 Jalan Besar has a rich history and has witnessed many changes to its landscape without losing its old-world charm. One of the first roads to be built in Singapore, Jalan Besar literally means big (or wide) road in Malay. It was cut through the betel nut plantation and fruit orchard owned by the Norris Brothers. The brothers bought this piece of land in a largely swampy area for 113 rupees from the British East India Company in the 1830s.
To most Singaporeans, Jalan Besar is synonymous with the Jalan Besar Stadium, a landmark in the area for almost a century. It was here that many an exciting soccer match was played and a place that also bonded Singaporeans through sports. Another landmark which older Singaporeans will recall is the New World which closed in the 1980s. Some may have even noticed that many of the roads located off Jalan Besar are named after famous World War I battle sites and personalities. Jalan Besar also offers one of the best examples of the Singapore Shophouse. With so many interesting things to offer, Jalan Besar is waiting to be rediscovered. Get gear up and begin your trail at the marker near Tyrwhitt Road by alighting at the nearest MRT Station at Lavender (EW11).
 |
Trail Highlights:
| No. |
Landmarks |
Location |
| 1 |
Swee Choon Dim Sim |
191 Jalan Besar |
| 2 |
Jalan Besar Stadium, built in 1932 |
Tyrwhitt Road |
| 3 |
Jalan Besar |
Along Jalan Besar Road |
| 4 |
New World Gateway |
At the junction of Kitchener Road and Jalan Besar Road |
| 5 |
Lavendar Street |
Along Lavendar Street |
| 6 |
Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, founded in 1910 |
At the junction of Balestier Road and Serangoon Road |
| 7 |
Central Sikh Temple |
At the junction of Towner Road and Serangoon Road |
| 8 |
Boon Keng Estate (Former Bendemeer House) |
Boon Keng Road |
| 9 |
Chwee Kang Beo Temple (Shui Jiang Miao) |
Situated at the side of Kallang River |
| 10 |
Kallang Reclamation Project |
Situated at the side of Kallang River |
| 11 |
Sri Manmatha Karuneshvarar Temple (Kallang Gasworks Sivan Temple), 1st established on 1st Jan 1988 |
Kampong Bugis |
|
Information obtained from the "Balestier Community Trail" publication, a joint effort by the National Heritage Board and the Central Singapore CDC. |
|
|
| |
Address: |
Locate these addresses at www.map.gov.sg. |
How to get there: |
Check the map at www.streetdirectory.com |
|
Tags: singapore culture, singapore events, singapore entertainment, singapore living, singapore life, singapore fun, singapore activities, singapore arts, singapore heritage, singapore museums, singapore community, singapore tourism, singapore activities, jalan besar community trail singapore |
|
|
|
|
|
