Singapore’s Prized Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is located on a historically important hill in the heart of Singapore. Overlooking the Singapore river with a direct view of the bay, the hill on which the park is located has served as both the site for palaces of 14th century Kings, and as the headquarters of the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks during the second world war.
Even past the strategic military placement, it’s the stunning panoramic views that impelled numerous generations to center their headquarters on the hill. But nowadays, it’s just about an amazingly lush park with a fabulous urban landscape rising in the background, making the location a wonderful place to spend the day relaxing on the grass away from the frenetic pace of the surrounding city.
A Gateway, and a Getaway, in the Heart of the City
Fort Canning Park is not only a vast, natural oasis, in the heart of Singapore, but it’s also full of history and unique surprises. There are multiple gardens to tour within the park, including 150 year old botanical and spice gardens. A heritage gallery provides ancient history about the park and it’s location, and the North Gateway monument, built in 1846, honors the people that were buried in the parks cemetery.
There are also old military cannons and posts throughout, including an old bunker that was used during multiple wars. Additionally, there is a vital reservoir on top of the hill, and the posh Fort Canning Hotel rounding out the northern side of the park.
An Enchanting Spiral Staircase
One of the coolest spots in Fort Canning Park is the beautiful Tree Tunnel Staircase and it’s enchanting view. While the Merlion is still the most popular photo to Instagram in the city, sitting on the stairwell in the park, with the beautiful raintree above, creates a surreal and unique photo. The Tree Tunnel is located at the very northern end of the park and easily accessed by Fort Canning Road, a short walk from the Dhoby Ghaut MRT.
Accessing Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is in the heart of Singapore. The park is either surrounded by, or very close to very popular and high touristed neighborhoods such as Clarke Quay, Orchard, and Bencoolen. All of these neighborhoods have MRT stops that provide a quick easy access to the park, but if you want the grand formal entrance to the park, I suggest taking the downtown line to the Bencoolen station, exit B. Take the serene, block and a half walk across the Singapore Management University (SMU) School of Economics campus, pass the National Musuem of Singapore (wonderful museum and worth combining with your park visit), and take the escalators to the left of the museum into the park.