Did you know that Jalan Besar in Malay means the big road? The area we will walk through during our tour is located between the Rochor and Kallang rivers, a swampy area back in the days, until the land was reclaimed in the 1850s.
It was a desirable area for hunters, fishermen, shipyards, sawmills, rubber factories and slaughterhouses.
We will learn about the origin of various street names (such as British and French military generals), see the Holy Trinity Church and the Thekchen Choling Tibetan Buddhist Temple.
During our walk we will see the unique collection of shophouses and learn about the various architecture styles they were built in such as Rococo, Chinoiseries and Chinese Baroque.
We will also learn about the patrons who commissioned the shophouses and how the area has changed from hardware shops to boutique hotels.
We will walk by the Jalan Besar Stadium built in 1929 where the Malaya Cup matches took place and the Old Victoria School built in 1933 which is now the where the PAP headquarter is located.
Our tour will end at the Jalan Berseh Food Centre located on 166 Jalan Besar Road where you will have an opportunity to enjoy local food at your own cost.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Meet: Lavender MRT exit B – McDonalds’
Cost: $35 ANZA Member, $40 Non-Member
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