Blimey, It seems that the quaint neighbourhood of Jalan Besar is back on the radar guys! What a great new this is! With the increasing streams of cool hipster bars, cafes and coffee joints, all of which kindle back the sparks of soul that were long lost from this town. Indeed, Jalan Besar was once a sleepy monotonous town that has now undergone a complete 180o makeover. Today, it is becoming one of the liveliest neighbourhood in Singapore. Hot on the heels of Tiong Bahru, this town is steadily sealing its name and status as a splendid ‘lepak’ spot for foodies at heart. 

Long before Jalan Besar was covered by swamps and rural patches, inhabited by wildlife, including ducks, snakes, fishes, birds and mud lobsters, this land was full of snipes that made it as a favourite hunting ground. Slowly, this land was left to wither to its fate. But not until then, in the 1880s, that Jalan Besar had emerged. Jalan Besar means ‘Large Road’ in Malay which was taken after a big road was constructed from the nipah land. Instead of large, it is more of a ‘Main Road’, that’s the only one connecting Kallang and Ronchor. Meanwhile, local Hoklos once called it ‘kam kong ka poh thai tu long’ which meant ‘the slaughter pig depot in Kampung Kapor’, referring to the abattoir in the vicinity.

While all these have long gone, time is yet standing still in pockets of this historic town with all the peculiar streets bearing the names of World War I British generals and admirals, for instance, Tyrwhitt, Kitchener and Foch. Later in 1923, the first amusement park called New World Amusement Park was built. People from all walks of life came seeking excitements like cabaret girls, opera shows, striptease and boxing matches, after a hard day work. Soon after a few decades operating, this park was shut down in 1987 as the business gradually overwhelmed by the rising shopping centres, discos and televisions in particular.

Despite a significant change of Jalan Besar, Singaporeans and tourists alike are still able to appreciate the juxtaposition of the old and new, as you can still spot some heritage sites and interesting newly developed landmarks at the same time. Get yourself ready to discover every nooks and cranny of this neighbourhood!

How to Get There

By Train

The criss-cross of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) throughout Singapore makes it even easier for locals and tourists to reach Jalan Besar. Within this town, itself nestled an underground station called Jalan Besar MRT Station (DT22) along the Downtown Line (DTL) Stage 3. This station is also near Ronchor Station (DT13). Depending on your destination, you will have to either decide the two main exits, Exit A or Exit B at this station. Oh and if you are here, don’t miss out the chance to have a glimpse of the artworks in the transit named ‘A Kaleidoscope World’ by Lydia Wong.

By Bus

There is one official bus stop at this Jalan Besar MRT Station which is at the Exit A, labelled as 07529. Several bus routes are 64, 65, 130, 139, 147 and 857. Also, some other nearby bus stations like 07231 at Kitchener Road before Tai Hoe Hotel, 07319 at Jalan Besar after Allenby Road, 07419 Jalan Besar at the opposite of Veerasam Road and 07331 Kitchener Road after King George’s Ave. Below is the list of bus routes: 21, 21A, 23, 64-67, 125, 130 and 141.

By Taxi

Nearby taxi stands and pick-up/drop-off points are located at Weld Road at Exit A, and Jalan Besar at Exit B. Don’t hail taxis other than at the official stands. Else, book beforehand. This is extremely a lifesaver especially during rainy days, festive seasons and daily rush hours which begin from 6.00 am to 9.30 pm and from 6.00pm to midnight. But bearing in mind, that booking fees are applied.

Tourist Attractions

Xcape Singapore

This 8,000 sq ft property, Xcape Singapore will get you blown away with over 11 exciting theme games and 52 thrilling game chambers across five outlets at the city centre! Within the vicinity of Jalan Besar, Xcape Singapore is the first, the largest and the most popular ever reality room escape game provider in Singapore. This place is so overloading with awesomeness. Dying to try them out? Come and experience them yourselves!

City Square Mall

This mall might pass you like any other neighbourhood mall, but City Square Mall has more than meets the eye! With 700,000 sq ft, this mall is the very first eco-mall in Singapore from which it was built with eco-friendly structures from scratch. From a rooftop that collects rainwater and has light sensors to regulate electrical lighting to high-efficiency air-conditioners that use less electricity and recycle its condensed water, all are built with environmental sustainability in mind. Offering a wide array of services, activities, lifestyle decors and even cuisines, this mall is indeed a wonder!

Mustafa Centre

A Walmart-esque mall here in Singapore? This is so not a joke! Mustafa Centre is a famous mega mall that sells almost everything with over 300,000 items. From jewellery to clothes, gadgets to stationary, food to medicines and cosmetics to toiletries, all are under one roof! What’s even more interesting is that you are also able to purchase flight tickets, tour packages and even visa services! Oh, what a blissful shopping experience it will be! Come and swing by this mall at any time of the day and any day of the week since this mall is at your service 24/7!

Little India

A buzzing of vibrant Indian culture, Little India of Singapore truly lives up to its name. A walk down the Serangoon Road and other neighbouring streets will indeed be a walk to remember with its awe-inspiring traditional aesthetics. Indulge yourself in the harmonious blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, pulsing in the core of this 200-year-old enclave. Little India of Singapore is truly a culture splendour!

The Refinery

Bored of the usual old eateries? Your search will end here! The Refinery is a three-level establishment which on the first floor is a yakitori restaurants where you can get the best mouth-watering meat skewers, on the second is home to a stunning speakeasy bar and lastly a craft workshop on the third floor for creative minds to make wonders. Three-in-one excitement? What else could you ask for? 

Hotels

Kam Leng Hotel

Definite worth the stay with this 3-star Kam Leng Hotel which is near Jalan Besar’s excitement. With a wide array of amenities like restaurant, bar, laundry service, parking and even tours, are an absolute complementary to make your stay here even more comfortable and enjoyable. Room prices range from as lowest as SGD 79.03 up to the maximum of SGD 225.11 per night. Isn’t it simply affordable?

Aqueen Jalan Besar Hotel

Another praise-worthy hotel located at the town itself is none other than the Aqueen Jalan Besar Hotel. Also, a 3-star property which received good reviews from their customer as offering good services and hospitality. The rates here differ according to the types of room that you pick. But one thing for sure, you can get a superior double room with just SGD 129.95 only and a maximum of SGD 192.68 per night for a premier double room.

7 Wonders Boutique Capsule

At the heart of this town, nestled a budget hostel that is cheap and affordable but with note-worthy services, cleanliness and hospitality. This hostel isn’t just the best choice for a solo traveller, but it is also suitable for those a larger group of travellers as they too provide family-oriented rooms. What’s more interesting here is that it creates a cohesive environment for strangers to be friends regardless of nation, races, cultures and religions! As affordable as SGD 26.44 per capsule and up to a maximum of SGD599.09 only for Great Wall Room, a family-oriented room that can accommodate up to 20 people at once!

There are so many popular hotels that you can choose for your staycation in Singapore such as during public holiday Singapore. Here is the list of popular Singapore hotels that you can explore with Singapore hotel deals:

Marina Bay Sands | Hotel 81 | Shangri La Singapore | Fullerton Hotel | Hotel Boss | Sentosa Hotel | Andaz Singapore | Mandarin Orchard | Pan Pacific Singapore | Sofitel Sentosa | Capella Singapore | Raffles Hotel | Mandarin Oriental Singapore | Resorts World Sentosa | Ritz Carlton Singapore | Fairmont Singapore | Grand Hyatt Singapore | Intercontinental Singapore | Fullerton Bay Hotel | Goodwood Park Hotel | Hilton Singapore | Orchard Hotel | Carlton Hotel | Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa