[Review] New World’s End: A Unique Journey Through the History of Jalan Besar, New World Amusement Park and Hotel New World Via An Audio Tour

When I shared with a few younger colleagues that I recently discovered an interesting audio tour called “New World’s End”, they were quick to point out to me that they had already experienced it some time back and shared rave reviews.

Presented by OH! Open House, an independent arts organisation that seek to tell alternative stories of Singapore through art, New World’s End had a successful run for several years starting from the covid-19 pandemic period and will be ceasing operations on Sunday, 14 July 2024.

From 15 May to closing, guests will enjoy 50% off tickets and merchandise.

If you are a culture laggard like me, I highly recommend you catch it before it is officially done and dusted.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tale of love and loss with New World’s End, a captivating audio experience set in the heart of Singapore’s historic Jalan Besar neighborhood. As you step into the world of Kiran and Rosa, their love story unfolds against the backdrop of the defunct New World Amusement Park, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of glittering cabarets and hidden fantasies.

Part history and part fictional, you will find yourself immersed in the audio narrative, transporting you through time and space as you follow the tour from start till end in the span of around one hour to one and a half hour, depending on your own pacing.

New World’s End invites guests to embark on a self-guided tour, donning a pair of headphones and following the narrative through 16 tracks on an MP3 player. From the bustling streets to the intimate corners of Jalan Besar, you will be guided step-by-step on a journey through time, exploring the rich history and forgotten memories of this iconic neighborhood.

We appreciate the very detailed instructions on the audio guide, timed with precision to each key stop points if you follow their recommended pacing closely. Navigating through the back alleys of what is now the Little India precinct, filled with the presence of migrant workers from South Asia, the walk itself, is a cultural exploration to rediscover Singapore.

The experience, which garnered praise from both locals and tourists alike, has been hailed as a unique way to rediscover Singapore’s past. By blending art, storytelling, and immersive technology, New World’s End offers a fresh perspective on the city’s cultural heritage.

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to explore the sites of New World Amusement Park and the Hotel New World, delving into the contrasting narratives of pleasure and tragedy that define this historic area. We will avoid sharing too many details here to avoid spoilers, but we did enjoy the narrative and found it entertaining after having completed the tour.

Through the voices of local actors and the evocative narration of veteran theatre actor, Lim Kay Siu, you will feel yourself being transported to a time when the streets of Jalan Besar pulsed with a different kind of life and excitement.

To date, over 18,000 visitors have experienced the audio tour, a remarkable success for a home-grown audio tour experience with limited marketing, spreading mostly via word of mouth.

Time is running out – book your tickets now if you have yet to experience it. Tickets are avaiable online at S$35 per pax.