Sitting in the western region of Singapore, Little Guilin has become known as one of the island’s hidden gems with a rich history. What was once an active granite quarry has transformed into a well-loved scenic attraction for locals and tourists. Aside from the aesthetic appeal of Little Guilin that attracts people from all over, this beautiful location has also played a role in shaping the real estate landscape surrounding it over the years.
In this article, we are going to go over the history of Little Gulin and how it got its name. We will also take a look at the real estate development the area has seen over time, along with the shifts in property prices and the government’s efforts to preserve the charm and historical importance of Little Guilin.
Origins of Little Guilin: The Quarry
Bukit Batok Town Park, better known as Little Guilin, is a nature park located along Bukit Batok East Avenue 5. This park gets its name, Little Guilin, from its stark resemblance to Guilin in China.
Little Guilin used to be a granite quarry called the Bukit Gombak Granite Quarry. Various construction projects in Singapore used granite supplied from this site, and the quarrying activities that were undertaken on this site eventually left a rugged landscape consisting of giant cliffs and a lake.
Once it was abandoned in the 1980s, the quarry slowly turned into a lake as a result of rainwater collecting. Then, in 1984, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) developed this abandoned quarry into Little Guilin, the nature park that we know today.
Preservation Efforts and Urban Planning
The first decision to preserve the granite quarry was taken by HDB in 1984, when it was converted into a park open to the public. HDB built a low granite retaining wall at the edges of the quarry to ensure that the location would not become a safety hazard for visitors and so that the water levels could be retained.
In addition to this, HDB also found a smaller quarry located at a higher ground that could be used to supply fresh water to Little Guilin through engineering efforts. With the park ready for visitors, in 1990, the Bukit Gombak MRT Station had also opened. This provided visitors and residents in the surrounding areas with an easier commute and more convenience.
Real Estate Development
Influenced by its transformation from a granite quarry to a scenic landscape and tourist attraction, residential and commercial properties in the surrounding area have seen high demand and appreciation over the years.
Development of Real Estate Over Time
The development of Bukit Batok, and Little Gulin started with the park in the 1980s. Since then, HDB has built over 40,000 flats around the area. Development of private housing such as apartments, condominiums and landed houses soon followed, catering to a larger demographic of homeowners.
With the development of residential property, Bukit Batok has also seen a range of commercial properties built over time. Shopping malls such as the West Mall, HillV2 and Bukit Batok West Shopping Centre offer residents a variety of dining options, entertainment, and retail options.
There are also supermarkets and other essential services such as medical facilities, banks, fitness centres and educational institutions that meet the needs and preferences of those living in the area. Moreover, the area is well-connected with public transportation as the Bukit Batok MRT station is there along with various bus stations for residents and visitors to use.
Contributing Factor For Appeal
Apart from the wide range of housing options and recreational amenities available to residents in Bukit Batok, Little Guilin’s natural beauty and historical significance is a major factor in the overall appeal of living in this part of Singapore.
Little Guilin offers residents of surrounding neighbourhoods with scenic landscapes consisting of rock formations, lush greenery, a lake and an air of tranquillity. Aesthetic appeal aside, this also offers homeowners several benefits in terms of real estate.
The presence of a natural attraction like Little Guilin positively impacts the value of property in the surrounding area. Over time, homeowners may enjoy capital gains on their property as the picturesque views and natural tourist attraction add desirability to the neighbourhoods in proximity. For owners looking to rent out their property, the overall attractiveness of the location can lead to a higher rental demand and higher rental rates.
Properties in Proximity
There are several properties in Bukit Batok which offer residences with a stunning view of Little Guilin. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Guilin View
Guilin View is a condominium development with a leasehold of 99 years, and is located in District 23 at Bukit Batok Street 52. Completed in 2000, this condominium offers residents a beautiful view of the limestone formations of Little Guilin, as its name suggests.
The development comprises five tower blocks with 655 units and facilities like a gym, tennis court, children’s play area, swimming pools, barbeque pits and tracks for running and cycling among many others. Moreover, it is well-connected to the Bukit Gombak MRT station, which is a 5-minute walk away, and to all the major expressways BKE, KJE, and PIE.
Since 2016, Guilin View has experienced an average growth rate of 28 per cent. The average price per square foot for each unit has increased from $818 in 2016 to $1048 at present, according to Edgeprop.
Hillview Regency
Another apartment complex that offers views of Little Guilin along with a range of facilities and amenities is Hillview Regency. It is also located in District 23 at Bukit Batok. This development was completed in 2005, and comprises two 25-storey towers with 572 apartment units.
Residents of Hillside Regency have convenient access to Bukit Gombak, Hillside, and Bukit Batok MRT along with bus stations in the surrounding area. Moreover, they have access to several schools and amenities that meet the needs of different residents.
Just like with Guilin View, Hillview Regency has appreciated over the years, with an average annual growth rate of 30 per cent, with the average unit price increasing from $832 to $1085 since 2016.
Property Values Over The Years
As we mentioned above, residential properties in close proximity to Little Guilin could potentially offer higher capital gains and allow for the properties to appreciate over time. A comparative study conducted by 99 co on three different 99-year leasehold condominium developments in Singapore suggested that condominiums in Bukit Batok appreciated more than their counterparts over a period of time. In this case, the 99-year leasehold condominiums in Bukit Batok appreciated 50.53 per cent over an 8 year period.
Closing Thoughts
From its humble beginnings as a granite quarry site to a view that appeals to nature enthusiasts, Little Guilin has transformed while experiencing tremendous growth. Little Guilin has not just captured the interest and hearts of visitors in search of picturesque, natural views, but has played a significant role in how real estate has developed in the surrounding area of Bukit Batok. As a result, properties that surround the park have also experienced growth and appreciation.
The appeal of living near the natural beauty of Little Guilin, along with the recreational activities and amenities available to residents, has made the neighbourhoods and surrounding areas highly sought-after by homeowners and tenants.
If you are interested in investing in property with scenic views and tranquillity by Little Guilin and other highly sought after locations for housing, feel free to reach out to us here. As always, we are happy to answer any questions you have and offer you guidance on your property journey.
In the meantime, stay on the lookout for more articles by PLB Insights. See you soon!
