What comes to mind when you hear the words red-light district? It's probably something steamy, right? That’s exactly what I thought when I first stepped into Geylang. Known for its neon-lit nightlife and infamous reputation, this part of Singapore is anything but boring. At first, I had zero interest in staying here. The cheap hotel prices? Suspicious. I wondered why they were so affordable.

But since I was traveling in July—peak season with school holidays and the Great Singapore Sale—hotel rates were skyrocketing. Geylang suddenly seemed like a practical option. Surprisingly, I scored a spacious suite that was a perfect fit for me. A budget-friendly stay in a red-light district—what could go wrong? Or rather, what unexpected experiences awaited?

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Geylang at night—a sensory overload of neon lights, sizzling woks, and the occasional motorbike zipping past like it’s auditioning for Fast & Furious. I’d done my homework: avoid dark alleys, stay alert, and don’t look too much like a wide-eyed newbie. But Geylang, being Geylang, had other plans. Just a few meters into my stroll, I spotted a guy flat out on the sidewalk.

My first thought? Oh great, my first night here and I’m already stumbling into a scene from a crime drama. But then I noticed his clothes—crisp, clean, and not the uniform of someone who’s been roughing it. Nope, this guy wasn’t homeless; he was homeless for the night because he’d clearly gone toe-to-toe with a bottle of something strong and lost spectacularly.

Geylang had already served up its first dose of chaos, and I had a feeling this was just the opening act. I kept walking and stopped briefly at a halal restaurant, Al-Bidayah. My stomach was growling—I just wanted a quick meal before checking into the hotel. But before I could even take a seat, I found myself caught in yet another bizarre situation. Out of nowhere, a man appeared—dressed in a hospital gown, bandages wrapped around his head like he had just stumbled out of a horror movie. His eyes darted around, restless, and when he spoke, his voice was low, urgent.

"I ran away from the hospital," he said. "The mafia is after me. I need money for a plane ticket."

My stomach twisted. Are you kidding me? I just got here. I haven’t even had a chance to eat, and now this? I gripped my bag a little tighter, my appetite fading fast.

I noticed an Indian man at the next table subtly signaling the bandaged man to leave. It was quick—just a glance and a slight movement—but enough to make me realize this wasn’t his first time pulling this stunt. Was he working with someone? How many people had fallen for this? Thankfully, our food arrived just in time. I shot one last glance at the bandaged man, who was already slipping away into the crowd.

Staying in a red-light district is exactly what you’d expect—unpredictable, sometimes bizarre, but undeniably eye-opening. And honestly, I’m grateful for the experience! Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic, with its travel restrictions and bans on public gatherings, played a surprising role in reshaping Geylang. Crime rates dropped.

Yet, despite its colorful past, Geylang has its perks. Its central location, well-connected transport links, 24-hour eateries, and relatively affordable rents make it an appealing place to live. What was once a notorious red-light hub has gradually transformed into a thriving commercial district, thanks to gentrification.

My Experience at ibis budget Singapore Ruby

During my time in Geylang, I stayed at ibis budget Singapore Ruby, conveniently located just a 7-minute walk from Aljunied MRT. The hotel offers a modern and cozy atmosphere—though the rooms aren’t particularly spacious, they make up for it with thoughtful amenities. Inside, you’ll find a private bathroom, a comfy bed with soft linens, air conditioning, a TV, drinking water, towels, and basic toiletries like soap and shampoo. There’s even a window to let in natural light, making the space feel more open.

One of the best things? Daily housekeeping! No matter how much I explored during the day, I always came back to a fresh and tidy room. The 24-hour front desk staff were also incredibly friendly and helpful, which made the stay even better.

Geylang has a reputation, and some say Lorongs 18-20 are designated areas for nightlife scene. However, this hotel located in Lorong 20, is far from that—so if you’re worried about noise or a seedy environment, don’t be. Despite being in a bustling area, I had no trouble getting a good night’s sleep.

Beyond its unique character, Geylang is a paradise for food lovers! Just a few minutes from the hotel is Al-Bidayah, an Indian halal restaurant, perfect for a satisfying meal at any time. If you’re in the mood for something different, Chinese eateries are also nearby. Need to grab snacks or top up your EZ-Link card? There's a 7-Eleven (18 Lor) just a 5-minute walk away.

Public transport is super convenient here. Right in front of the 7-Eleven, you’ll find a bus stop, making it easy to explore the city. If you prefer the MRT, Aljunied station is the closest, and from there, you can reach key locations like Changi Airport, Bugis, Chinatown, and Little India in no time. The only downside? If you’re heading to Universal Studios Singapore, be prepared for a longer journey.

How to Get to ibis budget Singapore Ruby from Changi Airport

I arrived at Changi Airport (Terminal 2) and found that taking the MRT was the easiest and most budget-friendly option:

1. Take the East-West Line MRT from Changi Airport to Tanah Merah (2 stops).

2. Transfer at Tanah Merah and continue to Aljunied (5 stops).

3. Exit Aljunied MRT station and walk towards Geylang Chinese Methodist Church.

4. Continue straight until you reach a large intersection, then turn right into Lorong 23.

5. Walk to the end of the alley—you’ll spot Al-Bidayah restaurant on your right, and right next to it is ibis budget Singapore Ruby.

If you're looking for affordable accommodation with great accessibility and delicious food nearby, this hotel is worth considering! Overall, staying in Geylang is safe as long as you stay aware of your surroundings. If you're traveling with others, you’ll likely have no issues exploring. However, solo travelers should avoid walking around late at night, as the area can feel a bit sketchy after dark. The best way to enjoy Geylang is to explore in the morning or afternoon when the streets are lively, the eateries are buzzing, and the city's vibrant energy is at its best!

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