History, nature, a lost kampung and a cool cafe — here are some places to check out during your journey to the west of Singapore.
While many of us consider places like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or Sentosa the closest we’ll get to feeling like we’re overseas, the perceived ulu suburb of Bukit Batok usually doesn’t make the cut. That’s a pity, because Bukit Batok has plenty of hidden charms — and some of them will even make you feel like you’re on vacation outside Singapore.
While the origins of the name Bukit Batok are lost to history — some sources claim “Batok” comes from the Malay word for “coughing”, the Javanese word for “coconuts”, or simply a mispronunciation of “batu” (stone) — it was once a part of Sleepy Valley, where an estimated 1,100 British soldiers were reportedly entrapped and killed by the Japanese army.
Despite its sombre past, Bukit Batok today is a thriving neighbourhood with modern attractions set amid rich greenery. Here are seven places where you can relax, exercise, eat and play tourist for an hour or two.
Bukit Batok is home to not one, but two now-destroyed war memorials. Located in Lorong Sesuai in Bukit Batok Nature Park, the Japanese Syonan Chureito and the Allied Memorial once honoured fallen soldiers from both factions of the World War II conflict. The Syonan Chureito was built by British and Australian prisoners of war (POWs) under order from the Japanese, who later gave permission for the Allied POWs to build a memorial to their own fallen peers a short distance away.
When Japan surrendered, both monuments were demolished, leaving only the long flight of stairs that once led up to the sites. Today, this stairway serves not only as a challenging workout and Instagram-worthy locale, but also as a silent testament to the area’s rich history.
In the forested area beside the stairs lies the remains of Mendoza Village. Demolished in 1985, the pre-war kampung — which housed Indian, Chinese and Malay families — was named after Clement Mendoza, an Indian Eurasian who married Agusta Png, daughter of the kampung’s landowner Png Swee Thong. How’s that for favourite son-in-law status?
While Coexist Coffee Co., located on the top floor of Hillview Building (48 Hillview Terrace), might require some searching, your quest will be well-rewarded with an expansive, sunlit space filled with the invigorating aroma of coffee. Tip: Take the lift to the seventh storey, and then the stairs to the roof.
The industrial neighbourhood has clearly inspired the cafe’s minimalist, grey aesthetic — enlivened by splashes of dark red tile and paint — but the food and coffee are anything but reminiscent of a factory canteen. Think: Guacamole on brioche toast, buttermilk fried chicken on Belgian waffles and East-meets-West dishes like chilli crab shakshuka. And given that its other branch is a coffee university and micro roastery, the caffeinated brews at Coexist are a must-try.
Gather your kakis, pre-book your slot on the HomeTeamNS mobile app and get ready to channel your inner action hero at Laser Quest at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok. A combo of hide-and-seek and tag spiced up by high-tech elements, Laser Quest sees opposing teams chasing down one another to the pounding beats of high-energy music paired with exhilarating lighting — so you can better re-enact John Wick’s iconic shoot-out in the club.
The facility accommodates up to 10 players per group, and each session lasts 10 minutes. Laser Quest is also available to book as a party package for birthdays or special occasions.
For younger children, there’s T-Play at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, a transportation themed indoor playground with play elements that resemble an airport, roads and train track. Its fun-filled features — like ball pits, slides and trampolines — are specially designed to stimulate physical coordination, cognitive development and navigational skills in children. Parents are welcome to join in the fun and reconnect with their playful side.
Nestled within Bukit Batok Town Park, Little Guilin — once known as Gammon Granite Quarry — has been transformed into a picturesque haven reminiscent of its namesake in Southern China.
Stroll around the idyllic spot and admire the natural rock formations surrounding the old quarry, now a man-made lake after the area was deliberately flooded in the 1980s. Once upon a time, Little Guilin was a popular spot for shooting locally-made period dramas, including one where Channel 8 star Xiang Yun had an unscripted close encounter with a water snake while filming at the lake.
At sunset, park yourself on a bench and enjoy the scenery. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a majestic grey-headed fish eagle swooping down on its dinner.
For an authentic, old-school banquet meal that’s Teochew grandma-approved, visit Swatow City at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok. Its signature dishes include Teochew cold crab – a refreshing starter in Singapore’s sweltering heat – as well as steamed pomfret, fermented bean sauce chicken, and crispy oyster omelette.
Those seeking a more casual dining experience with a variety of cuisine to choose from, can head to Select Gourmet Kitchen at Level 1 of the clubhouse. Here, the popular King of Fried Rice dishes up sizzling delights like the crowd-favourite egg fried rice with add-ons pork cutlet, shrimp or crabmeat and tobiko at affordable prices. Spice-loving fans, you’ll be happy to know that there are mala and tom yum fried rice options.
There’s no shortage of affordable and delicious dinner options in Bukit Batok, which is set to add another hawker centre in Bukit Batok West next year. But if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, you don’t have to venture far from the neighbourhood.
Directly opposite Bukit Gombak MRT station and just a 13-minute walk from HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, you’ll find Dajie Makan Place. This cherished local spot specialises in halal chicken rice, offering both roasted and white varieties, alongside yong tau foo in both Ampang and Hakka styles. The place also serves up flavourful laksa and tom yum soup, and has recently introduced a spicy mala hotpot that has quickly become a crowd favorite. Arrive early to enjoy the full menu, as their popular dishes tend to sell out quickly.
You don’t have to leave Bukit Batok at the end of the day — as long as you’ve had the foresight to book yourself a stay at West Villa at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok.
Choose from the Premier Deluxe, Deluxe or Superior categories and retire for the night in air-conditioned comfort in a two-storey villa with ample space for your loved ones. Equipped with private barbecue pits and comfy living room and kitchen amenities, West Villa is ideal for families to spend some quality time together. Rent a mahjong set or game console, or even an induction cooker to whip up your own family recipes.
Take advantage of the 30% discount on off-peak bookings from Monday to Thursday for stays of at least two nights. Make sure to book through your HomeTeamNS mobile app to secure your spot. With your accommodation sorted, you’re all set to explore the hidden delights of Bukit Batok, an underrated gem among Singapore’s towns.
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