As Hari Raya Puasa celebrations begin, here are the best places to be at in Geylang Serai
By Pamela Chow
Known as the heart of Singapore’s Malay community, Geylang Serai is an exciting hub of activity, especially now that Hari Raya Puasa celebrations are underway. Its name was derived from the Malay words kilang (meaning “factory”) and serai (“lemongrass”), referring to the lemongrass plantations that used to flourish here in the 1800s.
Geylang Serai was also home to many other plantations such as coconut, rubber and tapioca, leading to its other name, Kampong Ubi (or “tapioca village”).
If you’re in the area for the occasion, or happen to pop by this culturally rich part of town, here are the top places to explore for a greater appreciation of the neighbourhood.
(Photo: Lee Hong Ping)
3. Pre-war shophouses
For the history and culture buffs, Geylang has plenty of pre-war terrace houses that have been preserved since the early-1900s. One stretch is located along Lorong 24A Geylang, and another at Lorong 34. They can be easily spotted by the stylish ornamented carvings on their facades.
The second floors of these shophouses feature casement windows with colourful ceramic tile panels. They now house small businesses like a traditional Chinese medicine shop, a dance studio and café and a Buddhist library.
Lorong 24A & Lorong 34 Geylang
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