Geylang: Singapore's Only Remaining Red Light District

TL;DR

Geylang is Singapore's sole legal red light district in 2025. Three streets (Lorong 20, 18, 16) with nationality-specific houses - Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Standard pricing S$60/30min, professional setup, good variety. Peak times 7-10pm after office hours.

Quick Info

  • Location: 10min walk from Aljunied MRT
  • Streets: Lorong 20, 18, 16 (Lorong 18 has most Thai houses)
  • Pricing: S$60/30min, S$120/hour (some S$50-80 options)
  • Hours: Most open 3pm-11pm/12am
  • Setup: Legal brothels, nationality-specific houses
  • Peak Times: 7-10pm weekdays

Geylang is pretty much the one and only red light district left in Singapore as of 2025. It's a unique setup compared to other Asian cities - completely legal, well-organized, and each house has a specific nationality.

The Layout

Three main streets - Lorong 20, 18, and 16 - each about a 1-minute walk from each other. If you're coming from Aljunied MRT, Lorong 20 is a good starting point. Unlike typical red light areas, only one side of each street has the houses, and Lorong 18 tends to have the most Thai establishments.

These aren't bars or entertainment venues - they're literally houses (bungalows) with numbers like "Lorong 18 House 10." Each house specializes in one nationality: Vietnamese, Thai, or Chinese workers exclusively. I've never seen mixed nationality houses here.

How It Works

You can identify which nationality each house offers by the decor outside - flags, cultural items, or other symbols. But the easiest way is just asking the house manager, who will be enthusiastic about explaining their offerings and helping match your preferences.

Most house managers are welcoming and want you to at least check out their lineup. Each house typically has anywhere from 1 to 10+ ladies available. The house manager will introduce the lineup, you pick someone if interested, and she takes you to a room for service.

Service & Pricing

Standard Process: Shower, main service, shower again. Some places offer bottled water, others don't.

Pricing:

  • Thai/Vietnamese houses: S$60/30min, S$120/hour
  • Some premium options: S$80/40min, S$160/hour
  • Budget options: S$50/30min available
  • Chinese houses: Reportedly pricier (haven't confirmed personally)

Condoms are required everywhere - non-negotiable policy.

Timing Your Visit

Most houses open mid-afternoon (3pm) and run until 11pm-12am. Busiest period is after office hours, 7-10pm, when you'll have the most options but also more competition for popular girls.

For the full experience, plan 15-20 minutes to walk all three streets and check options. But keep in mind - if you see someone you like, consider going for it rather than completing your survey, because she might be taken by the time you circle back.

Service Quality

My experiences have ranged from pretty great to really great, depending on the individual. Same principles apply as anywhere - ladies with good eye contact and genuine smiles tend to provide better service.

The 30-minute timeframe doesn't leave much room beyond the basics after cleaning, so consider booking an hour if you want a more relaxed experience. I personally only go for the hour option when returning to someone I've had good chemistry with.

The Selection

With 5-10 houses per street and 1-10+ ladies per house, you're looking at possibly 100+ women across different ethnicities. It's more diverse than what you'll find in big entertainment districts like in Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy in Bangkok, where it's predominantly one nationality despite regional variety. And there are definitely some lookers in the mix.

What Makes Geylang Different

The legal framework creates a professional, no-nonsense environment. No booking system, no outcall options, no direct contact with staff - everything happens in person. It's straightforward and efficient.

The nationality-specific house system is unique and creates a different dynamic than mixed venues elsewhere in Asia.

Practical Notes

  • Transport: Aljunied MRT is your best bet - short walk and avoids parking hassles
  • No booking: First-come, first-served for all ladies
  • Cash recommended: Cash only
  • Timing: Arrive before 7pm for best selection, or after 10pm when it's quieter

Geylang operates like a well-organized business district rather than a traditional red light area. It's Singapore's approach to adult entertainment - legal, regulated, and refreshingly straightforward.

The above is based on personal experience and multiple visits.

Last updated: August 2025