Kranji War Memorial

The Kranji War Memorial stands on a gentle hill in the north of Singapore. It honours the Commonwealth service members who died in this region during the Second World War. The memorial and its cemetery are calm, well kept and deeply moving.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission looks after the site. The Singapore Memorial was unveiled in 1957, and the site is still a place of remembrance for families from many countries.

What Is the Kranji War Memorial?

During the Japanese Occupation, prisoners of war at a camp hospital in Kranji started a small cemetery here. After the war, graves from other sites around Singapore were moved to Kranji. It then became a permanent war cemetery.

Today most visitors come to see two main parts. The first is Kranji War Cemetery, with neat rows of headstones on sloping lawns. The second is the Singapore Memorial, a large structure at the top of the hill.

The walls of the Singapore Memorial carry the names of more than 24,000 Commonwealth service members who have no known grave. They came from Britain, Australia, India, Malaya and other parts of the Commonwealth. Many headstones in the cemetery show a name, a unit, an age and a short message from the family. Reading them is a simple way to understand the human cost of war.

What to See and Do at the Memorial

Most visitors start at the entrance and walk slowly up through the cemetery. The paths are open and easy to follow. At the top, the memorial gives a wide view over the graves and the green land around.

• The Singapore Memorial: read the names on the walls and the words carved in stone.
• The war graves: walk the rows of headstones and read the family messages.
• The lawns and trees: sit quietly for a moment and reflect.
• Remembrance services: special services take place on some dates each year, such as Anzac Day in April and Remembrance Sunday in November. Some may need registration ahead, so check first.

If you are looking for a relative, search the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records before you go. The records can show the exact grave or memorial panel to visit. This saves time on a hot day.

Visitor Etiquette and Respect

This is a cemetery and a place of mourning, so please behave as you would at any grave site. Keep your voice low and stay calm. Walk with care, and do not sit or stand on graves. Leave flowers and tributes from others where they are.

Dress modestly, with clothing suited to a memorial. Photos for personal use are usually fine, but be discreet when others are paying their respects. Do not treat the site as a picnic spot or a place for games. Keep your phone on silent during any service.

How to Get to the Kranji War Memorial

The memorial is on Woodlands Road, close to Kranji MRT station on the North-South Line. From the station, it is a short walk along the road. Follow the signs and take care near the busy traffic.

Taxis and ride-hailing cars can take you right to the entrance. Kranji is far from the city centre, so allow enough time for the journey. Our guide on how to use the MRT in Singapore can help you plan the trip by train.

Tips for Visiting

• Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it is cooler.
• Bring water, a hat and sunscreen, as shade is limited on the open lawns.
• Entry is free, but check opening hours with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission before you go.
• Food options next to the site are limited, so plan your meals before or after.
• Keep your visit calm and quiet, out of respect for the dead and their families.

Food and Things to Do Nearby

Kranji lies in a quiet, green part of Singapore. The Mandai wildlife parks are a short drive away. You could pair your visit with the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders or Bird Paradise. In the evening, the Night Safari is another choice.

To learn more about Singapore's wartime story, visit The Battlebox at Fort Canning. This is where British commanders decided to surrender. The Former Ford Factory is where the surrender was signed.

For meals, many visitors eat in Woodlands or head back towards town. Our North Singapore guide has more ideas for the area. You can find similar places in our Culture and Heritage and Free Things To Do sections.

FAQs about Kranji War Memorial

Is the Kranji War Memorial free to visit?

Yes, entry is free. Check the opening hours with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission before you go.

Who is remembered at the Kranji War Memorial?

It honours Commonwealth service members who died in this region in the Second World War. Many of those named on the memorial walls have no known grave.

What is the nearest MRT station?

Kranji MRT station on the North-South Line is the closest. The memorial is a short walk from the station.

How should I behave during my visit?

Speak quietly, dress modestly and stay respectful. Do not sit on graves or move any tributes.