15 Best Things To Do In Geylang Singapore Other Than Clubbing
Can’t help but think of the red light district when someone mentions Geylang?
You’ll be surprised to find that this town nestled in Singapore’s Central Region actually has a lot more to it than meets the eye!
Rediscover Geylang, a captivating town with rich, multiracial background through its many antique museums and historical landmarks.
A gastronomic journey filled with authentic local cuisines and exotic delicacies awaits here too!
So if you’re in for a good time, bring a friend or explore on your own with our list of the best things to do in Geylang Singapore.
1. Feel The Charms Of Peranakan Houses
2. The Intan, A ‘Rose-Cut Diamond’ Dedicated To Peranakan
3. Get A Full Peranakan Experience At Rumah Bebe
4. Bringing Its People Together, Wisma Geylang Serai
5. It’s Always Lively At Geylang Serai Market
6. Fix Your Cravings At Haig Road Market & Food Centre
7. Geylang Chinatown, The People’s Chinatown
8. A Tribute To Their Culture, Char Yong (Dabu) Association
9. The Khadijah Mosque, A Symbol Of Devotion & Faith
10. The Serene & Holy Sri Sivan Temple
11. Eat To Your Heart’s Content At Geylang Road
12. Celebrating Their Roots & History, Eurasian Heritage Gallery
13. Geylang’s Hidden Gem, Pre-war Terrace & Shop Houses
14. A Very Well-Preserved Former Geylang Fire Station
15. A Memento Of Fond Memories, Former Queen’s Theatre
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15 Best Things To Do In Geylang Singapore
1. Feel The Charms Of Peranakan Houses
Ever heard of the Peranakans?
They are the descendants of local Malays and Chinese settlers that came to Singapore since the 1500s.
Thereafter, many have found home in Geylang’s Joo Chiat and the Peranakan Houses, some antique 2-storey shophouses and terrace houses grace this neighbourhood.
- The pastel-coloured pre-war structures will remind you of rainbows.
- Pintu pagar (swinging doors) and flowery ceramic tiles enhance the houses’ front while intricate motifs adorn the walls.
2. The Intan, A ‘Rose-Cut Diamond’ Dedicated To Peranakan
Dive deeper into Singapore’s Peranakan culture and history as The Intan’s owner, Alvin Yapp shows you around his cozy private home-museum.
Whether it’s their tea tour or the lunch/dinner tour, you’ll have a taste of authentic Nyonya dishes after the informative tour.
- Hear interesting stories behind the 1,500 artefacts collected over 30 years.
- The extensive collection includes exquisite kasut manek (beaded slippers), jewellery and multi-coloured tiffin carriers.
- Their oldest artefact, the planter chair was put together without nails.
Opening Hours: Appointments are required prior visits so email them at [email protected] to find out more on visiting hours.
3. Get A Full Peranakan Experience At Rumah Bebe
Try dressing up like a nyonya (Peranakan woman) while surrounded by Peranakan silverware, porcelain and ethnic “keronchong” music in Rumah Bebe.
The founder, Bebe Seet is a Peranakan beading expert who specializes in beaded shoes, purses and embroidered kebayas.
- Admire authentic Peranakan furnishings and artefacts through their private in-house tour or join beading classes to learn this traditional art.
- Their in-house bake-cook shop, Nyonya Nosh offers delicious Nyonya cuisines and delicacies including baked curry puffs and pineapple tarts.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30am – 6:30pm
Closed on: Monday
4. Bringing Its People Together, Wisma Geylang Serai
Next, drop by Wisma Geylang Serai (WGS), a social and cultural heritage centre that advocates community bonding and social interactions while celebrating its heritage.
See how the former trade emporium has transformed into current-day Geylang Serai in their Heritage Gallery.
Image credits: facebook.com/beritamediacorp/
Highlights:
- KURNIA @ WGS offers multiple essential services for the Malay Muslim community.
- They have specific centres prepared for senior care, family service and childcare to aid the local community.
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am – 9:00pm
5. It’s Always Lively At Geylang Serai Market
Observing the day-to-day life of locals and market-goers in the ever bustling Geylang Serai Market might just be one of the best things to do in Geylang.
- The market’s architecture took inspiration from Malay kampung houses.
- Comb through stalls with fresh produce, meat and Malay spices in the traditional wet market on first floor.
- On the second floor, try mouth-watering Malay and Indian specialties like satay, briyani, rojak, mee siam, etc.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 6:00am – 9:00pm (except Wednesday)
Saturday & Sunday: 6:00am – 10:00pm
Wednesday: Opens 24 hours
6. Fix Your Cravings At Haig Road Market & Food Centre
Still feel a bit empty in the stomach?
Haig Road Market and Food Centre boasts an amazing line up of Malay, Indian Muslim and Chinese stalls that will whet your appetite.
