Fort Canning is a hillock just over 60 m in elevation situated in Singapore’s southeast section bordering the city’s central business district. Although it is not of great size, it is a significant place as it has an eventful history connected intimately with the heritage of the city-state. Today the scenic area is a well-known site for concerts and musical shows.

Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore taking note of the historical importance of the location – it was held in great esteem by the natives – and the panoramic view it provided of the newly created colony, constructed his initial residence on the site. This building also functioned as the residence for the state’s subsequent governors, which led it to becoming called ‘Government Hill’. An enthusiastic botanist, Raffles also established the first botanical gardens in Singapore at the location.

Today Fort Canning Park looks across Orchard Road and offers numerous recreational opportunities as well as educational, historical, cultural and entertainment features. It is also a focus for artistic and cultural activities, and has served as a preferred location for a multitude of popular events such as art festivals, theatre carnivals, music festivals and starlight cinemas.

Today various fascinating elements can be seen within Fort Canning Park. The imposing Gothic Gates enable the visitor to reach Fort Canning Green, once a graveyard for Christians but now a popular venue for outdoor carnivals and concerts. The Spice Garden is a copy of the initial botanical garden created by Sir Stamford Raffles, and contains the exotic spices favoured by him.

Meanwhile the Fort Canning Centre once housed the British Army’s barracks, and is now the base of the Singapore Dance Theatre. Visitors should also make it a point to take a glimpse of the Fort Wall and Gate and the impressive 9-pound cannon; the latter was capable of launching 9-pound cannonballs but had a ceremonial rather than defensive function. Many other features of interest including the Raffles House may be seen at the park.

Hotels in Singapore City Centre such as Hotel Fort Canning Singapore are ideal for visitors to the Lion City. These excellent Singapore boutique hotels offer all the luxuries and comforts expected by the modern traveller.