Geylang is a township located on the eastern fringe of the Central Region of Singapore. It occupies an area of 3.72 square kilometres with a total population of 116,960. The area is bordering Hougang and Toa Payoh in the north, Marine Parade in the south, Bedok in the east, and Kallang in the west.

Geylang is also where one of Singapore's oldest Malay settlements. The business here was founded by Malay, Chinese and Indian entrepreneurs which started various opportunities such as suppliers of wood for making boats, houses and furniture, mechanics in bicycle or motor repair workshops and as merchants in iron, of floor and roofing tiles, in rubber and later plastics for all kinds of marine, industrial, factory and home use.

This township also retains its architectural heritage that can be shown by the preservation of its shophouses. The immigrants came back then between 1840 and 1940 to integrate the newcomers into the ways and customs of locals.

How to Get There

By Train

There are eight Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations that serve Geylang which are Eunos, Paya Lebar, Dakota, Mattar, Ubi, Aljunied, Mountbatten and MacPherson. Tourists can reach Geylang area by getting off at any eight stations.

By Bus

One of the efficient, fast and affordable ways to reach Geylang is by bus. There is a bus stop at Geylang area that can be accessed easily.

By Taxi

Taxi is also commonly used by tourists. To reach Geylang, there are several expressways pass through Geylang such as Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) and Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE).

Tourist Attractions

Malay Village

Built in 1989, The Malay Village of Geylang Serai covers a one-hectare area with rows of replica Malay kampong houses. It is a museum-style exhibition site which showcases the lifestyle of the local Malays before the 1960s. This museum showcases Malay Heritage and promotes Malay cultural activities with displays of traditional costumes, musical instruments and tools. Besides that, visitors can buy various handicrafts, souvenirs and herbs at the shops available here. For those who love to try authentic Malay cuisines, there are also several restaurants serving these dishes. Malay Village is open from 10 am to 10 pm, and the entrance fee is free.

Singapore Coin and Note Museum

The Singapore Coins and Notes Museum is the country's first and only museum dedicated to displaying currency. It was opened to the public on 24th June 2009 and supported by the National Heritage Board's Heritage Industry Incentive Programme. This museum showcases the history of currency used in Singapore and coins and medallions used of today. They also offer a minting service whereby patrons can obtain their souvenir coin for the price of SGD 2. This museum opens daily from 10 am to 8 pm daily including public holidays and weekends. The entrance fee for adult is SGD 10 and for children from 3 to 12 years old, senior citizens from 60 years old and above and full-time national members of the armed forces and students are SGD 6.

Geylang Serai Market

Geylang Serai Market is one of the biggest and busiest wet markets in Singapore. It has been around since 1964 where there is a good selection of Malay and Indian-Muslim specialities on offer. This market is a source of ingredients for Malay Singaporeans to prepare traditional dishes. For instance, there are Malay spices and Middle Eastern spices like cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves and tapioca flour which is the main ingredient to make kueh. While the first-floor selling wet and dry ingredients, the second floor of Geylang Serai Market is home to hundreds of food stalls with the main focus on Malay and Indian cuisine. This is the best food court to enjoy Malay dishes such as asam pedas stingray (spicy stingray) and beef rendang (spicy beef).

Hotels

Fragrance Hotel- Ruby

Located around an 8-minute walk from the Aljunied metro station, this budget hotel provides comfortable yet affordable accommodation and decent facilities and services. The guestrooms are equipped with basic amenities such as flat screen television, work desk, kettle and private bathroom with free toiletries. Besides that, there are also facilities like free Wi-Fi access and free parking for those who drive.

Hotel 81 Orchid

Hotel 81 Orchid features air-conditioned accommodation with amazing amenities including mini fridge, spacious work desk and safety deposit box. All rooms also have a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Located near the city, this hotel also provides numerous facilities and services for the comfort and convenience of guests. Among them are a 24-hour desk, luggage storage and dry cleaning services.

Hotel 81 Premier Hollywood

Nestled in the Geylang District, Hotel 81 Premier Hollywood only a 12-minute walk from Mountbatten MRT Station. It is 16.7 km-drive away from Changi International Airport. All guestrooms have air conditioning and are fitted with an internet-connected 40-inch LED cable television, minibar and an electronic safe. The en suite bathroom includes a toothbrush and toothpaste set and free toiletries. Besides free Wi-Fi access, there is also a tour desk for tour arrangement and complimentary private parking space.