Geylang is known for its brothels, karaoke bars, and other establishments catering to the world’s oldest profession, prostitution. This reputation did not develop overnight but rather evolved over the course of several decades.
Geylang was originally a swampy area located to the east of the Singapore River. In the early 19th century, it was a rural area dotted with small villages and fruit plantations. However, with the rapid growth of Singapore’s population in the late 19th century, Geylang began to change. The government started to reclaim land and develop infrastructure, which attracted businesses and migrants to the area.
By the early 20th century, Geylang had become a bustling residential area with a diverse population. Many Chinese migrants settled in Geylang and established businesses such as provision shops, tailoring shops, and food stalls. The area also had a reputation for being a cultural and entertainment hub, with theatres and cinemas attracting people from all over Singapore.
However, as Singapore continued to develop, Geylang began to change again. In the 1960s and 1970s, the government implemented urban renewal programs to modernize the city. As a result, many old buildings in Geylang were torn down and replaced with high-rise apartments and commercial buildings.
During this period, the prostitution trade began to flourish in Geylang. It is unclear exactly when and how prostitution became prevalent in the area, but some believe it started in the 1960s when many refugees from China settled in Geylang. These refugees, who were often poor and lacked job opportunities, turned to prostitution to make a living.
As the prostitution trade grew, it became more organized and professional. Brothels and massage parlours were established, and pimps and agents began to recruit women from other countries such as Thailand, China, and Vietnam. The government tried to crack down on prostitution by implementing strict laws and conducting raids on illegal establishments, but this only pushed the prostitution trade underground and made it more difficult to regulate.
Despite the government’s efforts to clean up Geylang and eradicate the prostitution trade, it has persisted to this day. Some argue that prostitution is so entrenched in Geylang that it has become part of the area’s cultural identity. Many people, especially foreign workers and tourists continue to visit Geylang for its cheap food, nightlife, and prostitution.
Geylang’s transformation into a red-light district has been a gradual and complex process that has evolved over several decades. While the area has a rich cultural history and continues to be a popular destination for tourists, it also has a dark side that is growing in reputation regionally.