Historical Places in Singapore

Kranji War Memorial is a hillside cemetery and is one of the most important historical places in Singapore. The cemetery was built to honour the people from India, Canada, New Zealand and other countries, who laid their lives during World War II. The cemetery is situated in a simple and beautiful hillside, and has an ambience of peace and serenity. More than 4,000 gravestones are arranged in rows at the cemetery, and on the hilltop you’ll find 4 memorials, with names of soldiers engraved on them.

Location: 9 Woodlands Rd, Singapore 738656

As you may know, the Indian National Army played a significant role in the Indian liberation struggle, with the help of the Japanese. Just a few days after its setup, a memorial was built to honour a fallen soldier of the Indian National Army. However, after their dissolution and Japanese surrender, it was forcefully demolished. Again in 1995, to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of World War, a huge memorial was built at the same spot making it one of the 11 World War II historical places in Singapore.

Location : Esplanade Park, Singapore

The Civilian War Memorial is located in the War Memorial Park along the Beach Road. It was built to honour the victims who had fallen during the tragic Japanese Occupation in Singapore. It is also of symbolic importance as it represents the close unity between the diverse races in Singapore - the Malay, Eurasians, Chinese and Indians. The memorial consists of four closely-knitted pillars as tall as 65 m, which reperest the tragic sufferings of the people of SIngapore. On 15th of February every year, a memorial is hosted to commemorate the victims of the civilian occupation.

Location : Bras Basah Road and Beach Road intersection, Singapore 189701

The Changi Chapel and Prison is one of the most significant historical places in Singapore, and commemorates the fallen victims of World War II and the Japanese Occupation of Singapore. It specifically pays tribute to the prisoners of war and inmates during the Civil War of SIngapore. It was gradually built with collections, donations and funding from the families of the prisoners and inters, and is a symbol of strength and determination and resilience to oppression.

Location: 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707

MINT stands for Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys, and is one of the best historical places to visit in Singapore in case you want to go on a trip to your past. With more than 50,000 toys in collection, it was first opened in 2007, and later underwent massive changes and development and was reopened in 2021. Mr. Chang Yang Fa is the person behind the collection of the old toys, and also has ones dating back to many centuries ago. There are four zones in the toy museum, which are themed on outer space, childhood favourites, collectibles and characters.

Location: 26 Seah St, Singapore 188382

The Sultan Mosque is one of the most beautiful historical places in Singapore, located in the Kampong Gelam district. It was built in 1824 for the first sultan of Singapore, Sultan Hussein Shah. With passage of time, the mosque was losing its beauty and grandeur and was set for renovation. It has beautiful domes and inner structures, and is decorated with galss bottle ends contributed by the lower-income Muslim population.

Location: 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833

Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple is steeped in heritage, and is a must-visit for history aficionados and those curious about oriental culture. Built in 1839 with the support of prominent members of the Hokkien community, such as philanthropist Tan Tock Seng, Thian Hock Keng Temple is Singapore's oldest Chinese temple. Dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, early Chinese immigrants came here to give thanks for their safe passage across the vast waves of the South China Sea.

Location: 158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613

The Former Ford Factory was originally started as Ford Motor Company’s first assembly plant in Southeast Asia, and went on to become a significant site in the world war. It was at this place that the British surrendered to the Japanese Occupation in Singapore, and today has been converted into a museum depicting the events and life of people in World War II.

Location: 351 upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore, 588192

This beautiful and bizarre architectural marvel was built in 1900 by a businessman, Tan Teng Niah. Its neighbourhood was earlier a site for industrial activities, with many insuttres being run by successful Chinese businessmen. With the fast-paced economic development in the regions, it was redeveloped and built into an important commercial area with huge buildings. However, this colourful house was left unerazed and is today an important site for tourism, with people thronging it to admire its colorfulness and click pictures.

Location: 37 Kerbau Rd, Singapore 219168

The National Gallery is one of the youngest and most beautiful historical places to visit in Singapore. It is a museum dedicated to exhibiting amazing works of visual art, both from contemporary times and the past. It displays more than 8,000 artistic masterpieces, which include an array of paintings and work from the 19th century to the present. Works of famous artists like Liu Kand and Georgette are also displayed here.

Location: 1 St.Andrew’s Rd, #01-01, Singapore 178957

CHIJMES is among the historical places to visit in Singapore, and was used as a Catholic Convent school for girls in the past. Its building, the Cadlwell House was designed and styled by a famous English architect Geroge Coleman as a residence for the Senior Magistrates clerk. Today, it has become a site of immense historical importance and is among the most famed buildings in Singapore.

Location: 30 Victoria St, Singapore 187996

Explore the amazing lifestyle and culture of the Peranakans as you walk in the Kariong neghbourhood’s streets, with its beautiful shops, souvenir stores, dining places and cafes. It was once famed for its beautiful coconut plantations, and was thronged by people as a retreat centre. Although the coconut plantations are no longer there today, people still visit the neighbourhood to enjoy its vibrant market atmosphere.

Location: Singapore, 287 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore, 427540

The Asian Civilisation Museum is one of the most famous historical places in Singapore, dedicated completely to the Asian Civilisations. It was founded in 1993 and makes a lot of efforts to bring out the beautiful Asian heritage, art and culture, especially of Singapore. The Trade and Exchange of Ideas houses numerous artefacts and relics that show Singapore’s importance in global trade. You can also take part in the annual River Nights, where you will be able to learn and integrate with Singaporean culture and heritage.

Location: 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555

For natural history lovers, the Lee Kong CHian Natural History Museum will be one of the best historical places in SIngapore. It was named after Mr. Lee Kong Chian, a popular Chinese businessman and philanthropist in his memory. The natural museum currently is home to more than a million specimens from the region. It also offers a range of fun and educational events and activities.

Location: 2 Conservatory Dr, Singapore 117377 (in National University of Singapore)

The Battle Box is an underground protected command centre, built during the world war at the time of Malayan Campaign and Battle of Singapore. It is located in the base of Fort Canning, and was extensively used during the world wars, until it was occupied by Japanese invaders. In the aftermath of Japanese surrender and handing the bunker to the SIngapore forces, it was sealed off and hidden. Later, it is believed to have been somehow discovered and converted into a museum.

Location: 2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622