Kranji War Memorial
Kranji War Memorial
4.5
About
Location Information The Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Kranji War Cemetery is 22 kilometres north of the city of Singapore, on the north side of Singapore Island overlooking the Straits of Johore. It is located just to the West of the Singapore-Johore road (Bukit Timah Expressway) on Woodlands Road, just to the south of the crossroads with Turf Club Avenue and Kranji Road. There is a short approach road from the main road. The Cemetery is known locally as Kranji Memorial and one must be sure of the address before boarding a taxi as most taxi drivers do not know the Cemetery. There are also bus stops on the main road facing the Cemetery. The Kranji MRT (train) terminal is a short distance from the Cemetery, approximately 10 to 15 minutes away by foot. A previous visitor has advised us that a small map of the route can be obtained from the MRT ticket office. Visiting Information Kranji War Cemetery is open every day 07:00-18:30. The cemetery is constructed on a hill with the means of access being via three flights of steps, rising over four metres from the road level, which makes wheelchair access to this site impossible.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,006 reviews
Excellent
672
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Poor
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2
David
Lille, France1,894 contributions
Jul 2023
Visited the Kranji War Memorial after discovering that one of my relatives is memorialised on the monument to those whose remains were unlocated after the second world war. Over 20,000 names are engraved here.
Worth visiting if you are in Singapore and want to remember the sacrifice of those of many nationalities who fought for the Crown in the Second World War.
Worth visiting if you are in Singapore and want to remember the sacrifice of those of many nationalities who fought for the Crown in the Second World War.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
befrank1
San Antonio, TX212 contributions
Sep 2022
This site is off the beaten path but provides a momment of solitude to reflects on the sacrifices that allowed Singapore to become Singapore. The diversity of backgrounds reflected on the headstones is a testament to those who fought and died to defend the area. It's located on top of a hill and provides good views of Singapore.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Strayanadvisor
Sydney, Australia130 contributions
Jan 2020
My wife and visited here to reflect upon the sacrifices made by so many in the WWII era. The memorial is well manicured and kept and is such a solemn place to visit. But for two grounds keepers on vigilant duty we had the entire memorial to ourselves. An amazing amount of history in one location.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy D
Rainham, UK44 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
For those interested in history and WW2 in particular this is a very moving place to visit. The grounds are maintained to very high standard. If travelling by Taxi make sure you get the address details correct for both drop off and collection.
Written April 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda
Hanc, France226 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
we travelled on mrt which was easy and very interesting travelling out of the city. we walked to cemetary which took 10mins slowly. buses and taxis available.
The site was so peaceful clean and tidy like all CWG. visitors book on site.
amazing place we shouldn't forget them.
The site was so peaceful clean and tidy like all CWG. visitors book on site.
amazing place we shouldn't forget them.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alannalee
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea71 contributions
Mar 2023
Visiting Kranji War Memorial is not just for people who may have a connection to someone who is buried or memoralised here. It is a beautiful place to visit in respect of those who sacrificed their life defending Singapore and Malaya. Take the time to walk around the gardens and memorial and enjoy the peacefulness of this place.
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobAlterEgo
Brisbane, Australia59 contributions
As an Australian whose Grandfather is buried at Kranji, this incredible site and monument to fallen Allied soldiers was a must see on my trip to Singapore. Beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the gently sloping hill displays the graves of nearly 4,500 souls, and the memorial walls some 25,000 plus names of allied servicemen and women whose bodies were never recovered. These are staggering numbers, and it is an intense reminder of the needless waste of human life that wars can cause. This is a very emotional experience for anyone who has relatives buried or memorialised here, however, I would encourage anyone with a fleeting interest in history or those from allied countries to visit and pay respect to the men and women who fought to maintain the freedom we enjoy today.
Written December 10, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daveg61
Highfields, Australia15 contributions
Apr 2012 • Solo
All Aussies passing through Singapore on this special day should experience the ANZAC Dawn service at Kranji. It starts with an early morning taxi ride (be aware of surcharge) to a large gathering of expats and visiting servicemen at the top memorial. After an emotional service there is a very large and free catered breakfast including Anzac biscuits and even a dash of Bundy for your coffee.
