Fort Siloso stands as Singapore’s only well-preserved coastal fort, offering an unfiltered view into the country’s military past. Built to defend a thriving colonial port and later playing a role in World War II, it tells stories of strategy, courage, and resilience. Anyone curious about Singapore’s wartime history will find the fort a living narrative of those turbulent years.
The Birth of Fort Siloso
The fort’s origins trace back to 1878 during a period of increased maritime trade after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. With Keppel Harbour becoming a critical trade hub, the British recognized the need for strong coastal defenses. Constructed on Mount Siloso, the fort derived its name from the Malay word for rock. It was initially equipped with two seven-inch rifled muzzle-loading guns and two 64-pounders, which were later replaced by heavier artillery in the 1890s and 1930s.
Role in World War II
During the Battle of Singapore in February 1942, Fort Siloso was not just a silent stronghold. Its guns, contrary to popular myth, were capable of turning inland to fire at Japanese forces advancing through western Singapore. The fort was actively involved in slowing down the enemy and destroying nearby oil refineries to prevent them from being seized. Before the surrender of Singapore, British forces disabled the battery to deny its use to the Japanese.
Under Japanese occupation, the fort was transformed into a prisoner-of-war camp. Post-war, it briefly served the Royal Navy and later housed Gurkha detachments during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. In 1967, the Singapore Armed Forces took over, and by 1974, with Sentosa’s redevelopment as a leisure destination, the fort was converted into a military museum.
What to See at Fort Siloso
Visitors can trace history through preserved structures and detailed exhibits. Every section carries authentic wartime stories.
1. Well-Preserved Fortifications
Walk through underground tunnels, chambers, and bunkers that once housed soldiers. These fortifications retain the raw atmosphere of wartime life, offering a clear sense of how the garrison operated under threat.
2. The Surrender Chambers
Life-sized wax figures and detailed settings recreate the British surrender to the Japanese in 1942 and the Japanese surrender in 1945. These rooms give a visual representation of the war’s pivotal moments.
3. Military Museum
Artifacts, photographs, and historical exhibits provide context to Singapore’s military strategies. Items such as World War II memorabilia tell stories of individual sacrifice and national defense.
4. Fort Siloso Skywalk
The Skywalk offers panoramic views of Sentosa and its coastline. Beyond the scenic view, this elevated walk serves as a pathway to the fort, aligning nature with history.
5. Coastal Guns and Artillery
Standing near the massive guns once used to defend the harbor highlights the scale of coastal defenses. These weapons remain some of the most striking remnants of the fort’s active years.
6. Tunnel Complexes
Tunnels A, B, and C reveal the operational side of the fort. Ammunition storage, living quarters, and other wartime utilities show how the fort functioned during high alert.
Why Fort Siloso Matters
Fort Siloso is more than a preserved military installation. It stands as a tangible link to a time when Singapore’s survival depended on strategic coastal defense. The fort’s history highlights both the strength and vulnerabilities of the island during World War II. It honors those who fought to protect Singapore and those who endured captivity during occupation.
As Singapore’s only remaining complete fort, its preservation serves as a reminder of wartime sacrifices and the resilience of those who defended the island. Every restored tunnel and preserved artifact represents lessons from a period that shaped Singapore’s future. Fort Siloso does not just recount history; it carries the memory of a nation’s struggle and determination to protect its sovereignty.
