Question 1

What is the Battlebox in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

The Battlebox in Singapore was formerly known as the Headquarters Malaya Command Operations Bunker. It was built in 1936 in the heart of Singapore and was used as the headquarters of the army defending Malaya and Singapore (the Malaya Command) during WWII.It was a British underground command center and was located inside Fort Canning Hill. It also served as an emergency plus a bomb-proof command center at the time of the Malayan Campaign and the Battle of Singapore.The Battlebox was opened as a restored museum in the year 1997 on the 55th anniversary of the surrender of Singapore and was relaunched in 2016. Now it is one of the major tourist attractions in Singapore and is famously known as 'A Story of Strategy & Surrender,' which one can enjoy via guided tours only. It lets visitors learn about the functioning of the Battlebox during World War II.

Question 2

Where is Battlebox located in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Battlebox is located in the heart of Singapore in Fort Canning Park. 
Address: 2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622

Question 3

What is there to do at Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

The Battlebox, famously known as the Fort Canning Bunker built during World War II, is now a famous museum in Singapore. It is believed that it is the place where the British chose to surrender Singapore to the Japanese. Here, you get to know about the real circumstances that were behind the most unfortunate and the largest surrender in British History. Visitors can explore the history of Singapore and World War II through any of the two different guided available here, which are:A Story of Strategy & Surrender
This 1 hour 15 minutes Battlebox Tour Singapore depicts the miserable fall of Malaya and Singapore in WWII. The guide will take you inside the underground Battlebox and lets you traverse the network of rooms to understand the army’s functioning during the war. The guided tour also comprises genuine recreations, original artifacts, visionary commentary and engaging shows to provide you deep knowledge of the worst part of the British Empire in Singapore.Of Graves, Guns & Battles
This guided tour lets you tread the 700 years old history associated with Malay kings via the Fort Canning Hill along with the famous bunker Battlebox. It is an extended guided tour where you will enjoy both Battlebox and the Fort Canning Hill in 2 and a half hours. The tour lets you discover the different empires of Singapore, visit graves of old kings, explore a marvelous heritage colonial fort, and discover the former WWII secret underground command center.

Question 4

How can I get book tickets for Battlebox in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Entry to the Battlebox is through guided tours only and tickets for the same can be purchased either at the Visitor Centre or online. You can book online tickets either on the official website or grab deals offered by Thrillophilia on online ticket booking of the Battlebox Tour Singapore.With Thrillophilia you will get a flat discount of 15% on ticket price and a trained English speaking guide to make the tour as exciting as possible. As this historic war bunker remains in high demand, we strongly recommend you to book tickets in advance to get your preferred day and time slot. Also, online ticket booking gets closed 24 hours before the tour commences.

Question 5

What is the difference between the Battlebox tour and Of Graves, Guns & Battles Tour?

Accepted Answer

The Battlebox Tour Singapore (A Story of Strategy & Surrender) and the Of Graves, Guns & Battles Tour are two different tours in which the second tour comprises the first tour along with a visit to Fort Canning Hill.The Battlebox tour takes 1 hour and 15 minutes (approximately) to cover the ill-fated defeat of Malaya and Singapore in World War II and the actual functioning of the underground command center during the war. Whereas, Of Graves, Guns & Battles tour covers both the Battlebox and the historic Fort Canning Hill. It also comprises visiting old king's graves, heritage fort and takes 2 and hours approximately to discover the history of war and Singapore.

Question 6

Can I enter the Battlebox without a guided tour?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot enter the Battlebox without a guided tour as entry to the Battlebox is exclusive via guided tours only. To make your experience one of the best, there is a restriction of 25 persons as the maximum capacity for daily guided tours. And the entry is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Question 7

Is the tour suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Battlebox tours are suitable for children above 7 years of age. Though the tour does not comprise any disturbing images, the length of the tour, amplified sound, and the historical content can make little kids a bit restless.Still, you can enjoy the tour with your small kid, but make sure to take care of your kid inside the Battlebox. You are also permitted to take a pram or stroller inside the Battlebox for being as comfortable as possible.

