Singaporeans and even Malaysians automatically think of the red-light district when someone mentions Geylang Road.
Iconic Geylang in Singapore is more than just its seedy image.
As a tourist destination, the enclave is lively and brimming with the distinctive Peranakan shophouses, food, and culture in every corner.
The King of Fruits, the durian, can be found there!
For some reason, the top item on the restaurant’s menu is frog legs porridge!
Instead, I would go for the renowned crab bee hoon for which the late Anthony Bourdain kept returning.
The most incredible locations on Geylang Road are listed below if you’re up for a culinary adventure.
You’ll be astonished to learn that Singapore’s Geylang neighborhood has much more to it than meets the eye!
Discover Geylang, a town rich with a multiracial background, places of worship, numerous antique museums, and historical landmarks.
Singaporeans head to Geylang for their gourmet eats on the cheap with regional cuisines and treats.
So if you’re in for a good time, go alone or bring a friend to explore the list of the best things to do in Geylang, Singapore.
View of Geylang Road on a rainy morning.
Contents
Peranakan Homes & Culture At Geylang Road
Geylang is a vibrant district in Singapore known for its bustling streets, colorful shophouses, and delicious food.
One of the unique features of Geylang is its Peranakan houses, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Peranakan community.
Are you familiar with the term Peranakans?
Many Singapore Peranakans can trace their origins to 15th-century Malacca.
The Peranakans are descendants of Chinese traders who settled in the Malay archipelago in the 15th century and married local Malay women.
Peranakan men are known as Baba, and the women are known as Nonya.
These Straits-born Chinese developed their distinctive culture, which is known for its elaborate clothing, intricate beadwork, and delicious cuisine.
Many have their homes in Geylang’s Joo Chiat.
The Peranakan Houses are pastel-colored prewar shophouses and terrace houses that remind you of rainbows.
Pintu Pagar (swinging doors) and flowery ceramic tiles adorn the home’s entrances, and intricate motifs adorn the walls.
Location: Koon Seng Road, Singapore 426951.
The Intan and Rumah Bebe
Two notable Peranakan houses in Geylang are The Intan and Rumah Bebe.
The Intan is a private museum that showcases the owner’s extensive collection of Peranakan artifacts, including antique furniture, clothing, and jewelry.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the history and culture of the Peranakans.
On the other hand, Rumah Bebe offers exquisite retail Kasut Manik (beaded slippers) beading classes for those passionate about crafting.
Here, you can learn the dying craft, usually passed down from mothers to daughters.
The signature beaded shoes celebrate the colors, textures, and glamour of an era long gone.
Visitors can sample traditional Nyonya cuisines and delicacies and purchase Peranakan-themed souvenirs.
Private tours are essential for a complete express immersion in the Peranakan culture.
The Intan and Rumah Bebe are excellent places to experience the unique culture of the Peranakan community in Singapore.
The Intan
Location: 69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427231.
Opening Hours: Email them at [email protected] to learn more about visiting hours.
Rumah Bebe
Location: 113 East Coast Road, Singapore 428803.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Closed on: Monday
Wisma Geylang Serai
Wisma Geylang Serai is a cultural and community hub located in the heart of Singapore’s Malay heritage district.
The building showcases and preserves Malay arts, culture, and traditions through various events and activities.
It houses multiple facilities, including a Malay Heritage Gallery, an auditorium, a performance theatre, and a community club.
The Wisma Geylang Serai symbolizes Singapore’s commitment to preserving its diverse cultural heritage and promoting community engagement.
Wisma Geylang Serai
Location: 1 Engku Aman Turn, Singapore 408528
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Places To Visit In Geylang Markets
Geylang Serai Market and Haig Road Market are iconic markets in Singapore’s Geylang Serai area.
These markets offer a unique shopping and culinary experience, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Singapore’s Malay-Muslim community and offering an authentic Malay cultural experience.
Geylang Serai Market, also known as Pasar Geylang Serai, is one of Singapore’s most famous and busiest markets.
The market has two sections – the wet market and the dry market.
At Geylang, Serai Market, Visitors can also find local street food, including traditional Malay dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Mee Siam, and Gado Gado.
Haig Road Market (Pasar Haig Road) is a smaller nearby market known for its famous Putu Piring.
Gula Melaka, smoky and sweet palm sugar, sums up Haig Road Putu Piring, a traditional steamed rice cake topped with freshly grated coconut and a pandan leaf.
The popular local snack has rice flour and palm sugar steamed in small conical-shaped cups made of pandan leaves.
Both markets offer fresh produce, such as fish, meat, and vegetables, as well as traditional Malay clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Geylang Serai Market and Haig Road Market are significant cultural landmarks in Singapore.
They attract locals and tourists by providing a unique shopping and culinary experience showcasing Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage.
If you want to explore Singapore’s rich culture and heritage, Geylang Serai Market and Haig Road Market are worth visiting, as the goods here are comparatively cheaper than in other places in Singapore!
Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre
1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday: Opens 24 hours
Haig Road Market & Food Centre
14 Haig Rd, Singapore 430014.
Opening Hours: Daily: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Haig Road Market (Pasar Haig Road) is a smaller nearby market known for its famous Putu Piring.
Geylang Road Chinatown
One of the more rewarding things to do in Geylang is to discover its new identity as a Chinatown.
Gradually, as more Chinese migrants came to work in Singapore, many opted to live in Geylang because of its lower living costs.
When you visit, you will notice pockets of other migrant towns in Geylang, namely Vietnamese and Bangladeshis, who have set up businesses.
There are several Bangladeshi Grocery Stores and curry houses.
