Metal Insider is getting into the Halloween spirit this year with something a little different. Throughout October, we’re sharing the history and eerie tales behind venues across the world. Check out our latest column, Halloween Countdown for more, and Enjoy!
Introduction
There’s New York City’s Central Park, but heading out to Singapore, there’s Fort Canning Park, one of the city’s historic landmarks. Dating back to the 14th century, when it was known as Bukit Larangan, translated as Forbidden Hill. Once believed to be the site of ancient Malay royalty, the hill later became home to Sir Stamford Raffles’ residence in the 1820s before being turned into a British military fort in 1861. It also served as the headquarters where the British surrendered Singapore to Japan in 1942 during World War II. Over the years, the area was transformed from a fort and cemetery into a public park, officially renamed Fort Canning Park in 1981.
Today, similar to Central Park, the park is a hub for culture, recreation, and live entertainment. Managed by Singapore’s National Parks Board, it hosts concerts, festivals, and outdoor performances.
Facts
Location: 70 River Valley Rd, Singapore
Venue Type: Historic hilltop park and outdoor events venue
Year Built (and Key Dates): Fort constructed 1861 (site renamed “Fort Canning”); area renamed Fort Canning Park on Nov 1, 1981; major heritage refresh for 2019 Bicentennial.
Status: Open
Capacity: Varies by venue—Fort Canning Green up to ~7,000 standing / 500 seated; Fort Gate about 1,000 standing (400 seated). Around 10,000 for large concerts.
Music Cred
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Alice In Chains, Alter Bridge, Black Veil Brides, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, KoRn, Robert Plant, Megadeth, Sum 41, A Day To Remember, Lamb of God, Judas Priest, Opeth, Children of Bodom, Whitesnake, Sevendust, Deftones, The Smashing Pumpkins, Slash, Coheed and Cambria, Mr. Big, Nine Inch Nails, Story of the Year, Motley Crue, New Found Glory, Helloween, Dream Theater, Slipknot, Deep Purple and Uriah Heep.
Reported Hauntings
Fort Canning Park has a long history of hauntings, dating back to Ancient Malay folklore. The legend says the site was once home to Singapore’s early kings’ royal palace and burial grounds, whose spirits are said to have never left. Visitors have reported hearing loud thumps and disembodied whispers, and seeing white-cloaked figures moving among the trees. The area surrounding Keramat Iskandar Shah is believed to be the tomb of Singapore’s last ancient ruler. Some claim this is the most active paranormal area within the park.
The hill later became a British fort and cemetery in the 1800s, where soldiers and early settlers were buried. A few items from the old Christian cemetery remain, including Gothic gates, gravestones, and memorial walls. Paranormal reports of sudden chills and footsteps have been reported when visitors walk near the old burial ground. Another hotbed for paranormal activity is the underground WWI command bunker, known as the Battle Box, a place where British forces surrendered to Japan. Spooky tours of Fort Canning are also available.
Visit Info:
Interested in horror and the paranormal? Metal Insider is teaming up with the newly resurrected site Dizarranged, which is also running a haunted countdown to Halloween, featuring 31 haunted places from around the globe.
