About Geylang Serai, Singapore

Geylang Serai is the cultural heart of the Malay community in Singapore. At the Malay Village, go back in time and discover the traditional ’Kampung Days’ lifestyle of Malays in the 1950s and 1960s! Or experience traditional Malay arts and crafts like batik painting, kite-making and kampung games such as top spinning.

The Cultural Museum features a fascinating collection of artifacts like weaving tools, musical instruments and an extensive display of a traditional Malay wedding complete with hand-sewn garments, accessories, and a Bridal Chamber. The Muslim Showcase, Hall of Fame and Geylang Serai Corner too offer insights into the lives of Malays in Singapore. Occasional cultural performances are held at the Floating Seafood Restaurant. Call 67484700 to find out the performance dates and times.

The Malays are the native inhabitants of Singapore. After the British dispersed the Malay floating village at the mouth of the Singapore River in the 1840s, the Malays, together with the large influx of Malaysians and Indonesians, congregated in Geylang.

In the early 1920s, Kampong Gelam’s Malay population moved out en-mass to Geylang Serai as a consequence of the keen competition for land in Kampong Gelam. Malay influence is still strong in Geylang Serai as reflected in the restaurants and shops specialising in Malay cuisine and ethnic goods, arts and crafts.