Fort Siloso gazetted as Singapore’s 74th National Monument

Singapore’s best preserved 19th-century fort has just been given the highest level of protection.

In commemoration of its role in the Battle for Singapore, Fort Siloso was gazetted as a National Monument on Feb 15. 

This marks the first time a site with structures is gazetted as a National Monument, said National Heritage Board (NHB) in a press statement released the same day. 

The seven hectare gazette boundary comprises 11 structures, including three tunnel complexes, four gun emplacements and several key defensive structures. 

Jean Wee, director of the Preservation of Sites and Monuments division, NHB, said: “The gazette of Fort Siloso as our 74th National Monument gives pause to the fact that on this day, 80 years ago, Singapore fell to adversarial forces.

“The Fort is symbolic of every effort we take as citizens in defending our Nation.”

Constructed in 1878, Fort Siloso was a naval stronghold safeguarding coastal borders whilst Singapore grew as a trading port. 

In 1942, the fort played a critical role in supporting ground forces during the Battle for Singapore and later on as a Prisoner-of-War camp during the Japanese Occupation.

The site was then transformed into an outdoor military museum and exhibition gallery in 1974, when Sentosa Island was redeveloped as a resort destination. 

Following amendments made to the Preservation of Monuments Act last year, the site was proposed by NHB as a National Monument on Jan 17. 

Now a gazetted monument, Fort Siloso will continue its function as a social community space and tourist attraction.

“We invite Singaporeans to revisit the Fort’s fortifications and historic coastal guns and better understand Sentosa’s storied past,” said Michael Ma, assistant chief executive of Sentosa Development Corporation.

Fort Siloso is located on Sentosa Island at Siloso Road, Singapore 099981. Admission is free.