The National Heritage Board’s (NHB) annual Battle for Singapore returns from 21 February to 8 March 2026, diving deep into Singapore’s wartime past with a special focus on maritime heritage and lesser-known stories of World War II.
Marking the 84th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, this year’s edition features more than 30 programmes presented by Museum Roundtable members, government agencies, heritage organisations and researchers. The line-up includes tours, talks, exhibitions and interactive experiences held both on land and at sea, ranging from guided heritage trails to boat tours and online lectures. Selected programmes are free, while paid programmes are eligible for redemption using SG Culture Pass credits.
First Maritime-Themed Tour Under Battle for Singapore
A key highlight this year is Passages at Last Light: Singapore’s WWII Maritime Evacuation Routes, the first maritime-themed experience under Battle for Singapore.
This signature programme retraces the general evacuation routes taken by boats fleeing Singapore in February 1942, when civilians attempted to escape heavy bombing and shelling. Participants will begin at the Singapore Maritime Gallery, where they will learn about Singapore’s maritime trade history from the 14th to 20th century and view artefacts from the RMS Empress of Asia, a WWII troop transport destroyed in Singapore waters while carrying Allied reinforcements.
From there, participants will board a chartered ferry at Marina South Pier, travelling near St John’s Island and the Sisters’ Islands. The tour includes a rare disembarkation at the larger Sisters’ Island, offering immersive storytelling at locations linked to evacuation attempts and naval encounters. The ferry will then return to Marina South Pier, with historical narration shared throughout the journey.
- Dates: 21, 22, 28 February; 1, 7 & 8 March 2026
- Time: 5pm – 7.30pm
- Price: $55 (Early bird: $50 from 12–20 February)
- Location: Singapore Maritime Gallery (with ferry departure from Marina South Pier)
The programme is presented by NHB in partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
New Perspectives on Familiar Landscapes
Another new offering, Exploring Pasir Panjang: A Heritage Trail, takes participants through key World War II battle sites linked to the Battle of Pasir Panjang. Stops include the Faber Fire Command within Mount Faber, Reflections at Bukit Chandu, Gold Bell Mansion and Labrador Battery. Through guided storytelling, participants will gain insight into how the area evolved from a rural settlement into a heritage landscape symbolising resilience and memory.
- Date: 28 February 2026
- Time: 8.30am – 11.30am
- Price: $35
Families can also head to the Changi Chapel and Museum for Rebuild the Nation: Drop-in LEGO Activity, where children can recreate iconic WWII landmarks such as Fort Canning and City Hall using LEGO bricks. The free activity blends creativity with learning while encouraging young visitors to reflect on resilience and rebuilding.
- Dates: 21 & 22 February 2026
- Time: 10am – 12pm / 2pm – 3pm
- Price: Free
Talks, Cemetery Tours and POW Histories
History enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse slate of talks and specialised tours.
Archives Unlocked: World War II – Film Records in Colour, presented by the National Archives Singapore, will explore the challenges and discoveries involved in researching and presenting original colour WWII footage. The session will be held online via Zoom on 5 March 2026.
At Bukit Brown Cemetery, participants can join WW2 at Bukit Brown, a guided walk uncovering stories of wartime tragedy, resistance, betrayal and collaboration.
Meanwhile, Memories of War, organised by Defence Collective Singapore, takes participants on a bus tour of WWII-related sites linked to Allied prisoners-of-war during the Japanese Occupation. The tour includes visits to Selarang Camp, the preserved old Changi Prison Walls, and concludes at the Changi Chapel and Museum.
For a different lens on wartime society, historian Jeya Ayadurai MBE will lead a lecture titled Sport – a Continuation of War by Other Means, examining how Japanese sporting policies in occupied Singapore and Malaya were shaped by wartime objectives. The free lecture will be held at the National Library Building on 21 February 2026.
Commemorating the Fall of Singapore
With its mix of maritime exploration, battlefield trails, interactive workshops and expert talks, Battle for Singapore 2026 offers fresh perspectives on a pivotal chapter in the nation’s history. By venturing into uncharted waters and restricted sites, and by uncovering untold stories of evacuation, resilience and survival, this year’s edition invites Singaporeans to reflect on the human experiences behind the historical milestones.
