Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel – A Photography Hotspot
Nature photography is a captivating form of art which gifts us the opportunity to witness the charm and intricacy of the natural world through a camera lens. Whether it is a breathtaking sunset, the vibrant colours of a blossoming flower or the frantic dash of a prey in the wild, a click of the camera shutter can freeze such fleeting moments in time and preserve them for eternity. Nature photography enthusiasts should be familiar with Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel – an iconic feature within the park. Popular with shutterbugs, tourists and locals alike, the tree tunnel offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
1. The Enchanting Fort Canning Tree Tunnel
Strictly speaking and by definition, a tree tunnel is a street or road with rows of trees planted on both sides to form a canopy overhead. The natural archway gives the effect of a tunnel. However, there is a slight twist to the Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel. The tunnel leading to the photography hotspot is really a man-made tunnel much like the tunnel under an expressway. At the end of the tunnel is a spiral staircase with a variety of magnificent trees overlooking it. From the bottom of this staircase, you will get a circular view of these trees. I guess this is why this location is called a ‘tree tunnel’.
Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel makes a lovely setting for wedding photoshoots. The lush green vegetation coupled with the interplay of light and shadow give the spiral staircase an alluring quality. The level section at the mid height of the staircase is where most people pose at to get their photographs taken – a shot here is almost mandatory but safety is the most important (view video below – the level section is quite high from ground level).
Other than offering a respite from the bustling cityscape of Singapore, the tree tunnel allows one to immerse in a serene setting to connect with nature. Close your eyes and take in the pleasant scent of nature. Feel the magical ambience while watching the dappled sunlight filter through the leaves of the trees above.
2. How To Get To Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel (Video Included)
Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel is located at the very edge of the park. As shown on the map above, the nearest train station is Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. Proceed to Exit B and walk towards Penang Road. Cross the road to reach the building of UBS Singapore. The underground tunnel to reach the ‘tree tunnel’ is located to the leftmost of this building.
If you plan to explore the rest of the park after visiting the tree tunnel, do ensure that you have sufficient water or even snacks to last you through the entire hike, or rather, walk. Make sure you get hydrated constantly to prevent dehydration or heat stroke in Singapore’s weather. There is a 7-11 at the UBS building. You will be able to spot it while walking towards the tunnel.
If you are driving, you can park at one of the carparks within the park such as Fort Canning Car Park A. If you have your bike with you, you can make use of the parking facilities at Bike Hub which is located in between the UBS building and the tunnel.
Here is a video showing the path from UBS Building to Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel.
3. Things To Note
1. The video in the previous section was taken on a Thursday morning. Although it was a weekday, there was a queue for the photography hotspot. I was there previously on a weekend and the queue extended all the way to the start of the underground tunnel! Do visit early to get a spot in the queue.
2. The video above gives you an idea of how high the level section where everyone sits or stands on to get their pictures taken is. Do be very careful not to fall from height! It is just not worth it to sustain any injuries for a good photo. If you have acrophobia like I do, sitting on the level section with your legs hanging might be uncomfortable for you.
3. It may be good to go with a few friends or family members. Some can set up the camera or look for optimal angles while others can get ready to pose. If you are alone, do bring along a tripod and be familiar with the self-timer function of your camera.