Bukit Chandu

1.2791°N 103.7918°E / 1.2791; 103.7918

Bukit Chandu
Reflections at Bukit Chandu
Naming
Etymology	Opium
English translation	Opium Hill
Language of name	Malay Singapore English
Geography
Bukit Chandu Singapore
Parent range	Southern Ridges
Geology
Mountain type	Hill

Bukit Chandu^[a] is a hill located within Kent Ridge Park in Singapore. It was the site of the Battle of Bukit Chandu, a significant engagement that took place on 14 February 1942 during the Battle of Singapore in World War II.

Etymology

The name of the hill, Bukit Chandu, reflects its historical association with an opium-processing factory that once operated at its base.^[1] This connection to the former factory gave rise to the name, which translates from Malay as "Opium Hill."^[2]

History

Bukit Chendu is the site of the Battle of Pasir Panjang during the February 1942 invasion by the Japanese.^[2] On this ridge, fewer than 100 Malay Regiment soldiers waged against a Japanese army of 18,000. Despite being outnumbered many times over and later being out of bullets, they held their ground for two days, finally fighting hand-to-hand. Most were killed and many were tortured, their bodies subsequently found to have been mutilated.^[3]

Attractions

As appreciation for their gallantry, the Reflections at Bukit Chandu interpretive centre was established in a restored colonial bungalow at 31K Pepys Road, which opened on 15 February 2002, sixty years after the fall of Singapore. The centre tells the battle history and honors the Malay Regiment's gallantry, which has been called an enduring recordof grit and sacrifice. Now, Bukit Chendu represents Singapore's strengthand a commemoration to all the lives lost in the defense of Singapore.^[3]

Notes

1. English: Opium Hill