Seeing is believing, but together with hearing, it becomes immersing.

It is difficult to overstate the significance of sounds in museum experiences. With the right sounds, a museum is more than a collection of exhibits. It is a time machine; one that transports you to the story's centre with a spot just for you.
 
That is Fort Siloso in essence; a gateway to Singapore’s story during the Second World War.
 
To get there, I boarded Sentosa Bus A at Beach Station to get to Siloso Point Station. Alternative ways include Bus C, the Sentosa Beach Shuttle and the Singapore Cable Car Sentosa Line. Visitors driving to Fort Siloso can park their car at the Beach Station Car Park.

After crossing the 11-storey Fort Siloso Skywalk, located just around the corner from the station, I arrived at the fort’s entrance. The environment was calm. All I could hear were the sounds of insects with occasional birds chirping. The wind blew lightly and everything else was still.

In contrast to the bustling beach below, the fort was peaceful. Tucked in the corner of Sentosa Island, it is shielded by nature, and we can find various ways to explore this bubble.

There are two trails in Fort Siloso, bringing visitors to three zones. One such trail is the Gun Trail, which brings visitors through sites depicting life before and during the war.

The first stop is the Troopship and the Barrack Room. They depict the lives of soldiers heading to Singapore from England, and at Fort Siloso.

“Imagine you are one of the new recruits and you are embarking on your journey to Singapore,” a sign at the Troopship displays.

The Troopship features a replica of the living space on a ship. It is cramped; two soldiers in hammocks above another two. While the display appears static initially, it is soon disrupted by the sound of a man vomiting.

Adding to the visual re-creation, the Troopship plays a conversation between the soldiers about the perils of the journey. It puts their experience into perspective. Their seasickness and homesickness, over a 60-day journey, are apparent. Even as grown-ups who had gone through military training, no one can resist asking for their mother in rough times.

Outside the Troopship, a soundtrack combining a march with marching footsteps and military commands plays continually. To me, there was a sense of 19th-century grandeur that one can probably picture with the pomp and circumstance in audio form.

Moving along, the Barrack Room sits right next to the Troopship.

“My name is Battery Sergeant Major Cooper. You will address me as Sergeant Major,” the speaker sounded as I entered.
 
Battery Sergeant Major Cooper is a recurring figure at Fort Siloso. He is a guide to visitors who brings life to static displays. Through his remarks, visitors can get a glimpse of regimental life at the fort.

Designed to resemble an actual barrack room, it contains beds, a common area, personal items and more. Mosquito nets, which were essential in the tropics, and four motor-powered punkahs, fans which flapped to produce wind, added to the room’s realism.

After immersing in the 19th century, enjoy a break at benches along the trail. There are no eateries within the fort so do bring along snacks. Do not forget to apply sunscreen and insect repellent too.

Another site to behold is Tunnel Complex A. Along the sides of the entrance, trees bend inwards, creating a canopy which blocks out much of the light and noise. However, as I entered, this delicate quietness was quickly broken.

Air raid sirens rang throughout the tunnel the moment I crossed the entrance. The ominous wail, the tight space and the dim lights created an uneasy feeling. Such were the conditions of battles at Fort Siloso.

Aside from these sites, visitors can also listen to civilians and soldiers, both British and Japanese, speak about their experiences in reenactments during the war at the Casemates. Sergeant Major Cooper makes more appearances, such as commanding his men to “do their job” at Tunnel Complex B as their work intensified.

It is undoubtedly an immersive experience created by the sights and sounds for visitors. As I left Fort Siloso, I could not help but think about what life was like in the fort. Despite its relatively small area and perhaps similarities with other museums in Singapore, Fort Siloso offers a sort of realism that you can only find at actual historical sites. For military history enthusiasts especially, it is a must-go attraction.

Fort Siloso is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily, with exhibits opening at 10 am, and the last admission at 5.30 pm. The lift at the Skywalk operates from 9 am to 10 pm. Admission to the fort is free.

For more information, visit www.sentosa.com.sg/en/things-to-do/attractions/fort-siloso/