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📷: Fort Canning Hill (Source: NParks)
Bukit Larangan (or “Forbidden Hill” in Malay), Government Hill, Bukit Tuan Bonham, Bukit Bendera, Singapore Hill – Fort Canning Hill has had many names over the years.
At slightly more than 60 metres high and located at the junction of Canning Rise and Fort Canning Road in Singapore’s Central Business District, the history of Fort Canning Hill dates back to the 14th century when Singapore (then known as Temasek), was a regional trading centre. Prior to Raffles’ landing in Singapore in 1819, few dared venture up the “forbidden hill” as it was believed to be the burial ground of the last king Iskandar Shah. In 1822, Raffles built his first residence on the hill, which became home to subsequent colonial governors until late 1859 when the residence was demolished and replaced by a fort, named Fort Canning after then-governor Charles John Canning. While the fort has since been demolished, never having been used in the defence of Singapore, remnants of the Fort Gate still stand as testimony of the old fort today. In 1981, the hill was renamed Fort Canning Park with the planting of a fruit tree by Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Fort Canning Hill also witnessed key historic events, including the inception of Singapore’s first Botanic Gardens and the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese by Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival.
Today, the 18-hectare park is a popular destination with tourists and Singaporeans alike due to its historical significance and lush natural beauty. Visitors can explore the many landmarks and national monuments that were constructed around Fort Canning Hill including, the Fort Gate, Battle Box and the Old Hill Street Police Station. New spaces such as the Fort Canning Heritage Gallery, themed gardens and the Fort Canning Green, a lawn with its lush green gentle slopes, makes it a perfect venue to unwind too.
The unique combination of historical relics and lush greenery lends Fort Canning Hill a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans.
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