Also on offer are free guided tours of the various graves of prominent diggers who gave their lives for us.
Truly something to experience! Thank you to whoever sponsors this event.
Also on offer are free guided tours of the various graves of prominent diggers who gave their lives for us.
Truly something to experience! Thank you to whoever sponsors this event.
Written August 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
midway42
Georgia3,423 contributions
I made two trips to the Kranji War Memorial and Cemetery during my week in the country. The first was with an organized tour group through Singapore Walks. The second was a trip by myself on my last day in Singapore to place flowers on the graves of the Unknown Soldiers.
The Kranji War Memorial and Cemetery is immaculately kept and appropriately serene. The monuments speak for themselves and need no explanation. Although I assumed that this was only an “Allied” War Memorial (i.e. British, Indian, and Australian) I was pleased to find that fallen soldiers of all nationalities and religions are honored here, including Muslim Malays (with their graves facing towards Mecca), the local resistance, civilians, etc.
Of note, Ivan Lyon of Operation Rimau is memorialized here (27.A.14) as are a few soldiers from the Prince of Wales and Repulse (to the left of the Memorial in the semi-circular graves) and numerous Unknown Soldiers.
It was a privilege to walk these grounds in private reflection and I consider this visit the highlight of my trip to the country.
The Kranji War Memorial and Cemetery is immaculately kept and appropriately serene. The monuments speak for themselves and need no explanation. Although I assumed that this was only an “Allied” War Memorial (i.e. British, Indian, and Australian) I was pleased to find that fallen soldiers of all nationalities and religions are honored here, including Muslim Malays (with their graves facing towards Mecca), the local resistance, civilians, etc.
Of note, Ivan Lyon of Operation Rimau is memorialized here (27.A.14) as are a few soldiers from the Prince of Wales and Repulse (to the left of the Memorial in the semi-circular graves) and numerous Unknown Soldiers.
It was a privilege to walk these grounds in private reflection and I consider this visit the highlight of my trip to the country.
Written February 5, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthur V
Perth, Australia1,227 contributions
Kranji War Memorial is a place to behold. It is immaculately looked after by the Singaporeans and is testament to the high regard that they hold for those brave men and women who died defending their little island.
The lawns are very well maintained and the view from the top of the hill is absolutely beautiful.
As a Vietnam Veteran I am aware of the sacrifices made by many in defence of freedom and liberty and whilst war is horrible Kranji stands as a monument to those that made the supreme sacrifice and should not be missed particularly if you are British, Australian or New Zealander.
Getting there can be a bit daunting if you want to go on your own but there is a MRT Station at Kranji and then it is only a short bus ride to the front of the Memorial. If you are unsure then just ask anyone at the station and they will be more than willing to help. Make sure you take an umbrella as it can get quite warm out there and when it rains there is not much cover. Also make sure yopu have good shoes and plenty of water and battery power for your camera as there is ample opportunity for good photos.
The lawns are very well maintained and the view from the top of the hill is absolutely beautiful.
As a Vietnam Veteran I am aware of the sacrifices made by many in defence of freedom and liberty and whilst war is horrible Kranji stands as a monument to those that made the supreme sacrifice and should not be missed particularly if you are British, Australian or New Zealander.
Getting there can be a bit daunting if you want to go on your own but there is a MRT Station at Kranji and then it is only a short bus ride to the front of the Memorial. If you are unsure then just ask anyone at the station and they will be more than willing to help. Make sure you take an umbrella as it can get quite warm out there and when it rains there is not much cover. Also make sure yopu have good shoes and plenty of water and battery power for your camera as there is ample opportunity for good photos.
Written August 8, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the remembrance service on the Sunday closest to 11th November open to the public. I am in Singapore at this time and would like to attend.
Written November 2, 2022
Check with Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the website could have more info, or the Australian Embassy in Singapore. But it is a national park and is free to enter so i doubt they would close and turn away visitors
Written November 4, 2022
My wife and I are coming to Singapore and want to lay a wreath next March 2019, how did you obtain a wreath, we are coming in on a cruise liner with Viking ocean cruises.
