Geylang is not your typical tourist destination in Singapore. It is a place where contrasts and contradictions coexist, where tradition and modernity clash and blend, where legality and illegality blur and overlap. But it is also a place where you can experience the authentic and vibrant culture, cuisine, and history of Singapore’s Malay and Chinese communities, as well as the unique Peranakan heritage. In this guide, we will show you what to do, see, eat, and learn in Geylang, one of Singapore’s most fascinating and diverse neighborhoods.
Things to Do in Geylang
Geylang offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for spiritual, cultural, artistic, or recreational experiences, you will find something to suit your taste in Geylang. Here are some of the top things to do in Geylang:
Visit the Sri Sivan Temple:
This is one of the oldest and most revered Hindu temples in Singapore, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a stunning six-tiered tower, a spacious hall, and a sacred pond. You can admire the intricate sculptures, paintings, and carvings, or join the devotees in their prayers and rituals. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 12 pm and from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Explore the Geylang Serai Market:
This is a bustling and colorful market that sells everything from fresh produce, meat, and seafood, to clothes, accessories, and household items. You can also find a variety of Malay and Indian food stalls, serving dishes such as nasi lemak, roti prata, mee goreng, and biryani. The market is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
Discover the Intan:
This is a private museum that showcases the Peranakan culture, which is the fusion of Chinese and Malay influences. The museum is housed in a traditional shophouse, and displays a collection of antiques, artifacts, and memorabilia, such as porcelain, furniture, jewelry, and costumes. You can also enjoy a tea session, a cooking class, or a guided tour with the owner, who is a passionate Peranakan himself. The museum is open by appointment only, so make sure to book in advance.
Shop at the KINEX:
This is a modern and trendy shopping mall that caters to the young and hip crowd. You can find a range of fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment outlets, such as H&M, Uniqlo, Nike, Starbucks, and Golden Village. You can also enjoy the indoor playground, the karaoke lounge, the arcade, and the bowling alley. The mall is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Join the Geylang Adventures:
This is a social enterprise that organizes walking tours and community projects in Geylang. You can learn about the history, culture, and issues of Geylang, as well as interact with the locals and the marginalized groups. You can also participate in activities such as urban farming, mural painting, and food distribution. The tours and projects are available on selected dates and times, so check their website for more details.
Food and Culture in Geylang
One of the main reasons to visit Geylang is to sample the delicious and diverse food that the neighborhood has to offer. Geylang is a food paradise, where you can find dishes from various cuisines, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and more. You can also experience the rich and diverse culture of Geylang, which is reflected in the architecture, the art, and the people. Here are some of the food and culture highlights of Geylang:
Try the durian:
This is the king of fruits, and a must-try for adventurous eaters. Durian is a spiky, green fruit that has a strong smell and a creamy, custard-like flesh. Some people love it, some people hate it, but you won’t know until you try it. You can find many durian stalls along Geylang Road, offering different varieties and grades of durian. The best time to enjoy durian is from June to August, when the season is peak.
Savor the Peranakan cuisine:
This is the cuisine of the Peranakan people, who are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who married local Malays. Peranakan cuisine is a blend of Chinese and Malay flavors, ingredients, and techniques, resulting in dishes that are spicy, tangy, and aromatic. Some of the signature dishes are ayam buah keluak, babi pongteh, laksa, and kueh. You can find some of the best Peranakan restaurants in Geylang, such as Guan Hoe Soon, Baba Chews, and The Blue Ginger.
Admire the shophouses:
These are the buildings that line the streets of Geylang, and they are a testament to the history and heritage of the area. Shophouses are a type of building that combines a shop on the ground floor and a residence on the upper floors. They come in different architectural styles, reflecting different historical periods and influences, such as Malay, Chinese, European, and Art Deco. You can spot the different features, such as the tiles, the windows, the doors, and the ornaments, that make each shophouse unique and charming.
Learn about the Malay culture:
Geylang is home to a large and vibrant Malay community, and you can learn more about their culture and traditions at the Geylang Serai Cultural Centre. This is a four-story building that houses a gallery, a library, a theatre, and a studio. You can explore the exhibits, watch the performances, join the workshops, or borrow the books, that showcase the Malay art, music, literature, and history. The centre is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
How to Reach and When to Visit Geylang
Getting to Geylang is easy and convenient, as it is well-connected by public transport, taxi, or car. You can take the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) to one of the four stations that serve the area: Aljunied, Kallang, Paya Lebar, or Dakota. Alternatively, you can take a bus to one of the many stops along Geylang Road or Sims Avenue. If you prefer to take a taxi or drive, you can use the PIE (Pan Island Expressway) or the ECP (East Coast Parkway) to reach Geylang. You can use this map and these directions to plan your route.
The best time to visit Geylang depends on your preferences and interests, but generally, the months of February, March, and April are the most pleasant, as they have the lowest rainfall and humidity. However, if you want to experience the festive atmosphere and cultural events in Geylang, you may want to visit during the months of May, June, and July, when the Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), the Geylang Serai Bazaar, and the Singapore Food Festival take place. These are some of the highlights of the year in Geylang, where you can enjoy the decorations, performances, food, and shopping. However, be prepared for the crowds, traffic, and noise, as these are also the busiest and loudest months in Geylang.
Tips for Visiting Geylang
To make the most of your visit to Geylang, here are some tips and advice that you should keep in mind:
- Be respectful of the local culture and religion, especially when visiting the places of worship, such as the temples, mosques, and churches. Dress modestly, remove your shoes, and avoid taking photos without permission.
- Avoid the illegal activities and the red-light district, which are mainly concentrated in the even-numbered lorongs (lanes) between Lorong 6 and Lorong 20. These areas are known for prostitution, gambling, and drugs, and can be dangerous and unpleasant for visitors. If you do venture into these areas, be careful of your belongings, and do not engage with the touts, pimps, or sex workers.
- Try the local food and delicacies, which are one of the main attractions of Geylang. You can find a variety of cuisines, such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and more, at the hawker centers, coffee shops, and restaurants. Some of the dishes that you should not miss are beef kway teow, frog porridge, crab bee hoon, and durian. However, be aware of the hygiene and quality standards, and avoid the stalls or outlets that look dirty or shady.
- Explore the shophouses and the architecture, which are another highlight of Geylang. You can admire the different styles and designs of the shophouses, which reflect the different historical periods and influences, such as colonial, Malay, Chinese, Peranakan, and Art Deco. You can also visit some of the shophouses that have been converted into museums, galleries, or cultural centers, such as the Intan, the Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery, and the Malay Heritage Centre.
- Visit the nearby areas and attractions, which can enhance your experience and understanding of Geylang and Singapore. You can easily access other neighborhoods, such as Katong, Joo Chiat, East Coast, and Marina Bay, by public transport, taxi, or car. You can also enjoy the nature and recreation at the nearby parks, such as the Geylang Park Connector, the Kallang Riverside Park, and the East Coast Park.
Geylang is a neighborhood that offers a unique and diverse experience for visitors, with its culture, history, architecture, and food. It is a place where you can see the contrast and harmony of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, and the legal and the illegal. Whether you are looking for sightseeing, shopping, eating, or learning, you can find something that suits your taste and interest in Geylang.
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