Jalan Kelawar, Singapore

Jalan Kelawar is a short residential street located in the River Valley Planning Area of Singapore. Forming a loop by connecting to Jalan Arnap on both its western and eastern ends, the road sits within the prestigious Postal District 10. Its nearest MRT station is Orchard Boulevard MRT Station (TE13), part of the Thomson-East Coast Line.

Overview of Jalan Kelawar

Jalan Kelawar is a serene residential street, lined with greenery and upscale landed homes. It lies in one of the most exclusive parts of Singapore, just a short distance from Orchard Road, the city's prime shopping and entertainment belt. The road is relatively quiet, with minimal through traffic, making it a sought-after address for families and expatriates seeking tranquility close to the city centre.

History of Jalan Kelawar

The area around Jalan Kelawar was developed during the mid-20th century, when landed housing estates began expanding around Orchard Road to cater to Singapore's growing affluent population. While specific records of its construction date are scarce, urban planning documents from the 1960s and 1970s show the area was already laid out with residential roads. Jalan Kelawar continues to retain its original charm, with several properties redeveloped into modern, spacious bungalows over the decades.

Origin of the Name

The name “Jalan Kelawar” derives from the Malay word kelawar, which means “bat.” It reflects the tradition of naming streets in this enclave after animals. The pronunciation of Kelawar follows standard Malay phonetics: Ke-la-war, represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /kə.la.war/. Street names like these reflect Singapore's multicultural roots and the influence of the Malay language in local toponymy.

Character of the Street

Jalan Kelawar exudes a quiet elegance. The homes are typically large detached or semi-detached houses, many featuring lush gardens and private swimming pools. With a mix of modern architecture and older homes, the street highlights both Singapore's heritage and its evolving urban design. Its exclusivity is enhanced by the fact that it is not a major thoroughfare, serving primarily the residents who live there.

Surroundings and Nearby Streets

Because Jalan Kelawar loops into Jalan Arnap on both ends, the two roads form a compact enclave within the River Valley area. Beyond this small network of roads, residents have easy access to Orchard Road, Grange Road, and Paterson Hill. The location is highly central, allowing quick connectivity to Tanglin, River Valley, and Somerset.

Interesting Sights Nearby

While Jalan Kelawar itself is a purely residential street, its proximity to Orchard Road places world-class shopping and dining within walking or short driving distance. Nearby highlights include:

Real Estate along Jalan Kelawar

As of 2025, properties along Jalan Kelawar rank among the most expensive in Singapore. Detached bungalows on plots averaging 5,000–10,000 sq ft (465–930 sq m) often command asking prices upwards of SGD 15–25 million1. Rental rates for such homes typically range from SGD 25,000 to 40,000 per month, reflecting both the size of the houses and their prestigious location. Compared to the national average, these prices are significantly higher, underscoring the exclusivity of this neighborhood.

Connectivity

Nearest MRT Stations

The closest station to Jalan Kelawar is Orchard Boulevard MRT Station (TE13) on the Thomson-East Coast Line. From here, residents can connect to major interchanges that link with the North South Line, East West Line, and Downtown Line. This connectivity makes commuting to other parts of Singapore fast and efficient.

Nearby Bus Services

Bus stops along Orchard Boulevard and Grange Road provide additional accessibility. Services from these stops link Jalan Kelawar's residents to the Central Business District, Marina Bay, and other major hubs in Singapore.

Fun Facts

Jalan Kelawar's name makes it part of a whimsical naming tradition in this area of River Valley, where streets are named after animals—such as Jalan Tupai (“squirrel”) and Jalan Arnap (“rabbit”). This animal-themed cluster adds a unique character to the neighborhood, offering a playful counterpoint to the otherwise stately surroundings.

Quick Facts

References

  1. EdgeProp Singapore – Property News
  2. National Library Board Singapore – Street Names

Map of Jalan Kelawar, Singapore

Page Details

This page was created on 23 August 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.

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