In the 1830s, the Baweanese or better known as the Boyanese, started coming to Singapore, a thriving Britishh colony then, in search of jobs. Unlike Chinese and Indian settlers who regarded themselves as migrants, the Boyanese and others from the Malay Archipelago saw themselves as perantau (people who travel within their region), as Singapore has long been regarded as part of the Malay seas. The Pondok Peranakan Gelam Club was set up in Singapore by the Boyanese to provide accommodation and cater to the welfare needs of their fellow immigrants from the Gelam province of Bawean Island, Indonesia.
Registered on 4 April 1932, the pondok or lodge organised educational, social, sports and recreational activities. Membership was extended to all Singapore residents in 1969. By the 1970s, the club had nearly 700 members.
Located in Chinatown at 64 Club Street, the club symbolised the harmonious existence of Singapore’s multi-racial people. During the racial riots in 1945, many Malays were attacked by the force of Bintang Tiga (Malayan Communist Party guerillas) and Chinese triad members. The Boyanese residents in Club Street were not affected as they were given protection by their Chinese neighbours. They were also sheltered during 1964 racial riots.
Today the club continues to organise religious ,welfare, social sports , educational and recreational activities. On 1 February, it moved to the Telok Ayer Hong Lim Green Community Centre.