Wild Boar Sighting in Bukit Panjang Goes Viral on TikTok, Sparks Online Buzz
A casual encounter with a wild boar in Bukit Panjang has captured the attention of netizens after a local TikTok user shared her surprising experience while trying to find Hillion Mall.
TikTok user @ashlynn_ono posted a short video on 3 July showing a large wild boar calmly munching on foliage behind a tree. The clip, which has since gone viral, quickly sparked a flurry of comments — not just about the unexpected sighting, but also about how the TikToker managed to get lost in an area well known to locals.
Unexpected Wildlife Encounter in an Urban Neighbourhood
In her post, @ashlynn_ono explained she was trying to find Hillion Mall but ended up wandering into an area where she crossed paths with the boar. Despite being startled, she kept calm and urged residents nearby to avoid approaching the animal and to simply walk around it.
“No one was harmed,” she reassured followers, adding that she had warned local residents to steer clear of the wild boar to prevent any accidents.
Wild boars are known to frequent nature-adjacent neighbourhoods in Singapore, and Bukit Panjang’s proximity to nature reserves such as Bukit Timah and Dairy Farm means such encounters, while surprising to some, are not entirely uncommon.
Netizens React: More Shocked by the Getting Lost Than the Boar
While many viewers were captivated by the wild boar itself, a large number of netizens expressed more astonishment over how the TikToker got lost trying to find a popular mall.
One commenter questioned, “How do you get lost finding Hillion? It’s right next to the MRT station!”
The TikTok user admitted to having a “horrible sense of direction” and revealed she took the bus, which led to her unexpected detour.
Several local users joined in, joking that wild boar sightings in Bukit Panjang are almost part of daily life. One netizen noted that gates have even been installed in some parts of the neighbourhood to keep the animals out.
Wild Boar Sightings on the Rise Near Singapore’s Nature Reserves
Wildlife officials advise the public to stay calm when encountering wild animals like boars and to avoid feeding or provoking them. These animals typically only act aggressively when threatened or cornered.
The National Parks Board (NParks) reminds residents that while such encounters can be startling, they are part of living close to Singapore’s treasured natural habitats.
With urban areas like Bukit Panjang bordering extensive green spaces, sightings of wild animals may become more frequent, prompting ongoing efforts to educate the public on safe and respectful wildlife interactions.