Developed from a small track through a plantation to a major road serving the residents, Jalan Besar literally means “wide or big road” in Malay.

This conservation area used to house Singapore’s first amusement park – New World Park. The park was filled with exciting cabarets, opera halls, open-air cinemas and more (not roller coasters and the likes), but unfortunately closed down in 1987. Singapore’s first eco-mall, City Square Mall, and its neighbouring developments stand in its place. You can however catch a glimpse of the reconstructed park gate which stands at the adjacent City Green park as a symbolic reminder.

You will find many colourful shophouses lining the streets, giving this area a subtle old-world charm.