Located at the western end of Sentosa is the only remaining of British coastal defense in Singapore. Fort Siloso was bult in the 1880's by the British to protect the western approaches of Singapore harbour.
Fort Siloso comes alive with exhibits tracing the development of the fort from the 19th century till the Battle for Singapore 1942.
Things that you can experience in Fort Siloso:
Built to defend Keppel Harbour in the 1880’s, Fort Siloso became a military camp during WWII. Experience what life was like for the soldiers between 1885 and 1942. Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the original observation tower.
Fort Siloso
Fort Siloso guarded the narrow western entrance to Keppel Harbour. By 1939, there were two 6-inch MK2 guns and two rapid firing 12 pounder guns.
Fort Siloso is on the island of Sentosa (formerly called Blakang Mati — the ‘Island Behind the Dead’) which is just south of Singapore Island. The Fort, one of four gun batteries which were on constructed on Blakang Mati, covers an area of four hectares (ten acres) at the western tip of the island.
Fort Canning
Previously known as Central Park, this 19-ha "hill of history" was the residence of Sir Stamford Raffles who also established his government house on this hill in 1819.
Visitors to Fort Canning Park can find a number of relics reflecting the past glory of this place. Keramat Iskandar Shah, venerated by Muslims and believed to be the ancient tomb of the last Malay King, stood at the foot of the hill.
Monuments of interest found here such as the Fort Gate and the Gothic Archway have been preserved for the enjoyment of visitors.
Representing Fort Canning's military past are features such as the 19th century Fort Gate and the underground operations rooms (bunkers) of the Far East Command Centre. Here, in this "Battle Box" was where Lt-Gen Percival made the decision to surrender to the Japanese in 1942. All these attractions are linked together in the "19th Century Walk of History" trail. Interpretative plaques and signboards installed along this trail gives visitors a better understanding of the key historical features of the park.
Fort Canning Centre, the imposing 65-year old restored military barracks, now provides a major cultural venue and residence for Singapore's modern performing arts companies, Singapore Dance Theatre and Theatreworks. Audiences enjoy regular theatrical performaces at the intimate, 100-seat Black Box theatre.
Another historical building is the former Singapore Command and Staff College. This building has been refurbished into the city's only country club in the park, the Fort Canning Country Club.
A special landscaping attraction in the form of a Spice Garden offers a small replica of Raffles' original 19-ha experimental and botanical garden. Spices, such as clove and cinnamon, are planted here to recreate the setting.
Singapore River
A place founded by Sir Stamford Raffles, tracing back to 1819 when Raffles' ship arrived on the northeastern bank of the Singapore River. Its scene was first a true rural area with myrtle covered all around the place. Moreover, numerous skulls were founded littered the riverbanks together with unwanted cargoes of Bugis pirates dumped there as well.
Soon after that Raffles signed the treaties with the local Malay leaders and set that area as the British entrepot. Successfully, his project turned out to be prosperous and soon he had to order land reclamation that was divided into 5 quays; Raffles Quay, Collyer Quay, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay. By 1850s, the Singapore River was extremely crowded with European and Chinese merchants.
Today, the Singapore is considered a highlight attraction for visitors. There are plenty of places to eat all along the river, especially Boat Quay that stretches along the southwestern side where restored shops, godowns, and office buildings lie altogether. The most outstanding type of shop in Boat Quay area is but alfresco restaurants that serve Western visitors and local business people. And if you walk up north of Boat Quay, you will find Quarke Quay which its name was taken from Sir Andrew Clarke, the governor of Straits Settlements from 1873-1875. Quarke Quay is full of godowns constructed during 1860 to 1920 by Chinese and European entrepreneurs. It is also a popular dining spot with its highlight that is floating restaurants on the river.
If you walk upriver past Clarke Quay, you will find Robertson Quay where only few visitors like to visit. Robertson Quay was constructed after 1880 by Chinese and European merchants. A few godowns were built there but later were converted to entertainment complex that was divided into the Wine Bar, Video Bar, Deli, and Velvet Underground.
The Singapore River also covers other interesting places such as Fullerton Building built in 1928, Bank of China, OCBC Center, Clifford Pier, Change Alley, Raffles Place, Asia Insurance Building, and Telok Ayer Market.
