Singapore is a highly urbanized city-state that has come a long way since its independence. Today, Singapore’s landscape is filled with numerous high rise skyscrapers and modern city elements. However, Singapore has a rich history that is deeply rooted in numerous historical sites, each with its own unique story to tell. Whether you are interested in learning more about Singapore’s World War 2 history or more about the country’s independence, there are a wide variety of places available that will definitely satisfy your curiosity! In this article, we share with you just some of the many sites you can visit!

Location: 9 Woodlands Road, Singapore 738656

Hours: Mon-Sun: 8.30am – 6pm

The Kranji War Memorial is a cemetery and memorial that honours the various men and women from the Commonwealth countries that have died during the World War 2. Some of these countries include Australia, Canada and Sri Lanka. There is a total of more than 4000 gravestones in the memorial, with each respectfully engraved. The Singapore Memorial also towers above the site. It stands as a remembrance for more than 20,000 soldiers killed. The memorial is a serene place for visitors to learn more about those that have sacrificed during the World War 2.

Location: Raffles Landing Site, 59 Boat Quay, Singapore 049859

The founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles is located in the heart of the Central Business District, as he stands proudly and gazes upon the city that he has once founded. The Sir Stamford Raffles Statue is an iconic embodiment of Singapore’s earlier roots. The statue is also located here in the Raffles Landing Site as it is commonly believed and established that this was where he first set foot in Singapore. This statue is also located in close proximity to the Victoria Memorial Hall, where an even earlier version of a Sir Stamford Raffles statue stands. 

Location: Bras Basah Road & Beach Road intersection, Singapore 189701

An important phase in Singapore’s history was that of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore. Between 1942 to 1945, Singapore was occupied by military forces of Japan, impacting thousands of people. A total of more than 50,000 people were killed and much more tortured under the Japanese occupation. The 65-metre tall Civilian War Memorial was built to serve as a reminder of Singapore’s past struggles and also to commemorate the civilian victims of the occupation. Each pillar represents the main ethnic groups of Singapore. The memorial is constructed over the exhumed remains of the graves from those that have died in the occupation.

Located: One Fullerton, Singapore 049213

Perhaps the most representative of Singapore’s national icon, the Merlion is a unique half-lion and half-fish symbol with a statue that resides within the Merlion Park. The name “Merlion” is a blend of words that stem from “Mer”, which means the sea and also from “lion”. It stands in front of the Fullerton Hotel and the Central Business District of Singapore, as it welcomes visitors from all around the world. The park also houses a smaller, 2-metre-tall version of the Merlion. There are several other approved Merlion statues around the island but this is certainly one of Singapore’s most important and irreplaceable one.

Located: 2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622 (Located within Fort Canning Park)

Hours: Mon-Sun: 9.30am – 5.30pm (Battlebox Visitor Centre)

The Battlebox is located within the Fort Canning Park of Singapore. It was formerly an underground command centre for the British during the World War 2. It was also the deciding place where Singapore’s fate was sealed when the British officially decided to surrender to the Japanese forces. Today, the underground command centre has been turned into a museum that explores and narrates the strategies and surrender of the British. In here, you can learn more about Singapore’s history with the British and Japanese forces. The Battlebox museum also organizes two main tours: The Battlebox Tour: A Story of Strategy & Surrender™ and also Of Graves, Guns & Battles: A Tour of Battlebox & Fort Canning Hill™ for those keen on learning even more. More details of the tours can be found here!

Stay tuned for more future updates on places of interests around Singapore!