Singapore has a problem, la. Nor is it the counterfeit shit from Sim Lim Square that our Aunties across the island have been warning us about. Believe it or not, Singapore actually has a prostitution problem โ and it is in the district of Geylang where you can find it for yourself.
Heck, I even like shopping in Jurong, these days! But, while what goes on in Orchard Towers is discreet, there are also sex shops on public view in Geylang, so anybody that walks past can get an eyeful.
What surprised me a lot was the kind of prostitutes you can find around here. Apparently, there are Thai, Filipino, and Vietnamese hookers plying their trade around Geylang, all seemingly competing with each other for punters. I am an English teacher and even I do not qualify yet for a work permit in Singapore. Seems a bit complicated to me โ even contradictory. Still, it is perceived that the hookers do indeed live fairly comfortably from their night time sex job.
A study reported in The Straits Times showed that prostitutes pick and choose their clients, depending on race, and charge some more, others less: Caucasians are typically asked to pay most because they are perceived to be more willing; Chinese are charged less than Caucasians, while Bangladeshis pay the lowest amount because they are seen as less wealthy.
Wow โ racism and prostitution! When backpacking in Singapore, it could be tempting to find a brothel hostel in the Geylang area because it will almost certainly have the lowest price. Please do not be tempted by these cheaper prices. It may not even be safe around here at night, and even if it is, I wonder what your pillows would smell ofโฆ. I travelled with my partner and the Hotel we stayed in was clean, smelled fine and the staff were lovely.
