HERE'S a golf course where kids can feel like giants - literally.

Every weekend, dozens of 'Gulliver golfers' can be spotted at LilliPutt, the indoor miniature golf course at East Coast's Playground@Big Splash.

The only themed mini golf course here, which started in 2003, was temporarily shut down in 2006 when Big Splash was closed for renovations. It re-opened in February this year.

Originally located on the first storey, the golf course cost almost $500,000 to relocate to the third storey.

And it is a place not only for golf, but to learn more about Singapore.

A father and son putt at famous S'pore icon the Esplanade at hole 4.

Said LilliPutt's director, Ms Tan Seok Hwee: 'At each hole, there are signages explaining the history and interesting facts of each place of interest. For example, we tell kids that Sentosa was previously a fishing village known as the island of death in Malay.

'So it's a fun learning experience for the whole family.'

AROUND S'PORE IN 18 HOLES

The 18 holes are named and modelled after major attractions in Singapore, such as Sentosa, Changi Airport, and the Esplanade.

And like the adventurer in Gulliver's Travels, the kids can set off on their own 'journey' around Singapore as they tackle each hole at the 3,000 sq m facility - the size of about two and a half basketball courts.

Each hole is fitted with visual animation and sound effects, and special challenges and obstacles.

A ball putted through the Haw Par Villa hole, for example, lights up the eyes of a model dragon.

At another hole - the MRT - a model train moves three metres when the golf ball enters the carriage, while at the Sentosa hole, a mini cable car transports the golf ball to a mini island.

One avid golfer is five-year-old Angelique Seah. Her father, insurance agency manager Desmond Seah, 35, said he took her to the golf course to spend quality time with her.

Said Mr Seah: 'She really loves the course because not only can she learn how to play golf, she gets to explore and learn about the different parts of Singapore.'

Angelique said her favourite obstacle was the Singapore Turf Club, as her father had previously taken her to the Saddle Club to look at horses.

A boy tries out hole 6 with a Fountain of Wealth theme.

Said Mr Seah: 'The models of the jockeys and race horses helped to rekindle her previous experience at the Saddle Club.'

Another parent, who wanted to be known only as Mrs Ong, went with her three children - Javier, 10, Jenell, 8, and Jorryn, 6.

Said Mrs Ong: 'Having a mini air-conditioned golf course allows both kids and parents to have fun without the frustration of the heat and perspiration of an outdoor course.'

The 18 holes take about 90 minutes to complete.

Shoes are not allowed, and all patrons must wear socks for hygiene purposes.

The facility includes a cafe, where birthday parties and other family events can be held.

The organisers hope to include more features to the course soon.

Said Ms Tan: 'We hope to enhance the mechanisms and add more tourist sites to the course.

'We are still in discussion about adding the Singapore Flyer as one of the attractions.'

This article was first published in The New Paper on May 13, 2008.