One of the things I’ve come to appreciate about cycling is how it gives me the motivation to explore places that I would normally just scroll past on social media. Little Guilin at Bukit Gombak is one of those places. I had seen it many times before in my feed, and while I always thought it looked beautiful, I never really felt strongly enough to make the trip. But ever since I started cycling again, I’ve found myself becoming much more curious about places tucked away in different corners of the city.
What I enjoy most about cycling is that it allows me to literally comb through the city at my own pace. I can take detours, stop whenever something catches my eye, and sometimes even stumble upon places by accident. That was exactly what happened during this visit.
I was actually supposed to head to Bukit Batok Nature Park that day. That was the original plan. But while cycling along the way, I caught sight of a huge rocky formation from behind me. Even just from a quick glance, it looked oddly familiar. At that moment, I realized it was the same spot I had seen online so many times before. It was Little Guilin.
Without even thinking twice, I immediately changed my destination.
And honestly, I’m so glad I did.
Little Guilin has a very different feel compared to the usual city scenery that I am used to seeing in Singapore. It doesn’t seem like it belongs to the surrounding metropolis at all. In the middle of this urban environment, there is suddenly this impressive rocky cliff rising beside calm water, surrounded by greenery. It feels almost like a hidden geological surprise tucked into the city.
Of course, it may not compare to the dramatic landscapes of other countries, but that is not really the point. What makes Little Guilin special is how unique it feels in this part of Singapore. It stands out because it offers something unexpected. The large granite rock formation, the still lake, and the quiet pathways all come together to create a place that feels peaceful and distinct.
What makes it even more interesting is knowing that this landscape is actually man-made in a way. Little Guilin used to be a quarry site, and the lake separating the viewing area from the massive rock formation is a result of that history. So somehow, this place feels like both nature and industry at the same time. It has this unusual identity where human activity has left behind something that now looks calm, scenic, and almost timeless.
During my visit, I really enjoyed the serenity of the area. There were very few people around, which made the whole experience even more relaxing. The silence, the reflection on the water, and the soft evening light made it a pleasant place to just slow down for a while. I even noticed a few kids fishing there, which honestly made me laugh a bit. I’m not actually sure whether fishing is allowed, but they seemed unbothered and nobody was stopping them, so I guess it was fine. Seeing that also made me think that maybe one day I might want to try fishing too, though that still feels like a very distant idea for now.
More than anything, this visit reminded me why I enjoy cycling so much. It is not just about exercise or getting from one place to another. It is also about discovery. It is about visiting places like this that might have remained unvisited in my life if I had relied only on convenience or routine.
Little Guilin may have entered my itinerary by accident, but it ended up becoming the highlight of my ride. And moments like this are exactly why I want to keep exploring.
