Fort Canning Park - Singapore Parks

Fort Canning Park is one of Singapore's most iconic historic landmarks. Located in the heart of the city, it is a quick getaway and stress-busting remedy to embark in the hill's heritage trail and immerse with the nature. 

Although the park is about 18 hectares in size, Fort Canning features nine historical gardens!

Pancur Larangan, Artisan's Garden, Sang Nila Utama Garden, Jubilee Park, Raffles Garden, First Botanic Garden, Farquhar Garden, Spice Garden, Armenian Street Park

Map of Fort Canning Park

Image Source: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/

Started our walk at Canning Rise as I wanted to take a peek of the popular instagram hotspot - Giant Tree Perspective from the underground spiral staircase. Looks really cool but be prepared to wait as there are really many who wish to take some pose here even on weekdays off peak hours! Can't imagine how crazy it can be on a weekend.

We were lucky - Hubby & I managed to get a quick shot

Stairways up to Fort Canning Centre

Fort Canning Centre - constructed as a British army barracks back in 1926 and was converted into squash courts and offices in the 1970s. Still having fond memories of The Bicentennial Experience held here before Covid strucked and a little sadden to see how empty and quiet the space has turned now.

Gothic Gates - The entrances to the cemetery are marked by gateways designed by Captain Charles Edward Faber and they are some of the oldest examples of Gothic Revival style architecture in Singapore. 

The First Christian Cemetery - The green space is a burial ground from 1822 to 1865. Over 600 were buried here and a third were Chinese Christians. The cemetery filled up and was closed to further burials in 1865. Over time, the gravestones became dilapidated and were removed in the 1970s. Over 200 tombstones were chosen to remain, and these were incorporated into the brick wall bordering the former graveyard.

View of Fort Canning Centre

Spice Garden holds many herbs and spice plants and you will find nutmeg, curry tree, mint, black pepper, chilli, laksa leaf and more

Farquhar Garden - named after Major-General William Farquhar, you can download BALIKSG: Reflections of Singapore Augmented Reality (AR) mobile app to interact and find out more on some of the species through 'living paintings' in giant frames.

ASEAN Sculpture Garden - There are also many sculptures scattered around Fort Canning and the garden's sculptures are contributed by each member country for the ASEAN. This particular one is executed during The ASEAN Sculpture Symposium in 1981

Unity & Augury

Nine-pound Cannon - This cannon is one of a pair which were used as decorations for the main gate of Fort Canning. They were designed to fire 9-pound cannonballs. Interestingly, these cannons were never used at Fort Canning as they date back to the early 19th century and had become obsolete before Fort Canning was built in 1850s. 

Lush greenery at Fort Canning - a sanctuary away from the bustling city. 

Raffles Garden - Apart from knowing Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles as the founder of modern Singapore, Raffles was also an avid naturalist and took joy and interest in botany. Inspired by his love for plants, the Raffles Garden showcases the diverse plant species that Raffles encountered in Southeast Asia. 

Raffles House - built on top of Fort Canning Hill so that Raffles can admire the beautiful view. This bungalow aslo became the place of residence for the governors after. 

The Fort Canning Flagstaff - The flagstaff serves to provide information on the arrival, identity, location and status of shops entering Singapore's waters, playing a crucial means of communication. This flagstaff is a replica of the original that used to stand before.

Lighthouse - I never knew there is a lighthouse at Fort Canning. Upon further reading, this is also a small replica of the original that used to stand on Fort Canning Hill - which once was Singapore's most prominent landmarks for ships entering the harbour. With tall high-rise buildings being constructed, the lighthouse was overshadowed and eventually closed.

Sang Nila Utama Garden - Named after Singapore's first king : Sang Nila Utama who landed on this island in 1299 and named it Singapura (Lion City). This garden reimagines the ancient royal garden.

The entrance is inspired by the brickwork and architecture from the 14th century Majapahit-era brick  split gate in Trawulan

Interesting little statues (left to right) - Forest Protector, Ali Tup Tup: Dare to Dream, Frog of 5 Elements

Artisan Garden - former site of the craftsmen's workshop and living quarters in the 14th century. It is also one of the few areas open to non-royals and located here to be accessible to the commoners. Unlike the other areas that has undergone development, the vicinity was left mostly intact. Now, it is one of the last archaeological dig sites in Singapore. 

Although Fort Canning may look like a smaller park, there is so much to offer here. For a more information experience, visitors can download the augmented reality app BALIKSG: The Fort Canning Trail which brings you to an interactive journey. Hubby and I did not managed to cover every area but it has been a good walk and learning journey for us.

Fort Canning Park

Nparks Website

How to get there

By Mrt

Nearest MRT Station 

- Fort Canning MRT (Exit B) 

- Clarke Quay MRT (Exit E)

- Dhoby Ghaut MRT (Exit B)

About 10-15 minutes walk from MRT stations

By Car

Parking available 

Sengkang Riverside Park & Sengkang Floating Wetland

Thanks to Covid, there is a shift in my lifestyle. I am loving my morning walks lately - exploring little corners of my homeland bit by bit whenever I can. Last week, I took a 3 hours walk from home to explore Sengkang Riverside Park - Sengkang Floating Wetland, continuing my way along Punggol Park Connector by foot, passing by Kampung Lorong Buangkok before making my way home. Did not expect to walk so much but covered about 8km at a leisure pace. 

Kyoto's Famous Menbaka Fire Ramen

Menbaka Fire Ramen kicks off with a bang when it was opened in November 2020 - long queues were seen crawling on its opening special 1 for 1 promo. Our boy is a die-hard ramen fan and hence we decided to wait till the heat is down before making our trip down to experience the fire ramen. 

Located at Level 5, Cineleisure Orchard, it is tucked at the corner upon exiting from the lift lobby. We were among the first few in line and customers of the day. 

While waiting, we check out the menu which is very simple and concise. Only 3 main ramens to choose - Tonkotsu Fire Ramen, Shoyu Fire Ramen and Vegetarian Fire Ramen

Sembawang Hot Spring Park - Singapore's best natural foot spa

We have heard so much about the Hot Spring Park at Sembawang even before it was closed for renovation works. When it was reopened to the public in 2020, it was one of our top venue to visit but due to the sudden outbreak of Covid-19, we shelved our plans again till Phase 3.  

How to get there

By Bus

The nearest bus stops to Sembawang Hot Spring Park would be 

1) Blk 114 Yishun Ring Road (Bus Stop ID: 57129) 

Bus Number - 167, 167e, 800, 811 (A), 856, 858 (A), 859, 969, 980

2) Sembawang Road - Opposite Blk 115B Yishun Ring Road (Bus Stop ID: 57121)

Bus Number - 167e, 856, 858, 859, 969, 980

Takes about 8-10 mins walk from the bus stop to the park.

By Car

There is no carpark within the Hot Spring Park. The nearest carpark will be at Blk 114 Yishun Ring Road. Takes about 8 minutes to walk to the park from the carpark.

CNY Red Packet Origami Cow

It is about 1 month to Chinese New Year - my favourite festival. Over time I have collected a lot of red packets at home and will try to make a simple craft every CNY. Went online to search and found this awesome red packet craft. Only need 2 red packets and you can fold into a cute origami cow.

Here is a video tutorial.

Hope this year will be a smooth sailing one for all!