Geylang overview

Lying to the east of the CBD, across the Singapore River, Geylang is a distinctly Malaysian suburb which is most famous for its red-light district. Geylang Road dominates the three kilometre district area, bisecting Geylang into north and south. Many of Geylang Road’s best architectural sights are protected from over-development. Urbanisation and construction have thankfully spared Geylang somewhat, meaning traditional shophouse buildings still stand along numbered Lorongs (lanes). Uniquely low-rise for Singapore, Geylang’s nightlife seems to be trying to compensate by offering thousands of Asian prostitutes to karaoke bar lovers and eager foreign workers. Hectic during the day, Geylang after dark is swarming with curious tourist and not-so-curious working girls, creating an Amsterdam-like fleshy fashion show, which is now attracting a new wave of Eastern European workers. Countless wives have been called to rescue blackmailed husbands from dubious brothel operators. There are better ways to waste your money in Singapore.