Kampong Glam: Journey Through Alleys Where Past Meets Present
Kampong Glam, a historic Malay-Muslim quarter dating back to the 19th century, is an area where the enduring influence of Islamic culture can be felt. At its centre, the golden dome of the mosque gleams in the sunlight, while the call to prayer, the adhan, echoes through the streets.
Recently, unique boutiques, cafes, and bars have popped up along the intricate alleyways, with a growing presence of mural art and other artistic activities. The area is also gaining attention as a hub for creators.
This guide takes you on a journey through the hidden gems of Kampong Glam’s backstreets. From must-visit landmarks to street art and Instagram-worthy spots, as well as dining recommendations, everything you need to know about the surrounding area is covered
Plan Your Visit: Access & Map
How to Get to Kampong Glam
To get there by MRT, take the Downtown Line (Blue) or the East-West Line (Green) and get off at Bugis Station.
From there, walk northeast along North Bridge Road for a few minutes.
When you spot the mosque with its golden dome, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Arab Street, one of the main streets of Kampong Glam.
Map: Suggested Itinerary & Estimated Time
Kampong Glam is perfect for exploring its narrow alleyways. Start your exploration on Arab Street, the heart of the area, stroll along Bussorah Street, which leads to Sultan Mosque, and make your way to Haji Lane, a charming alley lined with independent shops, restaurants, and bars.
For a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and dining, set aside around 1 to 2 hours for a leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood!
Shopping in Exotic Markets
Discover Exotic Treasures on Arab Street
Begin your stroll along Arab Street, where small shops line both sides.
These stores showcase an array of exotic treasures—from Turkish lamps and carpets to colourful scarves.
Visitors can enjoy a shopping experience that feels like stepping into a Middle Eastern bazaar.
Mecca of Fragrance
While exploring Kampong Glam, it’s hard to miss the shops selling Egyptian perfume bottles. Beautifully crafted by skilled artisans, these exquisite glass bottles are hand-blown, engraved and trimmed with gold.
A well-known shop is Kazura Aromatics, located in a prime spot along the walkway leading to Sultan Mosque. For a touch of refinement, head to Sifr Aromatics on Arab Street.
Inside its chic and sophisticated boutique, you’ll find not only perfume bottles and fine fragrances but also handcrafted candles, room sprays, and other aromatic products—each carefully curated by expert perfumers.
Sifr Aromatics
Map42 Arab St, Singapore 199741
Websitesifr.sg/
Landmarks of Kampong Glam
Sultan Mosque: Landmark of Kampong Glam
Just a street away from Arab Street, at the end of Bussorah Street, stands the magnificent Sultan Mosque—Singapore’s oldest and largest mosque, and the area’s defining landmark.
Framed by towering palm trees, the mosque’s gleaming golden dome rises majestically, creating a scene straight out of a tropical Arabian Nights.
Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque’s interior for free during visiting hours, but be mindful of the dress code for a place of worship—sleeveless tops and shorts are not allowed. Complimentary robes are available for those who need them.
Visiting hours
- Saturday to Thursday: 10:00am–12:00pm & 2:00pm–4:00pm
- Friday: Closed for tours
Sultan Mosque
Malay Heritage Centre
Just a short walk from Sultan Mosque, about 100 metres away, is Istana Kampong Glam.
This former royal residence, built in 1840 by the son of a Johor Sultan, has since been transformed into the Malay Heritage Centre, now open to the public.
Visitors can explore the rich history and culture of the Malay world.
Malay Heritage Centre
Creative Hub of Haji Lane and Beyond
Haji Lane
Tucked away just off Arab Street, Haji Lane is a narrow alley lined with trendy shops, cafes, and bars. From fashion boutiques with clothing, hats, and bags to select shops offering unique homeware and décor, each store presents a quirky and distinctive collection.
The shop displays here are as eye-catching as the merchandise, making a simple stroll an enjoyable window-shopping experience.
Many shops open later in the day, so it’s best to visit in the afternoon if you’re looking to do some serious retail therapy.
Instagrammable Street Art Haven
One of the biggest draws in Haji Lane is its vibrant street art, where crowds flock to snap photos of the eye-catching murals on the walls of the shops. These photogenic artworks have turned the alleyways into popular selfie spots.
Beyond the murals, Haji Lane bursts with funky, creative energy.
Colourful artwork spills into the alleyways behind Bussorah Street, the bustling path leading to Sultan Mosque.
Exploring the alleyways just beyond the main street in Kampong Glam reveals a treasure trove of exciting discoveries.
Must-Try Dining in Kampong Glam
Legendary Teh Tarik at Bhai Sarbat
Teh Tarik, a sweet Malaysian-style milk tea brimming with condensed milk, has long been a beloved local drink in Singapore.
For a legendary Teh Tarik experience, visit Bhai Sarbat, a renowned shop on the corner of Bussorah Street.
Their impressive performance of pouring tea from a great height is something you definitely don’t want to miss.
Bhai Sarbat
Flaming Feast of Middle Eastern Flavours
Kampong Glam is a hotspot for Middle Eastern dining, offering a variety of dishes from Turkey, Lebanon, and beyond.
Derwish, nestled along the walkway to Sultan Mosque, serves up authentic Turkish flavours, renowned for its rich culinary heritage. Diners can savour classic dishes such as shish kebabs and hummus, as well as the dramatic Testi Kebab, which arrives at the table in a flaming claypot.
Derwish Turkish Restaurant
Best Cafes and Bars in Kampong Glam
The Kampong Glam area is brimming with trendy, stylish cafes and bars.
Some popular spots include the Modern Australian cafe & restaurant Symmetry, the Scandinavian-inspired Fika, and % Arabica, a third-wave coffee brand that originated in Japan.
Top recommendation is Atlas, a regular in Asia’s Top 50 Bars list. This opulent Art Deco lounge boasts a 15-metre gin tower at its centre, creating an ambience of unparalleled luxury.
Open from midday, Atlas caters to all tastes, offering lunch and afternoon tea alongside its impressive drinks menu. A must-visit!
Heritage Hotel at Great Value
The Sultan
Located at the eastern end of Kampong Glam, The Sultan is a charming hotel housed in a restored heritage building.
The hotel boasts a warm and inviting ambience, featuring cosy attic rooms and charming maisonettes.
While it’s about an 8-10 minute walk from either Lavender or Bugis MRT stations, it offers excellent value for its price range, starting at around SGD 160 per night.
Waking up to the call to prayer (the adhan) from the nearby Sultan Mosque is a truly priceless experience.
The Sultan
★★★★
Map 101 Jln Sultan, #01-01, Singapore 199002
Location Kampong Glam (8min walk to Lavender Stn)
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Kampong Glam is a district where exotic, cultural charm intertwines with artistic trends. Discover the hidden gems tucked away in its narrow alleys.
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