| The Malay Village showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Malays. You get to experience the typical lifestyle in a traditional 'kampung' or village community during the 50s and 60s. The serene setting amidst lush greenery and ponds also has numerous wooden 'kedai' or shops, which sell a large variety of artefacts, souvenirs, apparel, snacks and food items, and traditional toys and medicines.
At the Cultural Museum, an interesting collection of artefacts on Malay culture, from weaving tools, accessories, traditional krises, weapons, musical instruments to replicas of wedding ceremonial setting are splendidly displayed.
 The history of Geylang Serai begins with a small settlement consisting of Orang Laut and the Malays on the banks of Geylang River. In the 1840s, the British Government dispersed the Malay floating village at the mouth of the Singapore River because of its obstruction to port traffic. The Malay inhabitants thus moved inland, with some setting up home in Geylang.
This new settlement at Geylang was known as 'Geylang Kelapa'. 'Kelapa' meaning coconut in Malay suggesting the presence of coconut plantations. However, since the beginning of the 20th century, the settlement has been known as 'Geylang Serai', 'Serai' in Malay is 'Lemon grass' indicating the growth or cultivation of lemon grass in the area.
The ‘serai’ bushes at the estate were a popular cock-fighting area. Cockfighting was popular among the Chinese and Malays. Unfortunately, the rural life had to make way for a modernised housing estate. Poor drainage and sanitisation in the kampong areas were among the main factors contributing to the urban redevelopment of Geylang. In 1957, it was estimated that about 360,000 people lived under squatter-like conditions. In the 1960s, the government started a public housing programmes that moved thousands of slum residents into proper flats and allowed them to become home owners.
Geylang Serai still remains the focal point of the Malay community and continues to draw Malay residents in Singapore and also tourists from around the world.
 You may want to download our guide, which includes some activities for you. This guide shows the various attractions within the village.
|
Jan 2009.