Kampong Glam

Overview

Kampong Glam is Singapore's Malay-Arab quarter, centered around the golden-domed Sultan Mosque and the impossibly hip Haji Lane — a narrow alley of indie boutiques, street art, cafés, and bars.

Highlights

• Sultan Mosque: The stunning gold-domed mosque (1924) — Singapore's most important Islamic building.
• Haji Lane: A narrow lane of indie boutiques, vintage shops, and street art murals.
• Arab Street: Carpet shops, textile merchants, and perfume stores along the traditional Arab Street.

History

Designated as the Malay and Arab quarter by Raffles in 1822, Kampong Glam takes its name from the gelam tree. The Sultan of Singapore's palace once stood here.

Visitor Tips

• Evening Visit: Haji Lane's bars and restaurants come alive after 6 PM.
• Photography: The colorful shophouses and murals are extremely photogenic.
• