10 Best Things To Do In Geylang For A Rejuvenating Vacay Like Never Before

Located on the eastern side of the bay in Singapore, Geylang is a bustling neighbourhood popular for some exotic and out-of-the-world culinary experiences, street shopping, nightlife and of course its infamous red light areas. The area is also where the first settlement of Malays started residing in Singapore and they have still tried to maintain the traditional way of living after so many years. If you’re looking for things to do in Geylang, know that this place is like a breath of fresh air in the otherwise the epitome of modern development which you can see at almost all the places in Singapore.

10 Best Things To Do In Geylang

There are many things to do in Geylang which makes this place worth visiting on your trip to the city. Here are some of them for your next vacation with your loved ones!

1. Singapore Markets

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Located at the centre of the area amidst the Malay community of Singapore, there are many interesting things to do in Geylang Serai market. One of the busiest and biggest wet markets, it is spread out in two floors. The first floor is known for the traditional spices and ingredients which are used by the Malays and Indian Muslims. You will get all the raw materials for cooking like vegetables, fresh meats, live seafood, tofu, eggs, dry goods and an array of spices from Middle East and India to tantalise your senses. The second floor houses plenty of stalls selling fashion goods like clothes, jewellery, and accessories. It also has some awesome food stalls selling mouth watering traditional Malay dishes like beef rendang, ikan terubok, pedas stingray and goreng pisang to name a few.

Location: Geylang Serai, Singapore
Timings: 6:30am to 12:00pm ( Wet Market ); 8:00am to 22:00 pm( Food Market )
Average Cost: INR 500

Must Read: 14 Ethereal Festivals In Singapore That Will Force You To Ditch Yours

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2. Former Queen’s Theatre

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This is a historical landmark in Singapore where the front facade is that of the Queen’s theatre. The complex is now closed and only the frontage of this magnificent structure has been kept and added to the GrandLink Square. This theatre was, for many years, a favourite place to go to among the locals where the screening of Indonesian, Malay and Egyptian cinemas took place. You can go to lane 44 at Geylang to have a look at this grand colonial style architecture and get a feel of the good old days.

Location: Guillemard Road, Singapore

3. Shophouses

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The rows and rows of shophouses along the lorongs in Geylang adds to the charm and makes it worthwhile to visit the whole area on foot. These beautiful architecture marvels display an unique and artsy combination of different styles like European, Chinese, French etc. The spiral staircases, traditional decor, french windows, tiles in many hues and slanted roofs are some of the features of these shophouses which are not to be missed. Among the many different things, you will find a cafe cum dance studio, a traditional Chinese pharmacy, a library dedicated to Buddhism and the likes.

Location: Joo Chiat Road, Geylang, Singapore

4. The Intan

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One of the many intriguing things to do in Geylang, Singapore is to plan a visit to the Peranakan museum called The Intan. The most interesting aspect of this place is that this place is a home-cum-museum started by its owner Alvin Yapp. The amazing place will give you a complete insight about the life and times of the Peranakans, scions of immigrants from China who married the Malay women. It's a treat to spend some time learning about the rich heritage, tradition, culture and lifestyle of the community and that too straight from a fellow Peranakan. A 90 minute tour is concluded by a tea and snacks session which is a complete traditional affair and the culinary delights are prepared by the owner’s mother herself.

Location: Joo Chiat Terrace, geylang, Singapore
Timings: 7:00am to 10:00pm
Entry Fees: INR 3000 per person

5. Sri Sivan Temple

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One of the most notable Hindu temples in Singapore, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The total cost of building this magnificent structure was a whopping 6 million dollars. The temple was shifted through three locations before finally finding a permanent place at Geylang Avenue in Singapore. A brilliant combination of two most prominent Indian style of architecture, this place of worship is unique in terms of construction, facilities and features. Indian artisans were hired to create the intricate carvings on the outer structure of the temple.

Location: Geylang Avenue
Timings: 6am to 12pm; 6pm to pm

6. Betel Box Hostel

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Spending a night or two at this awesome place will leave you rich in knowledge about the local Singaporeans, their style of living, give you an insight into some of the hidden gems of the area, native cuisine and much more. A budget stay option without compromising on comfort or quality of services, Betel Box offers a friendly, functional and wonderful ambience for its guests. Enjoy the healthy breakfast which comes free with the room, relax at the common living room which is full of different entertainment options and shop for essentials at their in house store.

Location: Joo Chiat Road, Geylang, Singapore
Average Cost: starts from 3500 per day per person for a double bed room; cheaper options are available if you take bunk beds.

7. Hawker Centre

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One of the most exciting things to do in Geylang Bahru is visiting its recently renovated Hawker Food Centre. The place is renowned across Singapore locals and the tourists for authentic Asian and International cuisines. The market is easily accessible through the new MRT station. Some of the items which tops the list are carrot cakes, Ban Mian, Fishball noodles, boneless braised Duck, Chui Kueh, Hokkaido Cakes, and many more.

Location: 69, Geylang Bahru, singapore
Timings: 6:00 am to 22:00 pm
Average Cost: INR 500 for a complete meal per person

8. The Ugly Cake Shop

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A bakery cafe that specialises in desserts made from totally natural flavours and superior quality ingredients and supports the cause of feeding undernourished kids, this place tops the list if you are looking for some quirky things to do in Geylang Bahru. The cafe offers low sugar desserts and avoids using fondants to decorate the goodies. Famous for the most beautiful and healthiest of sweet treats in town, some of the specialities are Nicholas, a bittersweet dark chocolate cake and Honeycombers, a strawberry flavoured moist cake among a host of other options. If you are really looking for something bizarre, then try their Fried Chicken Cornbread Cake.

Location: Kallang Bahru, Geylang, Singapore
Timings: 10:00 am to 19:00 pm; closed on Sundays
Average Cost: starts from INR 1500 for a box of 6 cupcakes

9. Durian

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A visit to the store Durian 36 which is open 24 hours a day is a must to taste all the varieties of Durian, a fruit which hails its origin to Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. It is unique in taste and terrible to smell but still is famous across South East Asia and that's why it comes under the list of many things to do in Geylang at night. The store is in operations since last 18 years and offers the best quality and largest varieties of Durians like Mao Shan Wang, Sultan, Golden Phoenix and Tekka to name a few. Other fruits which are available here are Mangosteen, Lychee, Rose Apple, Longan, Cherry, etc.

Location: Geylang, Lorong 36, Singapore
Average Cost: starts from INR 500 for per kg

10. Katong Food Walk

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Every Thursday, a 4 hour walking tour is conducted by the Betel Box hostel owners which you can join to taste over 30 dishes of traditional cuisines like fish head curry, chilli crab, dimsum etc. The tour also offers all the aspects about the lifestyle and culture of the history of the local population belonging to the area. The guide imparts interesting trivias about Singapore and especially about the Geylang area. You will have the time of your life traveling through the colourful loronges and satisfying the food buff in you which makes this tour an absolute necessary thing to do in Geylang at night.

Location: Starts from Betel Box Hostel
Timings: 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Average Cost: INR 5000 per person

Further Read: New Year Celebration In Singapore: Head Down To Lion City To Welcome The Next Year With A Bang

Geylang in Singapore is a multicultural hub which boasts of an array of activities to lure all the types of travelers. The place is not only noted for its legendary nighttime activities but there are so many appealing things to do in Geylang to give you a delightful experience. Plan your trip to Singapore for a unique holiday experience with your loved ones!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Geylang

What are the best things to do in Geylang?

There are many things to do in Geylang which includes visiting the Malay market, exploring the ancient ruins at Intan Museum, or visiting Sri Sivan Temple.

What is Geylang known for?

Geylang is famous for having the Singapore’s oldest Malay settlements which can be a fascinating place for travelers to visit.

How do you get to Geylang Serai?

One has to take the MRT to reach Paya Lebar MRT station and from there walk alongside the Sims Avenue until one reaches the Geylang Serai.

What is the best in Singapore?

Singapore is known for many experiences which includes Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Orchard Road, Universal Studios, Singapore Flyer.

Is Geylang safe at night?

Geylang is a residential place and is perfectly safe to explore and walk around in the night. Despite the red light area, this place is considered to be quite safe.

Is it good to stay in Geylang Singapore?

Geylang holds the reputation of being one of the grittiest neighbourhoods, but it has some of the very good food options and also located close to the Singapore’s Central Business District.