War Memorial Park Singapore is a 1.4-hectare park in central Singapore, created to remember civilian victims who perished during World War II. Its central feature, the Civilian War Memorial, gives the grounds a commemorative purpose; the park is about an eight-minute walk from The Snooze Hotel at Bugis.
- Location: between Nicoll Highway, Stamford Road, Beach Road and Bras Basah Road.
- Memorial: four tapering columns commemorate civilian victims of the Japanese Occupation.
- Access: NParks describes the park as wheelchair accessible.
- Nearby walk: the free Civic District Monument Trail covers 1.5 km and takes an estimated 45 minutes.
The park and its memorial
The Civilian War Memorial is the first memorial in Singapore dedicated to civilian victims of the Japanese Occupation from 1942 to 1945. Four tapering columns represent the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities who perished during the Occupation.
In 1962, mass graves containing the remains of thousands of civilian victims were discovered at several locations in Singapore. More than 40 were found in Siglap’s ‘Valley of Death’. The remains were associated with Operation Sook Ching, during which people—primarily from the Chinese population—were screened for alleged anti-Japanese activity.
The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce formed a Memorial Building Fund Committee on 19 March 1963. The architectural firm Swan & Maclaren won the design competition.
Completed in January 1967 at a cost of approximately S$450,000, the memorial was unveiled by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 15 February 1967. A vault beneath its raised platform holds the victims’ remains in 606 urns.
How do you get to War Memorial Park from Bugis?
War Memorial Park sits within the central area bounded by four named roads: Nicoll Highway, Stamford Road, Beach Road and Bras Basah Road.
From Bugis, you can plan a walk to the park; City Hall and Esplanade are the nearby MRT stations NParks identifies. The question of how to spend one day in Bugis and central Singapore also suits an itinerary that includes a stop here.
If you want to extend the visit on foot, the Civic District Monument Trail is a free, self-guided route linking Esplanade Park, Empress Place and War Memorial Park.
NParks describes the trail as easy and says it includes the Civilian War Memorial and Belinjau trees in the park. Its stated walking time is 45 minutes, so allow that much for the trail itself.
Visitor etiquette and access
Keep your visit quiet and respectful: NParks asks visitors to respect the War Memorial and what it signifies, and not to conduct rowdy activities in the park. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, according to NParks.
The park is open 24 hours. Before you go, check the official site for current visitor information.
Nearby places to combine with a stop
The Civic District Monument Trail connects the park with Esplanade Park and Empress Place, making it a clear way to add other nearby parkland to your walk. NParks also names Youth Olympic Park as a nearby park. A wider look at what to see around Bugis and Kampong Glam can put the park in its neighbourhood context.
FAQs
What does the Civilian War Memorial represent?
Its four columns represent Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian civilians who perished during the Japanese Occupation.
Is War Memorial Park free to visit?
The Civic District Monument Trail is free and self-guided. The park is open 24 hours.
When is the annual memorial service?
An inter-religious memorial service is held at the Civilian War Memorial every year on 15 February, the anniversary of the Fall of Singapore in 1942. The date is also Total Defence Day.