It has been so long since I visited this old flame, and I’m glad I did. She had grown so much more beautiful since I last remembered her and time to visit her more often. Image Credit: Wikipedia
There’s numerous stories of where the name originated from. ‘Bukit’ in Malay means hill and it’s appropriate as this area has many hills. The word ‘Batok’ though had several possible interpretations.
One version has it that, according to a Javanese village chief in the tiny village of Gassing was that coconut trees used to grow abundantly on the hills in the area and Batok was the Javanese term for coconuts.
Another version says that the older Chinese believe that the hills were formed from solid granite which is called 'Batu' in Malay. Over time this was corrupted to 'bato' and finally 'Batok'.
Another more macabre story has it that the hill resembles a skull top and 'batok' could be construed to mean "skull top".
Yet others believe that 'Batok', the Malay word for cough is linked to the place either because of its surrounding hilly cool air that causes residents nearby to frequently have coughs or colds while some believe that the sound of explosions historically used at its nearby granite quarry sounded like someone coughing.
Bukit Batok Nature Park was developed on an abandoned quarry site in 1988 and it now features stunning views and crystal clear waters. Definitely one of the more picturesque Singapore park in my books.
An interesting story here is following the successful conquest of Singapore, General Yamashita ordered 500 Australian Prisoners of War to construct the Japanese war memorial, Syonan Chureito shrine, at the top of Bukit Batok Hill. Throughout the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese officials and military personnel would frequently worship their emperor in the Syonan Chureito shrine. In addition, footages of these ceremonies would be broadcast as propaganda in Japan to ensure the citizens’ continuous support for the war.
However, the shrine was ultimately destroyed by the Japanese themselves at the end of World War II as they feared that the honour of the memorial would be tarnished by the returning British troops. Two pillars and 120 concrete steps leading to a transmission tower are the only remains of that memorial. The significance and meaning of the location is conveyed to visitors through a plaque that lies at the foot of the stairs.
Beneath all that tranquil facade lies a history too that’s rather morbid. Two vicious murder and 3 unnatural deaths all happened in Bukit Batok Nature Park.
In 2000, 26-year-old lady was attacked during her morning jog in the park. She was later found naked in a 10-metre ravine with a bloodied nose and mouth after her cries for help were heard by passer-bys. A week later, she succumbed to her injuries. The culprit was never caught. Since her death, there have been tales of a white figure suspended in the vegetation and unnatural chills experienced when walking. The case remains unsolved.
In 2007, a 43 year old lady died when a huge Raintree fell on her at about 7 am, minutes after she had left her home for her usual brisk walk at the Bukit Batok Nature Park.
In 2008, the decomposed body of 47-year-old lady property agent was found along the slopes at Lorong Sesuai. She had gotten into an argument with a Malay acquaintance over money unreturned. In a fit of anger, the Malay man punched her in the head and face. After threats by the lady to call the police, the man snatched her mobile phone and struck her repeatedly in the head. He then carried the unconscious lady to the bottom of the slope and left her to die.
In 2019, the bodies of a Japanese mother and son were found at the top of the hill. The boy, aged 5, was found motionless in the car while the woman, aged 41, was lying outside the vehicle.
If this had not deter you from visiting the park, do make a trip there to enjoy the beautiful scenery and views
