Siloso Point Underground Complex
& 12 Pounder QF Emplacement
A plan of the underground complex at Siloso Point. The original name for Siloso Point was ‘Sarang Rimau’, or ‘The Tiger’s Lair’, as tigers were reputed to have once roamed in the area. The complex is often incorrectly described as a tunnel complex, even in the Fort’s literature. There are no real tunnels at the Fort.
The Underground Complex was constructed in two widely separated stages. The Original Complex, outlined in blue on the right of the plan, was constructed during the building of the Fort in the late 1800s. The Victorian Engineers, who constructed the first tunnel, knew that they needed to protect the electrical generating plant which was required to detonate the string on mines laid across the entrance to Keppel Harbour. What better place to put it than underground? There it would be as safe as possible from hostile fire.
An Extension was constructed during the 1930s , as part of the modernisation of the Fort. This is outlined in black.
The original part of the Siloso Point Complex from the surface. The photograph was taken from above the entrance ramp leading down to the complex. The photo and those below, quite clearly illustrate the point that the complex is not a tunnel. It is a complex of rooms which were built below ground level. A passageway open to the surface connects the rooms. Roofs have been constructed over the passageway to keep it dry.
On the left is a view of the 1930s extension looking towards Siloso Point The photograph was taken from where the original and newer parts of the complex meet.
The top of the escape ladder can be seen on the right of the photograph and the exit from the ladder is shown on the right. It is thought that the escape ladders in the original part of the complex were capped when the extension was built.
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The Surface Area
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Siloso Point 12 Pounder
As part of the extension, a Twin 6 Pounder Rapid Firing Gun and a Director Tower for fire control purposes were to be constructed at Siloso Point to provide a defence against fast moving small craft which may penetrate the outer defences.
In the event, there was a shortage of Twin 6 Pounders and a 12 Pounder QF Gun was substituted. The emplacement is connected to the underground complex by a long staircase. Another staircase leads to the surface above the Observation Post in the extension sto the Complex. After the Second World War, a Twin 6 Pounder was fitted at Siloso Point when the Fort was rearmed.
The Siloso Point 12 Pounder Gun Emplacement, Director Tower and three searchlight posts from the sea.
As with other parts of the Fort, trees and bushes would have been cleared when the Fort was in use. Three of the searchlight positions rise above the beach below the Director Tower. The gun emplacement is immediately to the right of the Tower.
The photograph is by kind permission of the Sentosa Development Corporation (Now the Sentosa Leisure Group). It is not to be reproduced without their permission.