Your Complete Guide to the Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Naval Base for a Mysterious Adventure
If uncovering hidden history excites you, the Marsiling WWII Tunnel and Naval Base is a must-visit. Nestled in Singapore’s northern fringe, this offbeat spot reveals eerie tunnels and remnants of a storied wartime past.
But let’s be real—finding and exploring these tunnels isn’t a walk in the park. That’s why I’ve put together this detailed guide to help you navigate safely, uncover its historical significance, and make the most of your visit.
History and Background
Built by the British Royal Air Force as a secret fuel depot before WWII, the Marsiling WWII Tunnels later served the Japanese during their occupation, holding the weight of two military powers in their walls.
What makes these tunnels even more fascinating is their mystery. Some say they were connected to Johor for strategic purposes, while others believe they hid more secrets than fuel.
Rediscovered in the 2000s, the tunnels remain a rare glimpse into Singapore’s WWII history, blending fact and speculation. It’s incredible to imagine the hidden operations that once defined this now-abandoned space!
Things to Know
Location: Near Admiralty Road West and Marsiling Crescent
Hours: Open 24 hours
Fees: Free entry
Accessibility: Not suitable for individuals with mobility challenges or for strollers
Pet-friendly? No
Rules and restrictions:
✔ Bring light sources like flashlights
✔ Bring communication devices and first-aid kits
✖ Don’t disturb wildlife
✖ No littering
✖ No vandalism
What to Pack
Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants (with pockets for small trash), and sturdy shoes that can handle mud. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later
Essentials: A headlamp, gloves, poncho, and clean clothes for afterwards (because mud is part of the fun)
Safety gear: A reliable torch, plenty of water, and insect repellent. Mosquitoes love this spot as much as explorers do.
Fully charged mobile phone: Ensure someone knows your itinerary. Carry a fully charged phone to call someone in case of an emergency.
First-aid kit: There are rocks and slippery surfaces. Have something to treat minor cuts, scrapes, or insect bites on the spot.
How to Get There
Starting point: Begin at Woodlands Waterfront Carpark. Walk along Admiralty Road West towards Marsiling Crescent, following trails through the dense forest to reach the tunnels.
By MRT and bus: From Marsiling MRT Station (North South Line), take Bus 856 and alight at the ‘Bef R.M.N. Barracks’ stop. From there, it’s a short walk to Woodlands Waterfront Carpark.
By bus: From the ‘Bef W’Lands Waterfront Pk’ bus stop (47011) on Admiralty Road West, walk towards Marsiling Crescent. Enter the forested area and follow the trail to the tunnels.
By car: Park at Woodlands Waterfront Park’s carpark along Admiralty Road West; it’s a short walk from the Marsiling Tunnels’ trailhead. Parking is free from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM; afterwards, it’s S$0.60 per 30 minutes.
Things to Do
Go on a guided or DIY exploration
Media from ntualumniclub
Join a guided tour like Beyond Expeditions for expert insights, or explore solo for a thrilling, self-paced journey.
If you’re like me who thinks he’s some kind of Indiana Jones, DIY exploration offers the thrill of discovery at your own pace. Just keep an eye out for uneven terrain and slippery spots.
Explore the abandoned WWII tunnels
Media from gdsamaritan
Inside the abandoned tunnels, the pitch-black tunnels with ankle-deep mud, rusty pipes, and eerie echoes bring Singapore’s wartime past to life—a thrilling and bold adventure! Almost backed out at the last minute but reminded myself I’m Jones, Indiana Jones.
Look out for fuel tanks, handwritten warnings, and WWII remnants, but tread carefully. Slippery surfaces and sinkholes make safety essential.
Spot historical artefacts
Media from dicksonpphotography
Exploring the Marsiling WWII Tunnel reveals fascinating artefacts (with the occasional fat gecko) that tell Singapore’s wartime story. Built by the British, used by the Japanese, and later abandoned, its rusted fuel tanks and handwritten warnings echo history at every turn.
Some of the more intriguing stuff I saw were broken tools, metal scraps, other forgotten equipment, and faint messages from what I presumed were soldiers at the time.
Media from waiseong1984
Don’t miss the remnants of the nearby British naval base, including old bunkers and depots that once supported wartime operations. I was thrilled to see large, abandoned tanks that once stored fuel for wartime operations and rusty pipes and valves that were part of the tunnel’s fuel transport system.
Nearby, you’ll find concrete bunkers that once served as storage or defence structures, offering a glimpse into wartime strategies. Inside the tunnels, narrow drainage channels reveal the practical engineering used to manage water during operations.