Dive into Singapore’s maritime history and wartime secrets with over 30 immersive tours and activities for the National Heritage Board’s annual Battle for Singapore.
History isn't just found in textbooks; sometimes, it’s best experienced on a boat in the middle of the ocean or through a pile of LEGO bricks. From 21 February to 8 March 2026, the National Heritage Board (NHB) returns with its annual Battle for Singapore campaign.
This year’s edition is particularly special as it introduces the first-ever maritime-themed tours, giving families a chance to explore our southern waters and restricted heritage sites. Whether you have a little builder at home or a teen interested in military strategy, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the stories of resilience that shaped our nation.
Signature Maritime Experience
Passages at Last Light: Singapore's WWII Maritime Evacuation Routes
Date: 21, 22 and 28 Feb, 1, 7 and 8 Mar 2026
Time: 5pm – 7.30pm
Price: $55 ($50 early bird from 12-20 Feb)
Location: Singapore Maritime Gallery
For the first time, you can take history to the high seas. This signature tour starts at the Singapore Maritime Gallery before whisking you away on a chartered ferry. You’ll retrace the evacuation routes taken by those fleeing the mainland in 1942, traveling past St. John's Island and even disembarking at the bigger Sisters' Island for immersive storytelling. It’s a powerful way to visualize the scale of the events that happened just off our shores.
Active Tours & Walking Trails
Exploring Pasir Panjang: A Heritage Trail
Date: 28 Feb 2026
Time: 8.30am – 11.30am
Price: $35
Location: Faber Fire Command / Reflections at Bukit Chandu / Gold Bell Mansion / Labrador Battery
Perfect for families who love a good morning walk, this trail covers the Faber Fire Command (hidden within Mount Faber) and the battle sites of Bukit Chandu. It’s a great way to get some steps in while learning about where Singapore’s defenders stood their ground and how this rural settlement transformed into a heritage landscape.
WW2 at Bukit Brown
Date: 7 Mar 2026
Time: 9am – 12pm
Price: $10
Location: Bukit Brown Cemetery
Join guide Peter Pak on an exploration of Bukit Brown Cemetery. This tour uncovers forgotten stories of resistance, the sinking of evacuation ships, and the lives of Chinese leaders during the occupation. Best for families with older children who can handle a bit more walking and deeper historical themes.
Memories of War
Date: 21 and 28 Feb, 7 Mar 2026
Time: 10am – 12pm
Price: $10 (Adults), $5 (Students aged 7-18)
Location: Bus Pickup & Drop-off at Expo MRT
This bus-guided tour takes you to sites usually restricted to the public, including the vicinity of SAF Selarang Camp (once an Australian POW camp) and the preserved Changi Prison Walls. The tour concludes at the Changi Chapel and Museum, offering a comprehensive look at the lives of those interned during the Japanese Occupation.
Note: Children under 7 are not permitted on this tour.
Hands-On & Digital Learning
Rebuild the Nation: Drop-in LEGO Activity
Date: 21 and 22 Feb 2026
Time: 10am – 12pm / 2pm – 3pm
Price: Free
Location: Changi Chapel Museum
If you have younger children, head to the Changi Chapel and Museum. This hands-on activity lets kids become "young builders," using LEGO bricks to recreate iconic landmarks like Fort Canning and City Hall. It’s a gentle, tactile way to introduce the concept of rebuilding and resilience through play.
Archives Unlocked: World War II – Film Records in Colour
Date: 5 Mar 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Price: Free
Location: Online (Zoom)
For a rainy-day educational fix, tune in to this illustrated talk. Speaker Adrian Wood shares the research behind colour film records of WWII. It’s a unique chance to see the "Singapore Story" through rare, original colour imagery and contemporaneous recordings.
Sport - a Continuation of War by Other Means
Date: 21 Feb 2026
Time: 10am – 12pm
Price: Free
Location: National Library Building, L5 Possibility Room
Led by historian Mr Jeya Ayadurai, this lecture explores the fascinating link between sporting policies and war objectives during the Japanese Occupation. It’s a great deep-dive for teens and history buffs, and refreshments are provided!
BYKidO Pro-Tip - Registration Date
Look out for the registration date! Mark your calendars for 12 February 2026 at 12pm sharp. Registration for these tours—especially the maritime boat tours and restricted site visits—fills up very quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. Set an alarm so you don't miss out!
So remember to register at www.museums.com.sg starting from 12 February, 12pm
