The last active coastal battery in Singapore built in the late 19th century, Fort Siloso is now a national monument, with many key landmarks in the area conserved to tell its story. There are a number of routes you can embark on to explore this area (refer to the brochure map on their website). The one my husband and I took began at the Fort Siloso Skywalk conveniently located across the Siloso Point cable car station. Entry is free for both the Skywalk and the museum.
Fort Siloso Skywalk is a scenic trail that sits 11 storeys high, boasting incredible views and a mighty breeze. Although I was thankful for non-rainy weather when we visited, the sun was so relentless that day that I had to whip out my umbrella for some much needed shade. Shelters are few and far between, so remember to bring along your hats, umbrellas and sunscreen if you intend to linger here. Do note that the lift to go up operates between 9am and 10pm.
After coming down at the other end of the Skywalk, we started exploring the various landmarks and exhibits at Fort Siloso. Some of them were on the surface while some were in underground tunnels. You will find posters with information describing what happened there or what those items were used for. There are even human figurines and voice recordings to re-enact what it might’ve been like back in the day.
Given Singapore’s weather, it was quite stuffy and humid in the underground tunnels despite the fans turned on inside. The space is quite small and enclosed as well so take note if you don’t do well in tiny spaces.
One of the few air-conditioned places we found respite in was the WWII Experience Casemates building located near Fort Siloso Square in the red zone. It was our pit stop to cool off before continuing our journey.
Nearing the end of the trail is where you can find the Surrender Chambers. When we got here, we were informed by the staff that we had to wait about 10 to 15 minutes to enter for the next run. We didn’t know there would be a timed entry sort of thing and it was too long a wait, so we decided to skip this.
As we made our way to the exit, we came across a dilapidated pier that was once the only way in and out of Siloso Point before the roads here were built. Materials and equipment to build Fort Siloso were transported via this pier back then. It was pretty cool to see the original existing structures still in place.
My overall rating of the experience: 3 out of 5 stars. I liked how well-organized and easily accessible the various exhibits were, with paved paths and clear signs for directions. The added figurines and audio recordings helped to bring some of the scenes to life as well. I’m guessing this attraction would be a delight for history and military buffs, given how well-documented everything is. Alas, I’m not one of them. Because of the hot and humid weather, I found it difficult to stand in one spot long enough to finish reading the posters. Even on the Skywalk, the blazing sun made it terribly uncomfortable to stay for long. This mostly-outdoors experience might’ve been more pleasant had we come on a cloudier day but since that’s not really predictable, do consider bringing along portable fans, hats, umbrellas, sunscreen and definitely insect repellent to make your time here as comfortable as possible.
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