When Raffles rolled into Singapore, locals steered clear of Fort Canning Hill, then called Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill) out of respect for the sacred shrine of Sultan Iskandar Shah, ancient Singapura's last ruler. These days, the hill is better known as Fort Canning Park, a lush retreat from the hot streets below. Amble through the spice garden, catch an exhibition at Singapore Pinacothéque de Paris or ponder Singapore's wartime defeat at the Battle Box Museum .
The former command post of the British during WWII, Battle Box's eerie subterranean rooms explore the fateful surrender to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Japanese Morse codes are still etched on the walls.
Fort Canning Park hosts several outdoor events and concerts throughout the year, including Shakespeare in the Park (April/May), Ballet under the Stars (June/July) and Films at the Fort (August).
