Hear that? That distant roar echoes through Kallang’s vibrant streets. It is a testament to the area’s rich history. Kallang is a planning area and residential zone in Singapore’s Central Region. This area pulses with stories of aviation triumphs and sporting legends.
Development in Kallang centers on the Kallang River. It is Singapore’s longest river. Kallang is bordered by Toa Payoh, Geylang, and Marine Parade. It also includes Marina East, Downtown Core, Rochor, Newton, and Novena.
Once known as “Kilang” and “Kelang”, the name “Kallang” has been in use since 1842. The Chinese community nicknamed Kallang “fire city”. This was because it was the site of the Kallang Gasworks.
Kallang has witnessed many pivotal moments in Singapore’s history. In 1919, Singapore saw its first aircraft landing at Farrer Park Field. This event kickstarted Singapore’s aviation journey. In 1942, the British Indian Army surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army at Farrer Park Field.
Kallang was home to Singapore’s first purpose-built civil airport. It operated from 1937 to 1955. Amelia Earhart praised it as “an aviation miracle of the East.” In 1954, a BOAC aircraft crashed during landing at Kallang Airport. Thirty-three passengers and crew members were killed.
The old National Stadium stood where the Singapore Sports Hub is now. It was the ceremony venue for the Southeast Asian Games in 1973, 1983, and 1993. The National Day Parade was held there 18 times. The Kallang Roar and Kallang Wave originated at the stadium. They became symbols of national unity.
Today, Kallang is best known for the Singapore Sports Hub. It includes the new National Stadium and the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The new National Stadium hosted the National Day Parade in 2016. The Singapore Indoor Stadium hosts concerts and performances.
The Kallang River flows through Kallang for over 10 kilometers. Its source is the Lower Peirce Reservoir. The river mouth is at Kallang Basin near Merdeka Bridge. Kallang Basin is popular for water sports.
Land reclamation has shaped Kallang’s landscape. The original southeastern shoreline was at Kallang Basin. The Kallang Airport construction involved reclaiming 339 acres of mangrove swamp.
Kallang was home to Singapore’s earliest settlers. Villages like Kampong Bugis and Kampong Kallang Pasir dotted the area. Today, roads like Kampong Bugis reference these villages.
The Kallang Gasworks was Singapore’s first. It supplied gas for street lighting starting in 1862. It operated for over 130 years. A sculpture in Kallang Riverside Park commemorates it.
As you explore Kallang, remember its past as a bustling hub of activity. From aviation milestones to sporting triumphs. From the Kallang Roar to modern marvels like the Sports Hub, Kallang is a place where history and progress meet.