Singapore
/ Attractions / Suburban Singapore / Geylang / Katong
Geylang,
traditionally the home of Singapore’s Malay, Arab and Indonesian
communities, is alive with market stalls and bustling crowds,
particularly during Muslim festivals. Spices and rattan from Indonesia,
gems from Burma, cotton and gold from India and perfumes from
Arabia ?this is the place for the adventurous shopper who enjoys
old shophouses as a backdrop to bargain hunting.
The Malay
influence is strong throughout Geylang and this is reflected in
both the shops and the food centres where nasi padang,a dish served
with rice, vegetables and meat, is a particular favourite. Wander
through the numerous lanes off Geylang Road for some delightful
scenarios of local life and stroll down Joo Chiat Road for a glimpse
of traditional Chinese businesses such as joss stick and candle
makers. Also, drop by at Malay Village. Its shops display a potpourri
of Malay traditional items like handicrafts, fabrics, prayer rugs,
furniture and antiques.
Getting there:
Take the MRT to Paya Lebar (E5).
Neighbouring
Katong is a quiet residential area formerly colonised by
wealthy Straits Chinese families or the Peranakans. Many of Katong’s
new apartment blocks have spectacular sea views, while the older
Peranakan homes, once seaside villas, now stand back from the
sea. Parkway Parade is the place to find shopping bargains, but
Katong is best known for its wonderful eating houses specialising
in Peranakan cuisine and bakeries selling delicious curry puffs.
For Chinese seafood, the shophouses along East Coast Road offer
really tasty treat.
Getting there:
Take SBS bus 14 or 16 from Orchard Road.
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