Long waits at Fort Canning’s Tree Tunnel spark tourist tension and online backlash
A popular photo spot in Singapore has become the centre of a heated international debate after a video of tourists arguing over photo-taking time at Fort Canning Park went viral.
Viral Clash Over Popular Photo Spot
A video uploaded to Xiaohongshu captured a verbal altercation between two groups of tourists at Fort Canning Park’s famous Tree Tunnel on July 6. The spiral staircase, bathed in natural light from a circular well overhead, has become a must-visit spot popularised by social media—especially among visitors from China, Indonesia, Thailand, and India.
The dispute erupted when a man dressed in black appeared to take an extended amount of time photographing his companion, causing visible frustration among those waiting. A woman in a yellow dress confronted him, leading to an exchange of insults including “Shame on you,” from both parties.
Queue Length Sparks Frustratio
At around 5pm on the same day, Shin Min Daily News reported that nearly 50 people were in line to snap photos at the tunnel, with some waiting up to 30 minutes. Tourists expressed concerns over the lack of time management and etiquette at the spot.
ndonesian visitor Ms Chen, 33, suggested limiting photo sessions to three to five minutes per group. “It’s inconsiderate when people take too long, especially with kids running around and disturbing others,” she said.
Social Media Backlash and Comments
Reactions to the video were swift. Commenters largely criticised the man in black as the aggressor, calling out his extended use of the space and confrontational tone. Other netizens questioned the hype, with one Facebook user sarcastically commenting, “It’s just Fort Canning… Is there treasure there?” Another joked, “Just use AI.”
A June post on Xiaohongshu had already highlighted queue-jumping issues, with users claiming some tourists pretended to climb the stairs only to quickly take a photo mid-queue.
Earlier Theft Incident Adds to Concerns
This isn’t the first time the spot has made headlines. In February 2025, a Chinese tourist lost her DJI pocket gimbal camera—worth over 5,000 yuan (S$919)—after handing it to a stranger who returned only her phone. The incident raised further concerns over safety and crowd behaviour at the location.
Visitors Call for Better Management
Some tourists have proposed simple solutions to reduce tension, including signage suggesting photo time limits and queue etiquette. Ms Duan, 35, from China, remarked, “If you think the wait is too long, you can choose not to take photos. But clearer guidelines would help everyone.”
The Fort Canning incident highlights how viral tourist spots can become flashpoints for conflict without proper crowd control and etiquette. As Singapore continues to attract international visitors, balancing the charm of its landmarks with responsible tourism is essential—not just for local harmony, but also for maintaining its reputation abroad. For Indonesian and regional travellers, planning ahead and being mindful of others may be the best way to enjoy these photogenic locations.
Sources: Mothership (2025) , Stomp (2025)
Keywords: Fort Canning, Tree Tunnel, Tourist Dispute, Singapore Travel, Viral Video, Photo Taking Incident
