http://www.asiaone.com/Travel/News/Story/A1Story20090502-138840.html
Sat, May 02, 2009
AsiaOne
Geylang one of top ten things to do in S'pore
WHAT DO Geylang, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and plastic surgery have in common?
The three could not be any more dissimilar except for their being featured alongside one another in an alternative list for Singapore's tourists by Time magazine.
In a feature entitled "10 Things to Do in 24 Hours", published in the May 4 edition, writer Daven Wu lists places where the "real charm of Singapore lies", and where locals "in the know live and play".
The article eschews run-of-the-mill attractions like Sentosa and Orchard Road for interesting nuggets like plastic surgery, gadget hunting at Sim Lim Square, and dining at the White Rabbit at Dempsey.
The inclusion of Geylang by Time, in particular, has drawn considerable attention - being highlighted in two reports by local Chinese newspaper Lianhe Wanbao.
Geylang has dislodged Bugis for the crown of the island's red-light district, and boasts "great period architecture", "leggy street walkers" and some of the best Indian, Malay, Chinese and Peranakan cuisine, says Time.
Interviews conducted by Wanbao regarding Geylang's selection, however, depict Singaporeans' polarised opinions about the place.
Many feel Geylang is complicated, sleazy and disgraceful. A long-time shopkeeper of 30 years tells Wanbao that drunk fights are a common occurrence every weekend.
Mr Liu, in his fifties, who has been working in a Geylang factory for 30 years, complains of the many prostitutes who often harass him while he is having lunch in the area.
On the contrary, some who spoke to Wanbao feel that Geylang does possess an inimitable charm, with its coffee shop culture and rustic buildings still intact from decades ago.
To many, Geylang is also a foodie haven that is ever growing, most recently with the introduction of China specialties like duck's neck and hot pot.
Sat, May 02, 2009
AsiaOne
Geylang one of top ten things to do in S'pore
WHAT DO Geylang, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and plastic surgery have in common?
The three could not be any more dissimilar except for their being featured alongside one another in an alternative list for Singapore's tourists by Time magazine.
In a feature entitled "10 Things to Do in 24 Hours", published in the May 4 edition, writer Daven Wu lists places where the "real charm of Singapore lies", and where locals "in the know live and play".
The article eschews run-of-the-mill attractions like Sentosa and Orchard Road for interesting nuggets like plastic surgery, gadget hunting at Sim Lim Square, and dining at the White Rabbit at Dempsey.
The inclusion of Geylang by Time, in particular, has drawn considerable attention - being highlighted in two reports by local Chinese newspaper Lianhe Wanbao.
Geylang has dislodged Bugis for the crown of the island's red-light district, and boasts "great period architecture", "leggy street walkers" and some of the best Indian, Malay, Chinese and Peranakan cuisine, says Time.
Interviews conducted by Wanbao regarding Geylang's selection, however, depict Singaporeans' polarised opinions about the place.
Many feel Geylang is complicated, sleazy and disgraceful. A long-time shopkeeper of 30 years tells Wanbao that drunk fights are a common occurrence every weekend.
Mr Liu, in his fifties, who has been working in a Geylang factory for 30 years, complains of the many prostitutes who often harass him while he is having lunch in the area.
On the contrary, some who spoke to Wanbao feel that Geylang does possess an inimitable charm, with its coffee shop culture and rustic buildings still intact from decades ago.
To many, Geylang is also a foodie haven that is ever growing, most recently with the introduction of China specialties like duck's neck and hot pot.