Image credits: facebook.com/edmund.chan.562/
Highlights:
- The sweet fluffy rice flour cakes from Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring are irresistible.
- Made with their Indonesian family recipe, Warong Sudi Mampir’s satay are smoky and flavourful.
- For noodle lovers, Lin Yu Mei Kolo Mee or Zhenguang Wantan Noodles will not disappoint you.
Opening Hours: Daily: 6:00am – 10:00pm
7. Geylang Chinatown, The People’s Chinatown
One of the more rewarding things to do in Geylang is to discover its new identity as a Chinatown.
This happened gradually as more Chinese migrants came to work in Singapore, many stayed in Geylang for its lower living cost.
Highlights:
- In contrast to the official Chinatown Niu-che-shui, you’ll find attractively low-priced Chinese eateries, products and services
- Visit Chinese temples, monasteries and clan associations that re-established here due to development projects.
8. A Tribute To Their Culture, Char Yong (Dabu) Association
At Char Yong Association, feel the unrelenting efforts of descendants from China’s Dabu in preserving their culture and passing the baton on to their younger generation.
Image credits: roots.sg
Highlights:
- One of the oldest Chinese associations in Singapore, it was founded in 1858 to oversee the Dabu Hakka community’s welfare.
- Hakka Culture Study Room, Dabu Gallery and Char Yong Gallery were set up in honour of their Dabu origins, Hakka culture and heritage.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Closed on: Sunday
9. The Khadijah Mosque, A Symbol Of Devotion & Faith
Seemingly small and modest, the Khadijah mosque that was built in 1920 still receives many followers till this day.
It was named after female Indian trader Khatijah Mohamed, who donated $54,000 for the mosque’s construction in her will.
- The mosque has the South Indian style architecture, hence the absence of minarets or domes when it was completed.
- A new annex with facilities like a multi-purpose hall, library and offices with computers is now available.
10. The Serene & Holy Sri Sivan Temple
Witness humble devotees perform prayers in the wide octagonal hall of Sri Sivan temple.
You’ll find at least twelve deities here, with the presiding deity being the Hindu God Lord Shiva, whom also inspired the temple’s name.
- Embellished with exquisitely detailed sculptures and carvings, the ivory-coloured temple is heavily influenced by North and South Indian temple
- Join grand celebrations of major festivals like Maha Sivarathiri and Guru Peryarchi for a special, remarkable experience.
Opening Hours: Daily: 6:00am – 12:00pm and 6:00pm – 9:00pm
11. Eat To Your Heart’s Content At Geylang Road
After all that walking around, why not stop by Geylang Road and check out its countless eateries.
From delectable street food to well-known local specialties, the choices are endless!
Highlights:
- You should definitely sample some of Geylang’s signatures and locals’ favourites like Geylang Lorong 9 Beef Kway Teow and Koung’s Wan Tan Mee.
- For those with an adventurous spirit, try some exotic dishes at Tan Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Restaurant or Eminent Frog Porridge.
12. Celebrating Their Roots & History, Eurasian Heritage Gallery
The Eurasian Heritage Gallery is a proud presentation of vibrant culture and the unique minority of mixed Asian and European origins, the Singapore Eurasians.
It’s also an inspiration for young Eurasians to recognize their roots and identity.
- Walkthrough three galleries depicting Eurasian origins, culture and their many contributions, as well as prominent Eurasian figures.
- At Quentin’s Eurasian Restaurant, try exceptional Eurasian cuisines or learn how to prepare them through cooking demonstrations.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm (including public holidays)
Closed on: Monday
13. Geylang’s Hidden Gem, Pre-war Terrace & Shop Houses
Taking in the beautifully conserved pre-war terrace and shophouses as you stroll around town is one of the many enjoyable things to do in Geylang.
Highlights:
- Built around early 1900s, these houses sport the Late Shophouse style that has a blend of the East and West architecture influences.
- Fanciful ceramic tiles, ornate mouldings and carved wood-work are common features on these houses.
14. A Very Well-Preserved Former Geylang Fire Station
Love fire stations and old buildings? It’ll be hard to miss these bright red doors of the Former Geylang Fire Station that contrast stongly against its clean white walls.
Image credits: flickr.com/photos/surveying/
Highlights:
- Also known as Paya Lebar Fire Station, it is the second oldest fire station set up in Singapore and has served the eastern part of the country.
- After a long service from 1929 till 2002, the fire station was gazetted as a conserved building.
15. A Memento Of Fond Memories, Former Queen’s Theatre
A visit to the once merry and happening Former Queen’s Theatre is also one of the things to do in Geylang for those who love sight-seeing.
Image credits: roots.sg
Highlights:
- The theatre was opened from 1930 to 1982, during which it had been named Wembley Cinema and Ritz Cinema.
- It was a place for the local residents to enjoy Malay and foreign movies from Indonesia and even Egypt.