Thursday, December 17, 2009
Looking for a perfect spot where you will be able to experience the tranquillity and beauty of the park while exploring cultural and historical heritage in nature?
Fort Canning Park is the ideal place to visit then!
GETTING THERE
- If you are getting there by MRT, the nearest stations that you can alight are City Hall, Clarke Quay or Dhoby Ghuat. It takes only about 8-10 minutes to walk to the park from each station.
- If you are getting there by bus, there are 4 bus-stops where you can alight. The bustops at
- Stamford road (Bus-stop infront of SMU)
- Penang road (Bus-stop between Dhoby Ghuat station and Parkmall)
- Hill Street (Bus-stop infront of MICA building)
- River Valley road (Bus-stop opposite Clark Quay)
*For further details on the bus services provided to these bustops, please click here.
AUTHOR'S EXPERIENCE1) As history students, we found that walking through the park will teach us more about the historic part of Singapore. Not only will it teach you, it also helps you memorize the facts because you get to touch and take photographs with these monuments.
There are two main walking trials in the park- 14th century walk of history and 19th century walk of history.
2) If you're a person who loves to look at artefacts and never want to stop learning, walk down the 14th century walking trial because it takes you to the Keramat Iskandar Syah where you will get to see a Javanese-inspired Keramat and learn more about the sultan! It will also lead you to the Archaeological Excavation Site where there will be thousands of artefacts for you to see!
3) However, if you're just looking for a place to chill and relax, the 19th century walking trial would be most ideal. In this trial, there is the Fort Canning Centre where you can have the most peaceful place for a picnic, perfect for couples and families! Having a picnic in such a picturesque environment is very relaxing indeed.
It will be best if you go to the park early in the morning or evening, so as to avoid having your picnic under the hot sun.
Furthermore, the spacious grassland right infront of the Fort Canning Centre would allow children ample space to move around.
3) In addition to the 19th century trial, you will come across the Spice Garden where you will be able to discover many different kinds of spices such as nutmeg and cloves. Also, look out for the Cupolas where people would go to enjoy the peace and serenity of the hill. Enjoy the breath of fresh air amidst the lush nature.
4) Other attractions that you must visit are the Fort Gate and the Battle Box etc. At the Battle Box, you will be able to experience what happened on 15 Feb 1942 (British surrendering Singapore to the Japanese) with the aid of audio effects, video effects and high quality animatronics. It was so much more fun to have seen history that way than staring at the normal textbooks in school!
*Do note that the Battle Box has an admission fee*
5) Don't worry about getting tired as shelters, toilets and vending machines are easily accessible in the park. If you are looking for a place with a quaint quiet ambience to have your meal, Flutes at the Fort offers you a Australian vineyard-inspired dining experience.
6) It is advisable to bring along an insect repellent to prevent yourself from getting bites from the mosquitos. You may also need to bring a bottle of water, snacks, and an umbrella. Having a cap and shades will surely come in handy if you are going to be there during the noon, so don't forget to bring them along! Most importantly, do remember to bring along your camera to capture memorable pictures of the breath-taking scenery!
7) Lastly, be aware of any incoming vehicles while you are walking along the trials and avoid feeding the monkeys and littering in the park.
BATTLE BOX OPERATING HOURS AND ADMISSION FEES
Operating hours: 10am-6pm daily, including Sundays and public holidays
Admission fee: Child-$5
Adult-$8
*Please do take note that the last admission is at 5pm.
References: Uniquely Singapore, National Parks Singapore , Photo, Photo, Photo, Photo
Sincerely from Us, 11:48 AM.
