Singapore,
Geylang is one of the earliest places to appear on Singapore’s geographical map. In the past, this area was a swampy region with coconut groves stretching along the road leading to the mouth of the Balestier River. The ancient Malay word “Geylanggan” means “to turn” or “to grind.” This term is based on the habit of using coconut rice and milk to cook a curry dish that combines both Malay and Chinese flavors. It is believed that the name Geylang originates from this. Another theory suggests that the name Geylang came from a misspelling of the name of a climbing plant called “Gelang.”
Today, Geylang is known as Singapore’s red-light district, with prostitutes standing on both sides of the road, making many tourists blush with their flirtatious glances and seductive clothing. It is also one of the most intriguing and popular destinations for male tourists.
Geylang Road is located east of the Kallang River, near Kallang MRT station. Along both sides of the road, there are many alleys, which are called “lorongs” or “lor.” On the right side of the road from the MRT station – the lorongs are numbered even, and on the left, they are odd. In total, there are 42 lorongs. Many people believe Geylang is a bustling, lively, and fun place, while others consider it a place full of lurking dangers.
Geylang is not as glamorous and flashy as the streets on Orchard Road. It is considered quite modest, with dim lighting coming from the brothels on both sides of the road. Geylang is divided into many lorongs (each lorong is a small road about a few hundred meters long), and each lorong has different levels of activity, with lorongs from 12 onwards being the hotspots for prostitutes. Among them, Lorong 14 is said to have the most beautiful sex workers, but also the most expensive.
Walking through these lorongs, tourists can encounter sexy women boldly stepping out into the street to attract customers, while some women hide quietly in small alleys, waiting for clients to make acquaintances and potentially agree to an encounter.
Music plays in the background, making the women more alluring as they sway seductively to the rhythm, enticing customers. If a woman finds a willing client, she will take them to the nearby hotels, which can reach up to several stories high. Since this is a legal activity, if a client refuses, they can simply look for another option.
Prostitution services take place in houses with signboards. The women in these establishments must undergo regular health checks and carry health certificates. Clients pay, receive safety equipment, and have 25 minutes to “complete the transaction.” If they exceed the time, they must pay extra.
In the case of illegal activity, the women stand on the sidewalks of lorongs that are clearly designated, with specific areas for women from India, Thailand, Cambodia, and for women from China or Vietnam. Western or Japanese women can only be found through intermediaries, and their rates are much higher than the average price of 50-80 SGD. After agreeing on the price, both parties head to one of the many motels scattered throughout the area. Occasionally, the Singapore tourism police patrol the area, and the women must “disappear” when their guards signal them. It is perhaps the presence of these figures that leads to the perception of “lurking dangers.”
The sale of sexual stimulants is also quite bustling around this area. Most of these products are illegal and potentially dangerous. However, these drugs are openly sold. Most of the sellers are from China and often entice passersby with personal experiences such as: “I gave this to my husband, and it works great.” The price of these homemade Viagra pills ranges from 5-30 SGD (81,000 VND – 480,000 VND).
Nowadays, not only tourists visit this sensitive district, but many local men also come here. Although it is a famous red-light district, if you travel to Singapore, think carefully before indulging in this entertainment, as nothing can guarantee your safety after the fun ends.