Saturday, 28th March, 2009

Just a stone's throw away from one of the busiest shopping areas in Singapore is a cool, shady nature walk around a hill which has a history that goes back 700 years. Relax by taking a stroll through the park situated on the hill or immerse yourself in this tranquil green oasis while commuting from Orchard Road to the Civic District or the Singapore River.

Steeped in history, Fort Canning Hill was once known as "Forbidden Hill". This is because Malays in the 19th century believed that it was the seat of royalty for rulers of Temasek (or "Sea Town", an old name for Singapore) in the 1300s. Later, Singapore's colonial leaders made their residences there, and the hill became a military base during the Second World War. Today, ancient relics dating back to the 14th century have been unearthed and the Fort Gate, remnant of the fortress built in the 1860s, is a reminder of Singapore's colonial past.

Main Entrances
Hill Street, Canning Rise, Percival Road, River Valley Road, Canning Walk (behind Park Mall Shpping Centre)

Park Size
18 Ha

Getting There
Travel by bus to :

Stamford Road
SBS 7, 14, 16, 36, 111, 124, 131, 147, 162, 166, 174, 401
Tibs 77, 106, 167, 171, 190, 700, 700A, 857
CSS 605, Express 502, Nite Rider NR7
Stop at National Library and take the underpass to the park.

Hill Street
SBS 124, 145, 147, 166, 174
Tibs 190, 851, 647, 648

River Valley Road
SBS 32, 54, 195
Nite Rider NR1,NR2,NR3,NR5,NR6,NR7,NR8

By MRT :
To Dhoby Ghaut, Clarke Quay or City Hall Station

Carparking is available at Percival Road Carpark, The Legends Fort Canning Park and Registry of Marriages.