Fort Canning: The Forbidden Hill Walking Tour

Much has been said about The Forbidden Hill. Most of it are repeated stories. So, we’ll have to work harder and go beyond that. We’ll go into details the lesser-known facts (and myths) about this Hill. In the past, most glam focused on the royalty (and some powerful people).

Today, we’ll look into History and discuss the everyday life of the common people. We’ll try and see how the ordinary laymen of yesteryears feel about this hill. There is no doubt Fort Canning today is beautifully manicured. It is indeed a breath of fresh air smack in the middle of town.

There is a small price to pay though – we lost some old-world charm with the removal of the old cemetery that once graced this hill side. Other than some plaques of some notable people on the old wall, there is scarcely any reminder that this hill was once the final resting place of some fine young explorers who died while exploring this part of the world.

This hill can be the subject of many different tours. We can do it as a Nature Walk, or we can do it as a Battle of Singapore tour – after all, Percival did fight the war from The Battle Box, itself a highlight on many WW2 tours. But we won’t do any of these. We’ll do an all-inclusive tour – which means I’ll do my darn best to cover all subjects as we go along.

We’ll talk about the high and the mighty, and we’ll also talk about the rank-and-file people – like the carpenter who was sent as a scout before the British East India Company planted a foot onto Singapore. It is rumored that he - Chow Ah Chi, was given a residence at 1, Lavender Street by Sir Stamford Raffles.

We’ll meet on the 12th Sept 2026 at 9am to argue if this is fiction, myth or the truth. We meet at Dhoby Ghaut MRT, Exit B, street level. This tour will end at the very happy Funan Centre, which is now simply renamed “Funan”. What is not known, is that the botanic gardens of Raffles, once stretched all the way here. See the photo below.

Note:

• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour. Tipping guide as follows: $20 for a satisfactory guide, $20+ for a guide who exceeds expectations, and $30 for an outstanding guide.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and no-shows.

Do not sign up for this tour if you are not sure of your schedule. Please understand this method of booking platform can only perform its best with your full sincerity. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule. We look forward to your graciousness and generosity!

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