When I found out just a day before during online check-in that my connecting flight to Bangkok had been rescheduled, I realized I now had a 9-hour layover in Singapore. With less than 24 hours to plan, I had to quickly come up with a new itinerary. I originally intended to explore Changi Airport’s famous attractions, but with this unexpected time to spend, I decided to scrap that plan and instead focused on squeezing in a short visit to the city. Even so, I still made it a point to stop by Jewel after returning to the airport—knowing I wouldn’t have time for the other installations this time around—just before catching my flight to Bangkok. Even with that generous-sounding window, I had to carefully plan for baggage storage, travel time between locations, meal breaks, immigration clearance, and ensure I returned to the airport well before boarding so I could still make that brief stop at Jewel. Being without my roaming data in Singapore made things trickier too, as I’ve grown quite dependent on Google Maps while traveling. To make the most of my limited time, I used the 1-Day Singapore Tourist Pass, which allowed me unlimited travel on the MRT, making it easy to get to and from the airport as well as between locations. Since I had planned to visit a couple of churches while in the city (which, of course, I couldn’t resist), I decided to begin my short city stroll at Fort Canning Park, conveniently located just above the Fort Canning MRT station, near the Civic District.
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| The botanical garden experiment may have failed, but the park flourishes today |
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Let’s take a quick stroll, starting right here at Fort Canning Hill
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While many refer to Fort Canning Park as Singapore’s version of Central Park, it is far more than just a national park, it is a historic site deeply intertwined with the nation’s origins. The park sits atop Fort Canning Hill, a 48-meter-high hill located within the heart of Singapore’s central business district. Historically, the hill was known as Bukit Larangan, or Forbidden Hill in Malay. This name stemmed from its sacred reputation—it was believed to be the seat of a 14th-century Malay kingdom, and the final resting place of ancient rulers. Out of reverence and fear, locals avoided the area for centuries, believing it to be haunted. Following the signing of the Singapore Treaty on 6 February 1819, Major William Farquhar, accompanied by a group of Malaccan Malays, cleared a path to the hill’s summit to raise the Union Jack, symbolizing the establishment of Singapore as a British settlement. The hill came to be known as Singapore Hill during this time. In 1822, Sir Stamford Raffles ordered the construction of his residence on the hill—a wooden bungalow with an attap (thatch) roof, a traditional style common in the Malay archipelago. This building was later expanded in 1824 to serve as Government House, the official residence and office of future Residents and Governors of Singapore. As a result, the hill became known as Government Hill. In 1859, the building was demolished and relocated to a new site to make way for the construction of a military fort—Fort Canning—which gave the hill its present-day name.
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This was once known as Bukit Larangan—Singapore’s Forbidden Hill
 | | Sir Raffles’ legacy lives on through this updated replica of his historic Fort Canning residence |
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Fort Canning takes its name from Viscount Charles John Canning, who served as the Governor-General and later the first Viceroy of India. The fort itself was completed in 1867, but much of it was demolished in 1907. Today, only a few remnants remain, most notably, the Fort Gate that stand as silent witnesses to its colonial past. The hill also holds botanical significance. In 1822, Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore’s first botanical garden here, importing clove plants and nutmeg seeds from his previous post in Bencoolen (modern-day Bengkulu, in southwest Sumatra, Indonesia). Although the experiment was short-lived and abandoned by 1829, nature has since reclaimed the hill in spectacular fashion. Today, Fort Canning is a lush green oasis filled with a rich variety of trees, palms, flowering plants, and shrubs. With its scenic walking trails and cool shaded paths, the park offers a refreshing escape right in the heart of Singapore’s bustling central business district—perfect for a tranquil stroll or simply to take in a bit of history and greenery. Visitors can also explore the gallery and historic archaeological sites, including the remnants of ancient brick structures from the 14th century, and the Battlebox, a former WWII British underground command center. The park also houses the Raffles Garden and a Spice Garden inspired by the botanical history.
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This Fort Canning Light was one of the 13 important lighthouses in the Straits of Malacca
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| There were still plenty of sites I hoped to visit, but the weather had other plans |
One of the hidden features of the hill is the Fort Canning Reservoir, a covered water reservoir built in 1929 that still plays a role in Singapore’s water supply today. The tranquil surroundings, walking trails, and scenic lawns also make the park a favorite for locals and tourists alike—ideal for quiet strolls, picnics, or simply a break from the city's bustle. Unfortunately, my peaceful stroll through the park was cut short by the looming threat of rain. As the sky began to darken and the distant rumble of thunder echoed through the trees, I had to quickly make my way downhill toward the nearest MRT station to avoid getting caught in a downpour. It was a bit of a rush, but with only a few hours to explore during my brief layover in Singapore, I needed to keep moving to reach my next stop on time. Despite the shortened visit, Fort Canning Park left a lasting impression. With so many features I didn’t get to explore—from historical sites and heritage gardens to artistic installations—I know I’d love to return one day for a more leisurely walk and to truly take in everything this storied hill has to offer.
Fort Canning Park
Location Bounded by Hill Street, Canning Rise, Clemenceau Avenue and River Valley Road, Singapore
Opening Hours
Daily, 24 hours
Admission Fee
Free entry (separate fees may apply for occasional special exhibitions or guided tours)
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