What better time than now to explore Singapore and discover the lesser-known spots around the city that holds within itself the magnificence of the past? Take a chance and rediscover the little nook and crannies where historical spots lay still for you to explore and learn more! Here are a number of places you can start with.
Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Naval Base
Taking you to the wild side, Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Naval Base are old abandoned bunkers where you can trek with friends to explore the area for a new experience of discovering the city! Formerly a part of Royal Air Force fuel reserve depot built back in 1942, it was later occupied and modified when the Japanese occupied the country. Today, it is covered by overgrown weeds, vines and foliage, perfect for the adventurers to transverse and explore. If you are interested but quite as confident to do it without help, there groups that can guide you through the adventure!
Kay Siang Bunkers
Built in the 1940s during WWII, the Kay Siang Bunkers were meant as places to store munitions for the British Army at the time alongside Buller camp that used to house Japanese POW. After the war, the bunkers were used less frequently and in time, it became abandoned completely. Today, for those who enjoy the thrill of discovering old abandoned spaces, you can definitely trek your way to the bunkers located in a forested area and thankfully, with a label so you should be able to find it! Some of the structures are unstable so be careful if you are thinking of entering it, others are relatively safer.
The Battle Box
Recently reopened in July 2020, The Battle Box has now introduced unguided visits when you can explore the underground bunker on your own! Journey into the Battle Box, an original WWII secret Command Centre built 9 metres into the ground in the 1930s and located inside Fort Canning Hill. Part of the headquarters of Malaya Command during the war, this is also the historical spot where the decision for British surrender was made. Inside, explore the many complicated hallways and labyrinth of rooms where you can also learn and find exciting wartime remnants!
Labrador Battery
Now part of Labrador Park, Labrador Battery was under the Faber Fire Command, a multi-ethnic unit where the local Malays operated the searchlights, Indians operated the guns and the British artillery were the regulars and officers. Working hand in hand with Siloso Battery, they managed to sink a Japanese ammunition vessel during the war. Explore the area and learn more about the coastal defence where you can also find tribute to the gunners in the form of installations. Poetic and moving, perfect for a day of exploration and learning!
Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter
Located at Blk 78 Guan Chuan Street, the Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter can accommodate up to 1600 people and is the only public housing building with an air raid shelter as part of their design. There are recounts of the shelter being used during the air raids launched by the Allied Forces in 1945, where residents took shelter when sirens were played out. Today, the shelter is not open to the public, but there are occasional guided tours which you should definitely look out for, for a chance to take a peek inside! Check out the Tiong Bahru Heritage volunteer group to see if there are any tours going on for more information.
