Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Despite its intended role of producing cars, Former Ford Factory found itself playing a particularly significant role in Singapore’s WWII history. Its story started in 1941, as the Ford Motor Company shifted to its new factory sited at Upper Bukit Timah Road. The factory was Ford’s first motor car assembly plant in Southeast Asia. It was not long before the Royal Air Force took over to assemble fighter planes during the Malayan Campaign.
Also known as the Old Ford Motor Factory, it was once the Japanese Commander’s temporary headquarters back in 1942 during the Japanese Occupation. Shortly after, the British surrendered unconditionally to the Japanese. Nissan took over the factory and assembled military vehicles for the Japanese. After the British has regained Singapore, Former Ford Factory was returned to Ford Motor Company.
The factory was gazetted as a national monument in 2006. Restored by the National Archives of Singapore, it currently houses the Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies exhibition on the horrors of living under the Japanese Occupation. Today, you can explore the interactive museum inside Former Ford Factory in Bukit Timah comfortably.
Visitors of the exhibition will be in for a comprehensive overview of life during the era. The exhibition transitions seamlessly from pre-war Singapore to the national monument it is today. Encounter harrowing recollections from survivors with oral interviews and display of personal items from the era. Visitors will also be able to walk into the very boardroom where the surrender took place on 15 February 1942, with the clock stating the time of surrender.
Also known as the Old Ford Motor Factory, it was once the Japanese Commander’s temporary headquarters back in 1942 during the Japanese Occupation. Shortly after, the British surrendered unconditionally to the Japanese. Nissan took over the factory and assembled military vehicles for the Japanese. After the British has regained Singapore, Former Ford Factory was returned to Ford Motor Company.
The factory was gazetted as a national monument in 2006. Restored by the National Archives of Singapore, it currently houses the Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies exhibition on the horrors of living under the Japanese Occupation. Today, you can explore the interactive museum inside Former Ford Factory in Bukit Timah comfortably.
Visitors of the exhibition will be in for a comprehensive overview of life during the era. The exhibition transitions seamlessly from pre-war Singapore to the national monument it is today. Encounter harrowing recollections from survivors with oral interviews and display of personal items from the era. Visitors will also be able to walk into the very boardroom where the surrender took place on 15 February 1942, with the clock stating the time of surrender.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Wind down with a respite at the Bukit Batok Nature Park. Up for a thrilling nature adventure? Make a trip to nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a popular place in Singapore for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and cycling. If you are travelling with children, take them to discover Singapore’s wildlife at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, or admire flora biodiversity at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
There is no souvenir shops here. Take some photos, and bring home a renewed appreciation for the hard-earned peace of today’s modern Singapore after you have visited the museum’s gallery and gained a memorable experience seeing the ruins of World War II.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
Former Ford Factory can be easily reached via public transportations. Take buses that lead to Upper Bukit Timah Road (bus service number: 67, 75, 170, 171, 173, 178, 184, 961). By car, navigate your way and drive towards Upper Bukit Timah Road. There are parking spots available at the Former Ford Factory. You could also take the MRT and alight at the nearest MRT stations (Hillview MRT, Beauty World MRT, Bukit Batok MRT, Choa Chu Kang MRT, or Clementi MRT).
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Bring a sweater or an outerwear as it may be cold due to the air-conditioned museum inside if you wish to see the galleries.
- There are tours available if you wish to take part in an intensive history experience. Check their website for the timing of free guided tours that are scheduled daily.
- Despite its small size, the exhibition here is well-curated and concisely depicts the brutality of the Japanese Occupation.
- Former Ford Factory is open during Singapore Public Holidays, except on the first day of Chinese New Year.
- Free admission is offered for children under 6, Singaporeans and PRs, Singapore student pass holders, and Museum Roundtable members.
See a sobering exhibit portraying the damage done by Japanese occupation during WWII at the Former Ford Factory, a significant historical site in Bukit Timah.
Opening hours
| Monday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Thursday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Friday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Saturday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Sunday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
Contact
351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192
See a sobering exhibit portraying the damage done by Japanese occupation during WWII at the Former Ford Factory, a significant historical site in Bukit Timah.
