Everything You Need to Know about Geylang Bahru in Singapore
Geylang Bahru isn’t flashy; it’s one of those places that quietly grows on you. It’s central enough for easy commutes but remains pleasantly low-key.
I’ve passed through it countless times, whether for food, walks by the river, or quick errands. It’s an old soul of a neighbourhood, shaped by decades of local life and quiet changes.
Where is Geylang Bahru?
Geylang Bahru is located in the central-eastern part of Singapore, within the Kallang planning area. It sits between Boon Keng and Kallang Way, with easy access via the Downtown MRT line.
The neighbourhood is mainly residential, featuring HDB flats, a food centre, and a community club. It’s also near the Kallang River and is linked to park connectors and industrial estates.
What is the main street in Geylang Bahru?
Geylang Bahru Road is its main street, which connects Bendemeer Road to Upper Boon Keng Road. This road serves as the central thoroughfare for the neighbourhood.
How to Get There
By MRT: Take the Downtown Line (DTL) and alight at the Geylang Bahru MRT Station, located beneath Kallang Bahru at its junction with Geylang Bahru. This station provides direct access to the neighbourhood’s residential areas, markets, and other amenities.
By bus: Key bus services like 26, 61, 107, and 853 stop near Geylang Bahru MRT (bus stops 60221 and 60229). These routes connect the area to places like Bedok, Bukit Batok, Hougang, and Yishun.
By car or taxi/drop-off: It’s accessible by car or taxi/ride-hailing services via major roads like Kallang Bahru and Geylang Bahru Road. The Geylang Bahru MRT Station has a taxi stand at Exit A and designated pickup and dropoff points at both Exits A and B.
What to Do and See in Geylang Bahru
Stroll along the Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront
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Location: Kallang Bahru Ville, 64 Kallang Bahru
Contact: +6584079386
Hours: Open 24 hours
I like walking on the Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront when I need a quiet reset. The path runs along the Kallang River, with breezy views and a few fitness corners and benches to stop at.
It’s nothing fancy, but it’s peaceful. You’ll spot joggers, uncles fishing, and the occasional dragon boat.
Take a dip at Kallang Basin Swimming Complex
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Location: 23 Geylang Bahru Lane
Contact: +6562954261
Hours:
- Monday, Friday, Sunday, 8 AM–9.30 PM
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 6.30 AM–9.30 PM
Kallang Basin Swimming Complex has that old-school vibe I grew up with: simple, no-frills, and dependable. The main pool is great for laps, and there’s a smaller one for kids or casual dips.
It’s rarely crowded on weekdays, which makes it an ideal time for a swim.
Cycle at Kallang River Connector Park
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Location: 998 Bendemeer Road
Contact: +65 6471 7808
Hours: Open 24 hours
The Kallang Park Connector runs along the Kallang River, linking Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to Kallang Riverside Park. It’s a straightforward path, making it popular with cyclists and joggers.
The route offers clear views of the river and surrounding greenery, making it a pleasant spot for a walk or workout.
Admire the iconic rainbow HDB blocks
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Location: 57 Geylang Bahru
Contact: +65 6490-1111
Hours: Open 24 hours
I once visited a friend at the colourful HDB blocks of Geylang Bahru, known for its vibrant rainbow hues, and was impressed. These colours have been a distinctive feature since the 1980s!
The walls add a cheerful touch to the simple neighbourhood while uplifting and brightening the surroundings.
Check out the community club murals
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Location: Kolam Ayer Community Club, 1 Geylang Bahru Ln, #01-01
Contact: +6562964011
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
While passing by the Kolam Ayer Community Club, I noticed vibrant murals adorning its exterior walls. These artworks, created during community events, depict local culture and heritage.
They add colour to the neighbourhood and are a pleasant surprise to an otherwise uneventful stroll.
Where to Eat in Geylang Bahru
Hui Wei Chilli Ban Mian
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Location: Floor 1, Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre, Stall #01-58
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM–9.30 PM
Price: $
I tried Hui Wei Chilli Ban Mian upon recommendation, and it lived up to the hype. The noodles were springy, the minced meat hearty, and the house-made chilli addictive.
It’s easily one of the best ban mian I’ve had in years!
Cheok Kee Boneless Braised Duck
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Location: Floor 1, Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre, Stall #01-35
Hours: Daily (except Thursday), 11.45 AM–6 PM
Price: $
I had a satisfying experience at this stall in the Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre. The tender, flavourful duck paired well with the fragrant rice, while the accompanying sauce added a spicy kick.
Hock Ann Noodles
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Location: Floor 1, Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre, Stall #01-64
Hours: Daily, 8.30 AM–9 PM
Price: $
The Hock Ann Noodles stall serves a mean wanton minced dry mee sua with specialty meatballs that are simple but oh-so-tasty and juicy. The noodles soak up the chilli-only sauce beautifully, with no vinegar or soy to distract from the nice kick and mouthfeel.
Ding Xiang Mei Shi
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Location: Floor 1, Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre, Stall #01-32
Hours: Daily, 1–9 PM
Price: $
Ding Xiang Mei Shi’s chilli oil dumplings never miss the mark. The handmade skin, juicy pork filling, and punchy chilli-vinegar combo hit all the right notes, especially on a rainy day.
I always get both the fried and spicy versions because I can’t go without either.
Where to Shop
FairPrice Kallang Bahru
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Location: 71 Kallang Bahru
Contact: +6562985369
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–11 PM
Price: $$
FairPrice at the Kallang Bahru block is the go-to for those living in the Kallang Estate and nearby areas. It’s situated right by the MRT station, so it’s also convenient for those visiting.
This supermarket has everything: fresh produce, seafood, household essentials, and even plants! I find it a great spot for emergency supplies and full-on grocery runs.
Oh My Primus (Dew Toy Store)
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Location: 1014 Geylang East Ave 3, #02-240
Contact: +6581820908
Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday, noon–8 PM
- Friday to Saturday, noon–8 PM
Price: $$
This toy store is a hidden gem for kids and toy collectors like me. If you’re into Transformers, get ready to blow a gasket at Oh My Primus.
It’s tucked beside Paya Lebar MRT, away from the usual retail shop crowds. It’s been my go-to for nostalgia hits!
Where to Stay in Geylang Bahru
Hotel 81
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Location: 20 Lorong 16 Geylang
Contact: +6568418181
Hours:
- Check-in time: 3 PM
- Check-out time: 11 AM
Price: $$
Hotels in Singapore can be pricey, but Hotel 81 near Geylang Bahru is a solid pick for those travelling on a budget. It’s close to the MRT and near plenty of food spots, and the room I had was always clean with fresh towels and drinking water daily.
ibis Budget
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Location: 20 Lor 6 Geylang
Contact: +6568423888
Hours:
- Check-in time: 3 PM
- Check-out time: noon
Price: $$
I stayed at the ibis Budget near Geylang Bahru for a work trip. It’s a great option if you just need a nice, clean, comfy place to sleep and will be out for most of the day. Buses to the city were conveniently near, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout.
Venue Hotel, The Lily
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Location: 238 Joo Chiat Road
Contact: +6563443131
Hours:
- Check-in time: 3 PM
- Check-out time: 11 AM
Price: $$
Venus Hotel The Lily is a short 10-minute walk from the MRT and just a stone’s throw away from Geylang Bahru’s calm embrace. The walk is lined with affordable eats and snacks, so I ended up trying something new each day I was there.