Located near the Kallang River, Paya Lebar was once a large swamp – hence, the Malay translation for 'wide swamp'. With a population increase, it started to see many rural settlements and agricultural grounds in its surrounding areas. However, in 1865, it was purchased and colonised by Richard Owen Norris who lived there with his family.
But the vibrant cultural enclave was truly known to be home to one of the last Malay settlements on mainland Singapore – Kampong Melayu. Also known as Kampong Eunos, it stretched from Jalan Eunos to Sims Avenue and Changi Road, and is home to many Malays and wealthy Arabs including the Alkaff, Alsagoff, and Aljunied families.
As the number of kampungs falls, the number of flats and malls rises, and this is not a surprising sight in Modern Singapore. But all is not lost. To preserve the Malay cultural heritage while turning Paya Lebar into the ultimate lifestyle and commercial destination in the east, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has plans to develop Paya Lebar Central, within which Geylang Serai is situated, into a centre characterised with its distinct cultural identity – giving you more reasons to visit this up-and-coming neighbourhood.
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Hello Singapore,
Back in March, Time Out changed its name to Time In. We probably don’t need to go through all the reasons why, right? Now lockdowns are being relaxed in many countries – but it’s becoming clear that social distancing in some form will be with us for the long run, and that spells danger for the places that make city life worth living.
Don’t get us wrong. We’re not saying to throw caution to the wind – or your masks up in the air – and act like the past six months haven’t fundamentally changed us forever. And while it’s been great to see everyone come together to sing Home and celebrate our healthcare workers, more still needs to be done for those that need our help.
Since 1968, Time Out has always been on the mission to seek out the city’s best restaurants, cafés, bars, hawkers, shops, galleries, theatres, music venues, nightclubs – and all the other local independently run places where people come together. We share these places with you because we know without them, life in Singapore would be plain boring. But due to months of lost revenue and the steep cost of operating a business, many of these venues are at risk of closing forever if we don’t rally behind them. In fact, some already have.
The beauty of a small city like Singapore is that you don’t have to go very far to help. While most of us continue working from home, use this opportunity to look at your neighbourhood with fresh eyes through our handy guides. You might just discover a new favourite spot and save a business while you’re at it.
Each week, as part our Open For Business campaign, we’re highlighting new neighbourhoods from the east to the west of Singapore, walking you through the things to do, eat, drink and shop while you’re there so be sure to bookmark this page. While you’re at it, follow us on Facebook and Instagram as well as we talk to business owners who’ll reveal their regular haunts and the stories behind them. We can’t wait to rediscover Singapore with you – see you at the kopitiam.
Editor
Time Out Singapore
Check out all the neighbourhood hotspots that are Open For Business near you
