HOTEL FORT CANNING – SINGAPORE
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
I hope you all enjoyed a festive Chinese New Year! With all the reunions and celebrations, things can get a bit overwhelming, don’t you think? If you're feeling the need for a little break but want to stay nearby for ongoing visits, I’ve got a suggestion: take a moment to unwind and rebalance at Singapore’s only urban oasis, Hotel Fort Canning. Allow me to share a bit of Singapore’s rich history with this majestic architectural gem (feel free to skip to paragraph 6 if you’d prefer to dive into the hotel experience directly).
Perched atop Fort Canning Hill (formerly Bukit Larangan, or “Forbidden Hill” in Malay), this site has been a Singapore landmark since the earliest days of its recorded history. It once hosted the palatial grounds of the Majapahit Kings, and during colonial times, it served as the residence of governors, beginning with Sir Stamford Raffles. The 60-meter hill has borne witness to pivotal moments, including the infamous surrender of Singapore to Japan by Lieutenant-General Percival.
The hill is also believed to be the final resting place of the last Malay King, Iskandar Shah, commemorated by the Keramat at its base. Archaeological relics discovered here reinforce Singapore’s historical role as a trading hub. These artifacts, thoughtfully displayed in Hotel Fort Canning's lobby by renowned architects DP Architects, are set within the floor to give guests a realistic sense of an excavation site.
Originally known as Government Hill, the colonial governors’ residence was later renamed Fort Canning in honor of Viscount Charles John Canning, then Governor-General of India. This site served as the headquarters for Singapore’s Base District until World War II, when it was repurposed by Japanese forces. After the British regained control in 1945, the hill transitioned through various roles until it became the Fort Canning Country Club in 1995. In 2010, it was reborn as Hotel Fort Canning Singapore—a boutique hotel nestled within 18 hectares of lush greenery, now cherished as a peaceful retreat.
Hotel Fort Canning offers 86 luxurious rooms in an intimate boutique style that brings nature indoors. With lofty ceilings (about 5 meters high) and panoramic views of the park and city, the hotel seamlessly integrates natural elements with modern design. The rooms come equipped with in-room technology, including a Bowers & Wilkins iPod docking system, an interactive control panel for lighting and temperature, and stylish designer furniture complemented by marble and teak floors. And for a touch of indulgence, each room includes a monsoon rain shower and a spacious, freestanding bathtub.
Despite its luxurious offerings, Hotel Fort Canning is one of Singapore’s greenest hotels, holding a BCA Green Mark Gold Plus Award for its eco-friendly practices. It's also Singapore’s only hotel to feature a “Plant-A-Tree” program, allowing guests to plant a tree for just SGD$200—a meaningful and affordable initiative, don’t you think?
Looking for relaxation? HFC’s gym offers views of the lush landscape, and it boasts three pools: a lap pool, a freeform pool, and a kids' pool. The pools use NASA technology to maintain chemical-free, mineral-enriched water—excellent news for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema!
HFC also has a variety of event spaces, including 12 ballrooms with seating capacities from 40 to 230, perfect for weddings or intimate gatherings. Plus, with plenty of sun decks and serene spaces, it’s an ideal spot for some quality “me-time” or even “we-time” (wink-wink).
That’s all from me here at Fort Canning Hill! This is truly a perfect getaway to relax and reconnect with loved ones. Don’t forget to book a stay at Hotel Fort Canning—you’ll love it!
Hotel Fort Canning
11 Canning Walk
Singapore 178881
