Blue Hour in Aljunied... A Photo Walk Along Lorong Geylang

about 10 hours ago

Yesterday, I found myself in Aljunied again, this time with a different kind of goal. Last Sunday was all about nature videography at the Chinese Garden, but I wanted to challenge myself with something more chaotic, more urban, and honestly… more alive. So I made my way to the Lorong Geylang roads to practice street videography, the kind where you have to react fast because the scene changes every few seconds.

I decided to do two versions of the same walk: photography for today’s blog, and videography for a TikTok compilation. I like doing it this way because photos let me slow down and notice details, while videos capture the real pulse of the street, the way the lights flicker, cars glide past, people weave in and out of frame, and the city just keeps moving like it has its own rhythm. I’ll share the TikTok link in the post as well, in case you want to watch the short clips from this walk.

What’s amazing about Aljunied is that it never feels quiet. Even before the sky turns fully dark, the area already looks like it’s mid-story. There’s that blue-hour mood, clouds hanging heavy, the streetlights warming up, and buildings starting to glow from within. One moment you’re facing a dramatic, modern structure with clean angles and tiny lights scattered across the façade like stars. The next, you’re looking at a humble corner filled with signboards, food smells, and a kind of everyday energy that feels very Singapore.

A big part of what makes Lorong Geylang interesting (especially for practicing videography) is the contrast. The traditional shophouses still hold their ground, with their familiar shapes and old-world textures. But right beside them, you’ll catch a more modern building design, glass, sharp lines, and bright vertical lighting that feels almost futuristic. It creates playful angles for photos. If you’re the type who enjoys framing shots, this area gives you endless combinations: reflections, leading lines, neon signs, silhouettes, passing vehicles, and people pausing at traffic lights.

And then there are the lights, so many lights. Some are bright and clean, others are bold and blinking, and a few are the kind that make you stop just because they look exciting. One of my favourite moments was seeing a street packed with signboards and glowing colours while the sun was setting in the distance. It felt like the city was switching shifts, from daytime errands to nighttime cravings.

The dominant street décor is still Chinese New Year decorations, which surprised me at first, but I get it. They still look nice, and they add a festive touch that makes parts of Aljunied feel like a mini Chinatown. Red lanterns hanging across the street, little pockets of warm light, and that familiar festive charm, especially when the sky is moody and grey, and the lanterns become the brightest thing in your frame.

Aljunied also has a reputation for being a bit of Singapore’s “underbelly,” and yes, it’s a mix of everything. But to me, that mix is part of its personality. It’s not trying to be polished. It’s just being itself, busy, layered, honest. And because every corner shows a different aspect of the city, it becomes a really good place to practice videography. You don’t even need to plan too much. Just walk, observe, and let the street give you scenes to capture.

If you ever want a photo walk that feels different from the usual malls and waterfronts, Aljunied is worth exploring, especially around blue hour. Bring your camera, keep your eyes open, and let the city surprise you.