Fort Siloso was built at the end of the 19th century. Meanwhile, Singapore became an important commercial port for the British, when the island was protected from the invasion of the seas. Fort Siloso, located at the northwestern tip of Sentosa Island, was built in 1880 at Monte Siloso to protect the port, the west entrance, and the fuel supply. It was part of the coastal defense fortress of Singapore with the Serapong and Fort Connaught Pulau Blakang Mati (Sentosa or as it is called today). Thus, with such a history attached to fort, it is imperative that you visit these museums near Fort Siloso.
Today, military installations have become a military museum and are a tourist attraction in Sentosa. It is the only complete fortress in Singapore. While trade in Singapore flourished due to the presence of Suez Canal, it was meant to protect the port of Singapore. Although Captain Edward See of Bengal announced the construction of a Pulau Blakang Mati Fort in 1827, the construction of a fort on the island lasted only until 1878. Two years earlier, William Jervois had helped Governor of the street colonies. He had expanded Singapore’s defense plans. His successor, William Robinson, discusses the defense strategy and the construction of new fortresses.
In the mid-1880s, Fort Siloso was equipped with two seven-inch pistols with a loading gun and two 64-pound guns. The electromagnetic mines, driven by an underground power plant, were placed through the narrow strait. In the 1890s, five 10-inch guns were installed. These weapons were electrically driven by the expanded underground power station. In the 1930s, new groups were added, including reports of an impending war. These include two six-pound torpedo pistols, fast shuttles, five searchlights, a business tower, two machine guns and two Lewis anti-aircraft guns. Fort Siloso was directed by the Royal British Artillery and the Artillery Corps of Singapore.
Museums Near Fort Siloso
Although it was built to defend the country from the invasion of the South Sea, its weapons were used to defend the country during World War II. The cannons of the fort turned 180 degrees inland and fired when the Japanese they tried to invade from the west. The troops moved from the Tengah airbase to the city. Unfortunately, the weapons were also used to shoot compatriots confused with the enemy, but an attempt was made to remove the battery from the battery to return to the British lines across the sea. The powerful weapons are also used to destroy the oil fields of Pulau Bukom and Pulau Sebarok during the next fall of Singapore.
1. Asian Civilizations Museum
Experience and see all about the Asian heritage at large and especially everything which Singaporean heritage has to offer. The museum offers a stunning blend of unique customs of various countries like India, China, and other South East Asian places. The architecture of this place is in a neoclassical style which was seen during the colonial period in Singapore. The museum aims to show the various art forms in existence along with the language and other creative ideas which are a stable of various religions. Guided tours are available for an hour each. If you get hungry or feel tired over traversing this huge place there is an in-house eatery which serves perfect Singaporean cuisine and you can enjoy your breakfast and lunch in here.
Location: The Historic Empress Place Building.
Hours Open: 10:00 to 19:00 from Saturday to Thursday; Fridays- 10 am to 9 pm
Admission: Depends upon the tour taken.
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2. Peranakan Museum
Peranakan Culture is actually one of the major South Asian hybrid communities. It consists of three cultures; namely Malay, Chinese and Indian. This museum houses some of the largest collection of this bygone hybrid of heritage and culture. Built in the year 1913 by some Chinese traders, this venue contains three stories which each house very distinctive artifacts which are related to Peranakans. Here you will get to experience museum tours which will take through the traditional Peranakan’s huge 12-day wedding complete with furniture, textiles and ancient jewelry. The tour is available in Japanese, Mandarin, English, and French languages. You can also book a private tour for your group of it contains 20 people or more.
Location: Armenian street.
Hours Open: 10 to 19:00 and 10 to 9 pm on Fridays.
3. National Museum Of Singapore
This is the place to visit to learn all about the country be it wars, architecture, fashion, designs or culture. Best among the historical museums in Singapore, it takes you through an intriguing journey of fun and information. And its not just a depository of artifacts. There are video montages, interactive exhibits, guided tours, art performances, live galleries and movie screenings.
Quite unconventional with various fun sessions and interactive exhibitions, National Museum is a beautiful amalgamation of all the historical sites in Singapore, at one single place.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Entry fee $ 10
Website
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4. Mint Museum Of Toys
The feeling of nostalgia is dominant inside the historical buildings in Singapore. Rows of toys, collectibles and comics will take you down the memory lane. Besides, the information about the era to which they belong is quite interesting.
The Mint Museum of Toys boasts of more than 50,000 vintage toys, of which some are as old as 120 years. Definitely, the museum is a top contender among the quirky historical places in Singapore.
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Entry fee: $ 15 for adults and $ 7.5 for children
Website
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When Singapore was occupied by the Japanese, Silose fort served as a prisoner of war(POW) camp. After the surrender of the Japanese, the Royal Navy occupied the fort in 1946. Today, Fort Siloso is a military museum that presents history and weapons. Other weapons from different parts of Singapore have been brought here to showcase them. Thus, on your visit to Singapore, you will be in for a treat if you visit these museums near Fort Siloso.
