Geylang township lies on the eastern fringes of the city centre, en route to the Changi International Airport. It’s a popular hub for nightlife in the city amongst both local and foreign visitors, with its streets lined with karaoke houses, restaurants and bars that spill out onto the pavement.
In a city renowned for its clean-cut image, Geylang offers a glimpse into a different side of Singapore, largely escaping the urban development projects and gentrification of the CBD. The area exhibits a distinct architecture within its atmospheric streets and offers some of the most authentic food to be found on the island. Geylang’s historic shophouses were initially founded by Malay, Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs who set up small workshops and studios in the area, together with temples, mosques and churches that reflect its diverse ethnic makeup.
Geylang is well connected to Singapore’s CBD by both road and rail, with a number of MRT stations providing easy access to the main strip of Geylang Road. Once the sun goes down, the main strip becomes packed with taxis and traffic jams make it far easier to explore on foot.
Geylang Road is the main artery running east to west through the district, with small alleys called “lorongs” radiating perpendicular. Geylang’s culinary scene is also of note, with authentic Peranakan, Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes such as frog porridge, coconut rice with curry chicken, and clay pot rice.