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 World War II.
Even beyond its strategic military placement, it’s the stunning panoramic views that impelled numerous generations to center their headquarters on the hill. But nowadays, it’s simply 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 and escaping 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 also a place brimming with history and unique surprises. The park features multiple gardens to explore, including 150-year-old botanical and spice gardens. A heritage gallery provides insights into the park’s ancient history and its location, while the North Gateway monument, erected in 1846, honors those buried in the park’s cemetery.
Old military cannons and posts are scattered throughout the park, including an old bunker used during multiple wars. Additionally, a vital reservoir sits atop the hill, and the posh Fort Canning Hotel graces 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 located in the heart of Singapore. The park is either surrounded by or very close to highly popular and heavily touristed neighborhoods such as Clarke Quay, Orchard Road, and Bencoolen. All of these neighborhoods have MRT stops that provide quick and easy access to the park. However, if you’re seeking the grand formal entrance to the park, I suggest taking the Downtown Line to the Bencoolen station, exiting at Exit B.
From there, enjoy a serene, block-and-a-half walk across the Singapore Management University (SMU) School of Economics campus. Pass the National Museum of Singapore (a wonderful museum that is well worth combining with your park visit) and take the escalators to the left of the museum to enter the park.