The Vietnamese set up stalls selling Bahn Mi and provided spas and hair salons.
In contrast to the low-priced eateries, products, and services, stay alert around this infamous legal prostitution enclave (especially from Lorong 8 to Lorong 24).
Religious Places At Geylang Road
Few know that Geylang is home to several religious places that attract devotees and tourists alike.
One of Geylang’s most famous religious places is the Sri Sivan Temple (1850) on Geylang Road, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is famous for its intricate architecture and beautiful carvings.
It hosts several religious festivals annually, including Thaipusam and Maha Shivaratri (a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of the deity Shiva).
Another famous religious site in Geylang is the Masjid Khadijah, a mosque that serves the local Muslim community.
The mosque is located on Geylang Road and is known for its distinctive blue and white facade.
The mosque is open to visitors and offers daily prayer services, Quranic classes, and other religious activities.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum are in the Geylang area, on South Bridge Road.
The Buddhist temple is named after a tooth relic of the Buddha housed inside the temple.
The temple is open to visitors and features a museum that showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Buddhism and its history in Singapore.
Finally, the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple is another popular religious site in Geylang.
The temple is dedicated to the Chinese goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin, and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
The temple is on Waterloo Street, and visitors can participate in religious ceremonies and rituals and offer prayers and offerings to the goddess.
In conclusion, Geylang is home to several religious places that reflect Singapore’s diverse religious and cultural heritage.
These sites are essential for local devotees and are popular tourist attractions, showcasing the unique blend of religions and cultures that make Singapore such a fascinating and vibrant city.
Reminder: Visitors should dress modestly and refrain from being loud on temple grounds.
Religious sites along Geylang Road, Singapore.
Geylang Road 24 Hours Eating
Geylang Road in Singapore is known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and bustling street markets.
After walking around, why not stop by Geylang Road and check out its countless eateries?
Quite a number of them open late into the night and make great supper options.
In particular, Geylang Road is home to many 24-hour restaurants that cater to the city’s late-night crowd.
For those looking for a more traditional Singaporean dining experience, check out the Chinese restaurant, which serves prominent ingredients such as Frog Legs, Porridge, and Seafood.
If you love your curries, there are many Mamak outlets where you can have a Pratha and a hot beverage in the middle of the night.
The most popular 24-hour restaurants on Geylang Road to check out are
• 126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi (揾到食)
• Mongkok Dim Sum
• Yong He Eating House
• Imam Banana Leaf Restaurant Pte Ltd
• 16 Geylang Eating House
• King Fruits Durian (Geylang)
Overall, Geylang Road’s 24-hour restaurants are a testament to Singapore’s vibrant and diverse food culture.
Whether you’re a late-night partygoer or a hungry traveler, you will find something delicious on Geylang Road at any time of day or night.
Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese, Indian, or Western-style cuisine, you will find something delicious on Geylang Road.
Lor 9 Beef Kway Teow
Geylang Eurasian Heritage Gallery
The Eurasian Heritage Gallery in Geylang is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in exploring Singapore’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The gallery has separate sections highlighting aspects of the Eurasian community’s heritage, including food, music, language, religion, and traditional dress.
You can view the collection of artifacts and memorabilia from prominent Eurasian families.
These include old photographs, heirlooms, and even personal letters and documents.
Visitors can have an in-depth look at the unique Eurasian community and how it contributed to the development of Singapore’s economy and society.
Eurasian Heritage Gallery
Location: 139 Ceylon Road, The Eurasian Association, Singapore 429744.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (including public holidays)
Closed on Monday
Geylang Iconic Buildings
Home to several iconic landmarks, the Geylang Fire Station (1929) and the Former Queen’s Theatre (1930) have played an essential role in shaping the neighborhood’s identity.
The Geylang shophouses are an outstanding feature of this neighborhood. Their narrow frontages and unique architectural style are integral to the area’s charm.
Many of the area’s early prewar shophouses (the 1900s) have an exciting mix of old and new.
Restored Old buildings in Geylang now house various businesses, including heritage museums, restaurants, cafes, and boutique stores.
Geylang Fire Station (1929) is one of the oldest fire stations in Singapore and a notable feature of the neighborhood.
After a long service from 1929 to 2002, the fire station was gazetted as a conserved building and is available on lease as a commercial and industrial office complex.
The former Queen’s Theatre (1930) on Geylang Road, opposite Lorong 41, was once a popular destination for moviegoers for over half a century.
The building was named Wembley Cinema from 1930 to 1933, Ritz Cinema from 1933 to 1939, and Queen’s Theatre from 1939 until it was closed in 1982.
In conclusion, the Geylang shophouses, old buildings, Geylang Fire Station, and Former Queen’s Theatre are all iconic landmarks that retain their original charm and are beloved reminders of their role in shaping the neighborhood’s identity.
These buildings and institutions serve as a testament to Geylang’s rich cultural heritage and are a reminder of the area’s proud past.
One particular street, Lorong 24A, has these charming and brightly decorated old shophouses that are photogenic and worth the visit.
Pretty old shophouses
Location: Along Lorong 24A and Lorong 34 Geylang, Singapore.
Former Geylang Fire Station
Location: 29 Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 409005.
Former Queen’s Theatre
Location: 511 Guillemard Road, Singapore 399849.
Geylang Road Map
Geylang Road is a major trunk road linking Singapore’s eastern suburban areas with the country’s central business district.
Deriving its name from the area of Geylang where the road cuts through, it is fronted on both sides by low-rise shophouses protected statutorily from urban redevelopment in keeping with its history and urban heritage.
Here’s a Walking Map of Geylang Road for your use.