Question 8

Where is the meeting point for the guided tours?

Accepted Answer

The meeting point for both The Battlebox Tour (A Story of Strategy & Surrender (1 hour 15 minutes)) and Of Graves, Guns & Battles (A Tour of Battlebox & Fort Canning Hill (2 hours 30 minutes)) is at the Battlebox Visitor Centre.It is advised to reach the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the tour timing to complete your registration and get the entry ticket. The starting point and the ending point for both the tours are the same i.e. the Battlebox Visitor Centre.

Question 9

Is it allowed to take photos/videos inside the Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

No, photography or videography is not permitted inside the Battlebox to ensure the smooth flow of guided tours without any disruption. Secondly, it is also not permitted due to some legal obligations that protect the copyrights of photos and other material given to other institutions. You can buy postcards from the Battlebox Visitor Centre with pictures of key rooms of the Battlebox.

Question 10

Are there any dining options near the Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can fill your empty palette either at nearby Hotel Fort Canning or at the Battlebox Visitor Centre. The Salon restaurant at the Hotel Fort Canning not only offers all-day dining but gives 10% off on the total bill (only on ala carte menu) to the Battlebox ticket-holders.You can enjoy different varieties of snacks, ice creams, and beverages at the Battlebox Visitor Centre too

Question 11

Is the Spiral Staircase inside the Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

The famous spiral staircase is not inside the Battlebox but is a famous location on the way to Battlebox from the nearest train station, Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. It is made popular by some photo enthusiasts on Instagram by tagging it as the location of the Battlebox.

Question 12

Are there any wheelchairs and baby chairs available inside Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

Though the Battlebox Tour is not wheelchair friendly as it involves stepping down to enter the bunker. But, the museum has designed a way to make the inside tour of the Battlebox entirely wheelchair-accessible.And, one can avail the service of a wheelchair if any emergency arises inside the bunker.

Question 13

How much is the ticket for Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

Ticket prices for both tours are different and are as follows:The Battlebox Tour (A Story of Strategy & Surrender):
Adult- SGD 20 
Child- from 7 to 12 years- SGD 10
 A Tour of Battlebox & Fort Canning Hill (Of Graves, Guns, and Battles)
Adult: SGD 42
Child (7 – 12 years): SGD 20At Thrillophilia, we offer a flat 15 % discount (guaranteed best price) on the historical Battlebox Tour in Singapore package, which includes the entry ticket for one and a professional English speaking guide.

Question 14

What is the best time to visit Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

Overall, the best time to visit the Battlebox Singapore is any time of the year, as it is a year-round destination. The Battlebox is though located underground, but is fully air-conditioned and outside conditions hardly affect the temperature inside it.Singapore itself experiences pleasant temperatures throughout the year and attracts visitors all through the year. Still, if you want to reach the venue without getting wet, then Singapore's dry season is the most suitable period to visit the Battlebox in Singapore.

Question 15

Will I be able to bring in food and drinks in Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

No, outside food is not permitted inside the Battlebox. You can purchase food and drink items either from the Battlebox Visitors Center or at the restaurant The Salon located at the nearby Hotel Fort Canning.At the Salon restaurant, you also get a good discount of 10 % on the ala carte menu if you show them your Battlebox ticket.

Question 16

What are the other inclusions in the Battlebox tour in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

The historical Battlebox Tour in Singapore comprises a guided tour of 1 hour and 15 minutes and covers the detailed aspects behind 'the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history.' Also, this tour lets you understand how this famous underground command center operated during World War II and became the center of attraction after its restoration as a museum.This guided tour package includes:Entry ticket of one person
A professional and English speaking guide to make you explore each minute detail of the historic place.

Question 17

What is the Battlebox price for senior citizens and kids?

Accepted Answer

Battlebox prices are the same for senior citizens as that of an adult. It is SGD 20 for an adult for one hour and 15 minutes the Battlebox Tour (A Story of Strategy & Surrender), while SGD 42 for 2 hours and 30 minutes the Battlebox & Fort Canning Hill Tour (Of Graves, Guns, and Battles).On the other hand, for kids above 7 years of age, the ticket prices are SGD 10 and SGD 20 respectively, for first and second tours.

