The Former Ford Factory is a historic site and museum located at 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, housed in the first Ford vehicle assembly plant in South-East Asia. This guide provides essential information on opening hours, ticket prices, transport, accessibility, and practical tips for planning a visit to the site of the British surrender during World War II.
Quick facts for planning your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00am – 5:30pm (Closed Mondays) |
| Ticket prices | Free for Citizens/PRs; $7.13 for International Visitors |
| Address | 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192 |
| Nearest transport | Hillview MRT (Downtown Line) |
| Parking | Limited free on-site parking available |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 1.5 hours |
Former Ford Factory opening hours
The Former Ford Factory opening hours are from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The museum is closed every Monday unless the Monday is a scheduled public holiday.
The final admission for visitors is at 5:00pm daily. Opening hours were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Five great things to do while you’re in Singapore
- Explore Singapore’s landmarks and back streets on a bike tour.
- See Singapore from above from the Sky Deck at Marina Bay Sands.
- Discover the city at night in a private group adventure – including a river cruise.
- Smell the flowers at the National Orchid Garden.
- Take a highly-rated food and culture tour through Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.
Former Ford Factory ticket prices
Admission to the Former Ford Factory is free for all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. International visitors and tourists are required to pay a standard entry fee of $7.13 per person.
Tickets can be purchased at the visitor services counter upon arrival. Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
How to get to the Former Ford Factory
The most direct way to reach the Former Ford Factory via public transport is by taking the Downtown Line to Hillview MRT station (DT3). From Exit A, the museum is approximately an 850-metre walk along Upper Bukit Timah Road.
Several bus services stop directly outside the museum (Bus Stop 43061) or opposite the site (Bus Stop 43069). These include bus numbers 67, 75, 170, 171, 178, 184, 961, and 961M.
Parking at the Former Ford Factory
Limited free parking is available on the museum grounds for visitors arriving by private vehicle. The car park is located directly in front of the main building entrance.
If the on-site car park is full, visitors can find alternative paid parking at nearby commercial locations such as HillV2 shopping mall or The Rail Mall, both of which are within walking distance.
How long to spend at the Former Ford Factory
Most visitors require approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete a self-guided tour of the galleries. This allows sufficient time to view the permanent exhibition, watch the multimedia presentations, and visit the outdoor garden.
Accessibility at the Former Ford Factory
The Former Ford Factory is fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility and those using wheelchairs or strollers. The building is equipped with ramps and a lift to access the upper floor of the exhibition.
Accessible toilets are located on the ground floor. The layout of the galleries is spacious enough to accommodate mobility aids throughout the tour.
Inside / what to see at the Former Ford Factory
The museum features a permanent exhibition titled “Syonan-to: War and its Legacies.” This exhibition uses archival records and artefacts to document the events surrounding the Japanese Occupation of Singapore.
A primary highlight is the Surrender Boardroom, the actual location where Lieutenant-General A.E. Percival surrendered the British forces to Lieutenant-General Yamashita Tomoyuki on 15 February 1942. The room is preserved with period-accurate furniture to reflect the historical event.
The galleries are organised into four zones: the fall of Singapore, the occupation period, the legacies of the war, and the post-war reconstruction. Displays include personal items, oral history recordings, and wartime propaganda.
Outside the gallery building, the Syona-to Garden showcases food crops that were essential for survival during the occupation. Plants such as tapioca, sweet potato, and yam are grown here to illustrate how residents managed food shortages.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Arrive before 11:00am to avoid peak periods and school groups. |
| Identification | Singapore Citizens and PRs must present a NRIC or Singpass to qualify for free entry. |
| Climate | The galleries are air-conditioned, but the outdoor garden and walk from the MRT are exposed to weather. |
| Photography | Non-flash photography is permitted in most areas, but filming and tripod use are restricted. |
| Lockers | Small lockers are available near the entrance for storing bags that exceed cabin-size limits. |
Frequently asked questions about the Former Ford Factory
| Search Query | Answer |
| Is the Former Ford Factory suitable for children? | Yes, it is an educational site, though some war history content may be sensitive for very young children. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Former Ford Factory? | No, walk-in visitors are accepted and tickets can be bought at the door. |
| Is the Former Ford Factory open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open on Sundays from 9:00am to 5:30pm. |
| Are bags allowed at the Former Ford Factory? | Small bags are allowed, but large luggage or backpacks should be stored in the on-site lockers. |
Things to do near the Former Ford Factory
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: A large primary rainforest area with hiking trails, located a short drive or bus ride away.
- The Rail Mall: A collection of restaurants, cafes, and shops situated along the historic Rail Corridor.
- Hindhede Nature Park: A park featuring accessible walking paths and a lookout point over the Hindhede Quarry.
Elsewhere in Singaopre, you can get a different perspective of the World War II era at the Changi Museum and Chapel. It’s near the airport and Changi Boardwalk in the east of the island. Other WWII attractions include the Battlebox and Fort Siloso.
More Singapore travel
Other Singapore travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Urban planning games at the Singapore City Gallery.
- The attractions that explore Singapore’s Chinese heritage – including the gory Haw Par Villa.
- Personal recommendations for a short break in Singapore.
- Why Singapore is a perfect introduction to Asia.
- What to expect at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore’s Chinatown.
