort Canning Park, Singapore. Fujifilm X100V, ISO 160, 1/340s, f/8, circular polariser
Fort Canning Park is a lush oasis in the heart of Singapore, but also home to significant elements of its history. It is free to enter the park, but some attractions and displays may carry an entrance fee.
For more information and to plan your visit, I suggest exploring the Fort Canning Park page on the National Parks of Singapore website.