At Siloso Point, guns built to guard Singapore's port were turned 180 degrees inland in February 1942 to fire on the advancing Japanese.
The British fortified the island, then called Pulau Blakang Mati, to guard the harbour. Work on Fort Siloso began in 1874, and the fort was built in the early 1880s, one of three guarding the port. In February 1942 its guns were turned 180 degrees inland to fire on Japanese positions, and during the Occupation that followed the fort held prisoners of war. It is now Singapore's 74th National Monument.
Tunnels and gun emplacements survive, and the Surrender Chambers, six interactive zones on the years 1942 to 1945, tell the story of the fall and the Occupation. The free Fort Siloso Skywalk climbs 11 storeys and is open from 9am to 7pm. Allow the afternoon, and finish with sunset on Siloso Beach below.