Opening hours
| Monday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Thursday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Friday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Saturday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
| Sunday | 09:00 am to 05:30 pm |
Contact
351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192
Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Despite its intended role of producing cars, Former Ford Factory found itself playing a particularly significant role in Singapore’s WWII history. Its story started in 1941, as the Ford Motor Company shifted to its new factory sited at Upper Bukit Timah Road. The factory was Ford’s first motor car assembly plant in Southeast Asia. It was not long before the Royal Air Force took over to assemble fighter planes during the Malayan Campaign.
Also known as the Old Ford Motor Factory, it was once the Japanese Commander’s temporary headquarters back in 1942 during the Japanese Occupation. Shortly after, the British surrendered unconditionally to the Japanese. Nissan took over the factory and assembled military vehicles for the Japanese. After the British has regained Singapore, Former Ford Factory was returned to Ford Motor Company.
The factory was gazetted as a national monument in 2006. Restored by the National Archives of Singapore, it currently houses the Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies exhibition on the horrors of living under the Japanese Occupation. Today, you can explore the interactive museum inside Former Ford Factory in Bukit Timah comfortably.
Visitors of the exhibition will be in for a comprehensive overview of life during the era. The exhibition transitions seamlessly from pre-war Singapore to the national monument it is today. Encounter harrowing recollections from survivors with oral interviews and display of personal items from the era. Visitors will also be able to walk into the very boardroom where the surrender took place on 15 February 1942, with the clock stating the time of surrender.
Also known as the Old Ford Motor Factory, it was once the Japanese Commander’s temporary headquarters back in 1942 during the Japanese Occupation. Shortly after, the British surrendered unconditionally to the Japanese. Nissan took over the factory and assembled military vehicles for the Japanese. After the British has regained Singapore, Former Ford Factory was returned to Ford Motor Company.
The factory was gazetted as a national monument in 2006. Restored by the National Archives of Singapore, it currently houses the Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies exhibition on the horrors of living under the Japanese Occupation. Today, you can explore the interactive museum inside Former Ford Factory in Bukit Timah comfortably.
Visitors of the exhibition will be in for a comprehensive overview of life during the era. The exhibition transitions seamlessly from pre-war Singapore to the national monument it is today. Encounter harrowing recollections from survivors with oral interviews and display of personal items from the era. Visitors will also be able to walk into the very boardroom where the surrender took place on 15 February 1942, with the clock stating the time of surrender.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Wind down with a respite at the Bukit Batok Nature Park. Up for a thrilling nature adventure? Make a trip to nearby Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a popular place in Singapore for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and cycling. If you are travelling with children, take them to discover Singapore’s wildlife at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, or admire flora biodiversity at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
There is no souvenir shops here. Take some photos, and bring home a renewed appreciation for the hard-earned peace of today’s modern Singapore after you have visited the museum’s gallery and gained a memorable experience seeing the ruins of World War II.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
Former Ford Factory can be easily reached via public transportations. Take buses that lead to Upper Bukit Timah Road (bus service number: 67, 75, 170, 171, 173, 178, 184, 961). By car, navigate your way and drive towards Upper Bukit Timah Road. There are parking spots available at the Former Ford Factory. You could also take the MRT and alight at the nearest MRT stations (Hillview MRT, Beauty World MRT, Bukit Batok MRT, Choa Chu Kang MRT, or Clementi MRT).
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Bring a sweater or an outerwear as it may be cold due to the air-conditioned museum inside if you wish to see the galleries.
- There are tours available if you wish to take part in an intensive history experience. Check their website for the timing of free guided tours that are scheduled daily.
- Despite its small size, the exhibition here is well-curated and concisely depicts the brutality of the Japanese Occupation.
- Former Ford Factory is open during Singapore Public Holidays, except on the first day of Chinese New Year.
- Free admission is offered for children under 6, Singaporeans and PRs, Singapore student pass holders, and Museum Roundtable members.