Question 18

What are the tips to keep in mind before visiting Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

To make your trip to Battlebox in Singapore an unforgettable experience, keep below-mentioned tips in mind before visiting the destination:- Book your Battlebox tours ahead of time to secure your spot.
Visit the meeting point at least 15 minutes before your booked slot time.- The eatables and drinks are not allowed inside the Battlebox.- Photography, videography, and the making of notes are not permitted during the tour.- The tour is not suitable for children aged 7 years and below.- Wear comfortable clothes to enjoy the experience to the max.- Not suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia.- Not wheelchair friendly.
Entry is through a guided tour only.- The ticket is valid only for the date and time specified.
- Advance bookings are required for any group of more than 20 persons.- Battlebox ticket-holders must present their ticket to the staff at The Salon, Hotel Fort Canning to enjoy 10 % off on the bill. And, the discount is only valid for the ala-carte menu and not relevant in conjunction with other promotions.

Question 19

Are there age restrictions for visiting Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

The Battlebox tour is not appropriate for kids below 7 years of age for being a place that hardly has any activity for small kids. Kids will not find anything specific to their age and may get bored. Also, the enclosed premises amplify the sound which could be annoying to them.The tour is also not suitable for elderly people who cannot walk for long as it requires stepping down to some extent and walking for almost 1 hour and 15 minutes. Also, it is not wheelchair friendly because of the steps at the entrance.

Question 20

Are pets and animals allowed within Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

No, pets and animals are not allowed inside the Battlebox.

Question 21

What should I wear in Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

You are advised to wear comfortable clothes to enjoy the tour completely. You can wear whatever you like, as there is no fixed dress code to enter this war museum. It is fully air-conditioned, so you will not feel hot even if it is underground and closed. So it is entirely your choice what you want to wear while visiting the Battlebox in Singapore.

Question 22

How to reach Battlebox from Singapore Airport?

Accepted Answer

You can easily reach the Battlebox Visitor Center from anywhere in Singapore either by public or private transport like taxi or train.By Taxi or Car:
If you are driving your car or coming by taxi then stop at the roundabout next to Hotel Fort Canning. The meeting point for the guided tour, the Battlebox Visitor Centre is just opposite to the roundabout.By Train (MRT): There are two nearby MRT stations from where you can easily walk to the Battlebox Visitors Center: 
Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (North-East Line), Exit B
From Fort Canning MRT Station (Downtown Line), Exit B

Question 23

How much time is needed to explore Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

There are two types of Battlebox tours that you can choose as per your interest and time in hand. The small tour covers only the historical war bunker and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. On the other hand, another tour comprises both the Battlebox tour and the historic Fort Canning Hill Tour.This tour is a bit lengthy and you need almost 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete it. Both the tours are full of thrills and interesting displays of historic events and sites and are worth the time and money spent.

Question 24

Is there a pickup/drop facility included in the tour?

Accepted Answer

No pickup/drop facility is included in this tour. You have to reach on your own to the Battlebox Visitors Center at least 15 minutes before your allotted slot. If you book through with Thrillophilia, we make all arrangements of pick up and drop for you at some extra cost and ensure that you will get the best of facilities at the least price.

Question 25

What all things do we need to carry in Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

Things to carry:Entry ticket to the Battlebox.Valid ID proof.Suitable clothes for small kids as it is fully air-conditioned inside and your small kid can feel a bit cold.Baby car or pram for your infants as the tour is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.Comfortable footwear

Question 26

What are the timings for Battlebox?

Accepted Answer

The Battlebox Tour is open daily, including public holidays and there are multiple tours on different time slots available every day.On Monday time slots are 
1.30 pm
2.45 pm 4.00 pm
 On Mondays that are public holidays and Tuesday to Sunday, time slots are:
9.45 am
11.00 am
1.30 pm
2.45 pm 4.00 pm
 The Tour of Battlebox & Fort Canning Hill is available on two days in a week i.e. Monday & Thursday (excluding Public Holidays). There is only one slot at 2.00 pm for this tour.