Being unable to travel has led us to explore new places in Singapore. Fortunately, there are plenty of spots in Singapore that'll make you feel as though you're overseas, such as Little Guilin! Also known as 'xiao gui lin' in Mandarin, its granite rock formations within a lake resemble the majestic limestone karst hills in the city of Guilin in China. If you're planning a visit to Little Guilin, we've rounded up this all-in-one guide just for you!
How to get to Little Guilin?
Those living in the West side of Singapore might be familiar with Little Guilin as it's located at Bukit Batok Town Park (not to be confused with the Bukit Batok Nature Park). The park is easily accessible as it's only about a 5-minutes' walk from Bukit Gombak MRT Station! Alternatively, you can also take bus 945 from Bukit Batok bus interchange.
What to do at Little Guilin
Although Little Guilin is very accessible from the main road, once you step into the park, you'll feel as though you've been transported overseas! The majestic and towering granite rock cliffs will take your breath away ?
Learn about the history of Little Guilin
Did you know that Singapore used to be scattered with quarries used for mining tonnes of granite? ? Most of these quarries are in Bukit Timah, Woodlands, and even Pulau Ubin. It's been years since granite was mined in Singapore, and many of these old quarries have become scenic spots. As for Little Guilin, the quarry was abandoned and filled with rainwater. In 1984, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) turned it into a beautifully landscaped park.
P.S. Love nature spots? Check out these 11 hiking and walking trails in Singapore!
Take Instagram-worthy pictures
In case you're wondering, this is how the limestone karst formations in Guilin look like! While Little Guilin is a much smaller scale of the real Guilin, you'll still be able to admire scenic views ?
Of course, your visit to Little Guilin wouldn't be complete without snapping some pictures for the 'gram! The granite cliff and quarry makes for a stunning backdrop for pictures. When the water is still, you can even catch a gorgeous reflection of the granite cliff on the lake. It's no wonder that this spot is popular with photographers and wedding couples!
#HHWT Tip: Be sure to visit during sunrise or sunset on a clear day for a more dramatic shot of Little Guilin!
Take a scenic stroll around the park
Besides admiring the granite cliff, the Bukit Batok Town Park is also a family-friendly spot where you can take a nice leisurely stroll. The area around the quarry is a little hilly but you can easily cover the whole park in about 20-30 minutes. While walking along the stone pathways, you'll also come across remnants of granite. You can also lay out your mat and have a picnic here!
P.S. Interested to find out more quarries? Here are 10 other beautiful quarries you need to explore in Singapore.
Halal food near Little Guilin
Looking to fuel up after your visit to Little Guilin? There are various yummy and halal food that you can try such as halal bak kut teh, yong tau fu and also seafood shell-out!
Habib Family Restaurant
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Malay/Indian/Chinese (Halal Bak Kut Teh)
Opening hours: Daily, 6AM-1AM
Address: 374 Bukit Batok Street 31, HDB, Singapore 650374
Dajie Halal Chicken Rice & Niang Dou Fu
Halal status: Halal-certified
Cuisine: Chinese (Halal Yong Tau Fu, Chicken Rice, Wanton Noodles)
Opening hours: Daily, 10AM-9.30PM
Address: 372 Bukit Batok Street 31, #01-374, Singapore 650372
Dad's Corner
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Western (Seafood shell-out, Steak)
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 12PM-10PM
Address: 91 Bukit Batok West Ave 2, Bukit Batok Civil Service Club #03-04, Singapore 659206
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If you're looking to explore somewhere new this weekend, it's time to make a trip to Little Guilin! With magnificent views, it's perfect for a respite from city life ? Gather your loved ones and plan your visit!
Little Guilin
Opening hours: 24/7 (park lights are switched on from 7PM-7AM)
Address: Along Bukit Batok East Ave 5, Singapore 650242