The Bukit Batok neighbourhood is home to a number of hiking trails and nature spots like the newly opened Bukit Gombak Park and Little Guilin. Since it'll be a while before we can all travel freely again, Singaporeans have been looking for hidden gems to uncover. If you're up for an adventure this weekend, head over to the Bukit Batok Hillside Park, an abandoned park with ruins, overgrown vegetation and more. Wondering where is Bukit Batok Hillside Park? We've got you covered with this guide, including halal food nearby!
Where is Bukit Batok Hillside Park and how to get there?
Located in between Bukit West Ave 5 and Bukit Batok West Ave 2, Bukit Batok Hillside Park was formerly known as Greenwood Park but it seems to have been abandoned for years now. You can find it on Google Maps. The park is located about a 10-15 minutes' walk from Bukit Gombak MRT Station.
There are two recommended entrances to get to Bukit Batok Hillside Park:
- Easy - Bukit Batok West Ave 2 (near the bus stop and opposite Blk 315)
- Challenging - Bukit Batok West Ave 5 (just before the junction of Bukit Batok West Ave 9)
Credit: Wen Liang Ooi on Facebook
If you're entering through Bukit Batok West Ave 2, look out for this road sign and a cone with a red flag right at the entrance. There is a demarcated unofficial path on the easier trail and it will take you around 30 minutes to reach the hilltop of the park. The more challenging path will require a little more trail-bashing and will possibly take you more than 1 hour.
What to see at Bukit Batok Hillside Park?
"Torii" gates & pavillion
Credit: @pinkylogy on Instagram
Miss travelling to Japan and you can't wait to go there when borders reopen? Fuel your wanderlust for a bit at Bukit Batok Hillside Park as there's a row of wooden structures here resembling the iconic torii gates in Japan. No one knows why the structure is as such but with the overgrown vegetation surrounding it, it feels as though you're in a charming forest in Japan.
Credit: @simplybetchie on Instagram
There's also a wooden pavilion or "resting hut" here where you can pose for some shots.
Abandoned well
Credit: Shirley Mah on Facebook
Adding to the rustic feel of the park is an abandoned well. If you're coming to the park from the easier entrance, climb the flight of steps all the way up, follow the path for about 5 minutes and you'll be able to spot the well.
View from the hilltop
Credit: @pinkylogy on Instagram
There's also an unofficial viewpoint where you'll be able to enjoy a view of Bukit Batok and take a breather. To get to this viewpoint, you'll need to go off-track for a bit.
Stone steps
Credit: @kaiallard on Instagram
These stone steps are the first structures you'll find from the entrance at Bukit Batok West Ave 2. Though the park has been abandoned, these rock steps look like they have withstood the test of time and is also a picture-perfect spot. Hikers have also mentioned that when it's raining, a stream of water will cascade down these steps which makes it look like a mini waterfall.
TL; DR
If you're planning to head to Bukit Batok Hillside Park and looking for directions on how to get there and what you shouldn't miss, check out this video by 3 wheelingtots on YouTube:
Tips to hike Bukit Batok Hillside Park
- Wear proper hiking shoes and dress in long pants and long sleeves
- Use plenty of insect repellent
- Bring plenty of water as the hike is not an easy one
- Be very careful when you walk on the old wooden structures as some parts are decayed
- Hike in groups instead of alone
- It's recommended to visit the park in good weather as the terrain is uneven
- Bring along a hiking stick if you have one
- Follow the red and white markers that have been left by other hikers
Halal food near Bukit Batok Hillside Park
Habib Family Restaurant
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Cuisine: Malay/Indian/Chinese (Halal Bak Kut Teh)
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)
Address: 372 Bukit Batok Street 31, #01-374, Singapore 650372
Feeling like going on an adventure soon? SHARE this with your hiking buddies and head over to Bukit Batok Hillside Park!
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