FORT CANNING PARK
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A unique site steeped in history, it was the governor's residence in the century, then the headquarters of the British army in 1942.
Prior to Raffles' arrival in Singapore, Fort Canning Hill was known as Bukit Larangan, meaning "Forbidden Hill". In 1822, Raffles had a modest palm-roofed villa built there. A passionate botanist, he established Singapore's first botanical garden. He experimented with spices such as cloves and cinnamon, which in the 19th century were worth more than gold. The hill then became the seat of the colonial government. In 1859, the governor's house was demolished to build a fort. It was named after Viscount Charles Canning John, the first viceroy of India. The hill then played a military role, and was equipped with an arms store, barracks and a hospital. In February 1942, Lieutenant-General Arthur Ernest Percival established the headquarters of the Malaya Command to defend the island against the Japanese. He had an underground complex of 26 rooms built, which became a tourist attraction known as the Battle Box.
It's pleasant to stroll through the spice garden during the week, to enjoy the peace and quiet. Entering from Fort Canning Rise, you come to an imposing building of colonial architecture, a former military barracks built in 1926 and now known as the Fort Canning Centre. A little further down the road, another colonial building has been converted into a hotel, Hotel Fort Canning. The park is also famous for its tunnel of vegetation, where you have to queue to have your photo taken (easiest access via MRT Dhoby Ghaut).
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