Exploration: Attap Valley Bunker

A dark and muddy adventure

We've been really busy for the past so many weeks due to work commitments and personal stuffs. So we're here once again, updating on our exciting trip which happened on 21st March 2015. We know, it has been quite awhile but hey, we'll never fail to share awesome cheap dates in Singapore. And yes, for this post, this date you and your partner can enjoy for free.

Anyone can enjoy this excursion trip by signing up at the National Heritage Board's website. There are lots of trips available and most of them are free. For this instance, we chose the Attap Valley Bunker which is situated at Attap Valley Road. It's near the Woodlands Fishery Port as seen in the map below. 

Situated at Attap Valley Road, near the Woodlands Fishery Port

There was a few time slots available for the trip. Gathering point was at Admiralty MRT station and we were greeted by this little sign board. Of course, there are other enthusiast explorers like us but somehow, we are the 'semangat' couple whom are well equip with cameras and all. 

The bus entered a rural location of which the area was locked by a very big gate. Once the gate opened, there were volunteers who greeted us with rubber boots. Yes, the route that we will walk will not only be muddy but also creepy too. 

Place in enclosed and blocked by a big old gate. Today we're allowed to 'trespass' :D

It was a lovely sunny Saturday - perfect weather for exploring!

Our tour guides for the day were awaiting us with a row of big black boots.

SUIT UP!

And that's why we need to wear boots.

Rest assured about safety. Ambulance are there to assist if there are emergencies. We were glad this excursion trip was well planned by the NHB. 

Some random shots we took along the way

The tour was guided by a volunteer whom not only know the history of this bunker but very knowledgeable about Singapore. Stories from the late British Colony to the World War 2 was shared by the guide to how the bunker was built and what was its purpose.

History and safety briefing by our tour guide.

It was about 500metres walk to the site and we were greeted by this metal door. It was half opened and we were advised not to touch or hold the door as it was hanging by the hinge. Nonetheless, the bunker entrance has somehow kept its shape and integrity without any vandalism. 

As we enter the Gate, we were greeted by a snail-like tunnel. The pathway was muddy and architecture is unique. The reason it was build this way was to eliminate shocks from bombs from damaging the bunker. 

The walkway. We're lucky boots were provided.

It was really dark and we only had our torchlights and camera flashes to rely on.

Once we entered the pathway, this was the end of our journey. A really big, huge storage facility. It was said that during the war, soldiers kept their ammunition and took cover over bombs happening outside. 

Size wise? The volunteer said hmm.. Equivalent to the size of 25 5-room HDB houses. We guess this place is even bigger than that.

I bet in this kind of environment, it will be very hot. The bunker is actually a hole drilled into a hill (it's not underground). There is a ventilation system in the bunker to keep the soldiers cool, plus it draws in fresh air from outside. Simple but yet very innovative during the 1930s. 

The ventilation system looks like something out of a silent hill game.

If you can zoom on the ceiling support, that's actually a crane. Heavy machineries and ammunition are carried by this devices. 

The ceiling

 Its time to leave and we had to walk through the muddy pathway again.

Last but not least, a selfie with the tour guide who has taught us the history of the bunker and kept us safe in the dark bunker. 

Thank you so much to the tour guides and National Heritage Board for having us.

Here's a video summary!

Until next time, more adventure awaits us.