Geylang Singapore

Singapore is a city that seems to handle the mixture of serenity, tranquility, hustle and bustle with a finesse.

One area in particular you will find very colorful and alive with culture is Geylang Singapore. Walking the streets of Geylang, the feeling is almost as if you have traveled to another era. The presence of the Malay influence is evident practically everywhere as this has been their home since colonial days

The glimpse you will get into their life while meandering through the Malay Village is worth the time it takes to understand the lives of the Malay. In the center of the Geylang Serai, you are a part of the life the Malay lived in the 1950s and 1960s. From the art of batik painting to the skills of kite making – what you are seeing is the real day to day world the Malay lived.

As you are experiencing the surreal feelings walking through this totally different part of the world it is almost as if you were living during the time they are preserving. As you peruse the musical instruments and weaving tools that are kept in the Cultural Museum the real world of the Malay is all laid out before you. The arts and crafts which are all a part of their history are quite inspiring.

The Bridal Chamber shows the traditions that were and are so important to the Malay way of life. The hand-sewn clothing and accessories are living proof of the importance this life held for them.

Wandering the east coast of Singapore, it is quite apparent why Geylang Road is not only the destination of the locals but for tourists as well. There are so many mouthwatering dishes prepared here. Yes, it was a hard choice but wasn’t the Hainanese chicken rice everything you thought it would be? The combination of the ginger-garlic chili sauce was delicious. Are you trying to figure out if you could make this yourself?

Walking off that dinner you are amazed to see the transformation that has taken place in the last couple of hours. The Singapore nightlife has come into full swing as you were eating. The street have filled, the restaurants are full and the neon nightlife has started. Red lanterns beckoning, as the houses of pleasure open for business – this aspect of Geylang is waking for the night.

You will notice this area of Singapore is mostly untouched by the redevelopment process that has transformed the rest of the area. The other parts of Singapore that you have seen are not teeming with the elements you see here.

This red-light area, as you have heard is a legal prostitution area. Just glance around and you will see the brothels are plentiful and this is just the ones you can see. There are others operating behind the scenes. Yes, that is why some houses have large red numbers. This signifies the houses of pleasure.

If this is what you came to Geylang for, the choices are plentiful as there are thousands of Asians working the red light district here. Just to protect yourself, make sure you stick to the legal operations. They are tested for disease and if you go to the ones operating illegally, you are on your own.

Another thing you will see in this district is the abundance of nightclubs. They are quite plentiful and as you will notice, the alcohol flows freely. When you decide to go bar hopping, the good thing is by staying at Hotel 81 you will be saving money because this is a budget hotel. The next thing is most of the clubs in this area of Geylang are within walking distance.

As with any area of this type you will find that many illegal things are available so you would do well to watch yourself. You did not come to Geylang to find yourself in trouble, so keep an eye on everything from drugs to the brothels.

The locals are well acquainted with this area but those visiting may end up in too deep if they are not careful. The authorities in this area know what goes on but often they may not do as much as they should to correct the illegal acts.

When the new day dawns you will find there are more aspects to Geylang, such as the art galleries and Buddhist monasteries. As a matter of fact as you walk East Avenue 2 in Geylang, the Foo Hai Ch’an Monastery is looming ahead.

You have noticed the top level is the home of all the Buddha’s relics. Have you also noticed the oh so serene areas behind the pagodas? If not, now would be a good time because the Bodhisattva is next. It is said standing in front of this deity you can feel the Lights of Compassion sending rays straight towards you.

When finished with your tour, make sure and have a good night’s sleep because the next day will be filled with many more sights of the Geylang district.