Written June 28, 2018
Plenty of time to organised yourselves in the UK before your departure. In Australia the RSL (Returned Services League) sells official RSL approved wreathes out of heavy durable paper & cloth with a purple ribbon which says LEST WE FORGET. Your UK equivalent of the RSL would sell something similar. We (RSL Sub-Branches) recycle these wreathes on Anzac Day and 11 November; they are very durable and cost about $20. Being made of heavy paper and cloth, you'll have no problem with Quarantine; just bring it along with you on the ship. No wasted time in Singapore looking for something suitable! Have a nice trip! You'll love Singapore!
Written July 1, 2018
Thanks for your nice report.
I will visit Singapore in late June and plan to leave flowers at the Memorial for an old friend here in Ireland, in memory of his father who was a prisioner and died during the Occupation in1943.
Are there places where I can purchase a floral display suitable for the memorial.
My friend has asked if I can get a floral item in the shape of a Cross.
I would really appreciate any advice I receive, it would help make an old man very happy, he himself in not in good health as I write.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, any help or advice would be appreciated.
Written May 10, 2017
Unfortunately we didn't see any florists near Kranji. The Singapore florists do some brilliant arrangements so we suggest ordering the flowers once you arrive in Singapore and take them with you to the memorial. There were floral tributes there including several wreaths so you shouldn't have any trouble getting a Cross made. Maybe ask the Concierge at your hotel? They are usually very helpful.
Written May 10, 2017
I have a family member who is buried here is there a way of finding out exactly where he is?
Written November 13, 2016
At Commonwealth War Graves there are books available showing name and location.
You may find the same information on line, try through CWG site.
Good luck, if going to Singapore be sure to go to the Singapore National Museum.
Written November 14, 2016
Hi I am going to Singapore with friend soon. We are wanting to visit the Kranji war memorial. Can you get transport to the memorial or are you better to do a escorted tour there
Written July 8, 2016
We caught a train from the city, the railways are very efficient and by following the lines' (ask at the information desk if you have any questions and they will inform you of what trains to get) you can buy your return ticket in the one transaction. If you keep your ticket you can add to it later and get a discount on a later trip if you use it a number of times. Once you reach Kranji you can walk to the memorial in about 15 minutes and spend as long as you wish there then walk back. That is what we did and it was a pleasant walk. The locals are only too happy to send you on the way you need to go. They speak English so there are no language difficulties.
Written July 9, 2016
Hi Kranji War Memorial Staff (and past visitors)
I'd like some information about the kind of stone which the memorial is made of please - granite?, local stone? concrete - someone suggested that...
Also, does the star signify the Burma Star or perhaps the Pacific Star? And what significance does the sphere have? I'm doing an essay for a university course and have had huge difficulty finding any details!
Many thanks
Sue Pirrie
Written March 16, 2016
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your question,
Regarding the stone, according to the Bills of Quantities files,
the Kranji Memorial is built from concrete and Portland cement. It is adorned with Portland stone name tablets.
With regards to the star and sphere, unfortunately, I am afraid we could not find an explanation for the symbolism or significance behind these. I'm sorry that we could not help with that element, often there will be no records that attest to the artistic impulses behind specific features.
Good luck with your course
Thank you
CWGC
PS. Thanks for all the other responses, we really appreciate the level of interaction, interest and positive comments on our Trip Advisor pages, thanks for your support as always.
Written March 23, 2016
Can we just catch a taxi from central Singapore to the war memorial on Anzac day and attend without a ticket or book a tour etc. My husband is an ex soldier and would he be able to march.. Thank you.
Written March 11, 2015
The journey by mrt will take you about 45minutes from town and cost you about sgd2.5 on the red line. You can combine visit of the memorial with a visit to the zoo amd night safari. You have direct bus from woodlands MRT (2 stations away from Kranji). Kranji is also a transit point if you are going to JB in malaysia.
Written December 16, 2015
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