The Battle Box
The Battle Box is a former World War II underground emergency command centre beneath Singapore’s Fort Canning. It tells the history of the fall of Malaya and Singapore to the Japanese during World War II, and the beginning of the end of the mighty British Empire that followed the surrender.
Fort Canning is a small hill in the heart of the Singapore city. About 9 metres deep down the hill, the Battle Box once served as a bomb-proof emergency bunker for top British military commanders. A visit to the Battle Box does not only provide visitors with an insight into the last days leading to the largest British surrender in the history, it also offers an opportunity to appreciate the historical past and remember the sacrifices that shaped Singapore and the region today.
Location
This attraction is located at the Central Area of Singapore city, and approximately 20 kilometres from the Singapore Changi International Airport.
Opening Days and Hours
The Battle Box opens daily from 09:30 to 17:30, including public holidays.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Visitors are required to take a guided tour to visit this attraction. You need to check the scheduled departure time of each tour.
The Battle Box offers several tours per day, which costs SGD 18 (USD 13.36) for adults and SGD 9 (USD 6.68) for children between 7 to 12 years old.
Alternatively, visitors can join The Battle Box and Fort Canning Hill Tour that is scheduled to depart only once a day every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 14:30 (no tour on public holidays). Adults cost SGD 32 (USD 23.76), while children between 7 to 12 years old cost SGD 15 (USD 11.14) to join this tour.
How to Get There
If you are catching a MRT train from the city, you can alight at the Dhoby Ghaut station, Exit B. The Battle Box is also accessible via car and taxi, and is about a 25-minute drive from the Singapore Changi International Airport.
Suggested For
The Battle Box is a worthwhile experience for history enthusiasts, war veterans, families with school-age children, and those who are interested in World War II battles.
Time to Spend
Half a day is sufficient to explore the underground command complex and the hill. Also, please take note that the Battle Box Tour will take about an hour, while the Battle Box and Fort Canning Tour take about 2.5 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The Battle Box is considered one of the major tourist attractions in Singapore. It is usually crowded during public and school holidays.
Food
A shopping mall is located within a 5-minute walk from this attraction. Visitors can find delectable dining options including fast food, casual dining, to specialty restaurants there. If you would like a quick-fix meal, there are other options such as Subway and Pizza Hut nearby too.
Nearby Attractions
- Orchard Road: About 1.5 kilometres away and a 20-minute walk from the Battle Box.
- National Museum of Singapore: About 500 metres away and a short 8-minute from the Battle Box.
- Singapore Art Museum: About 750 metres away and takes about a 10-minute walk from the Battle Box.
Stay
Hotel Fort Canning is a five-star luxury heritage boutique hotel located at the Fort Canning Park. It is only a minute’s walk from the Battle Box. Otherwise, due to the strategic location of the Battle Box in the heart of the city, visitors can easily find different types of accommodation from budget, mid-range to luxury hotels.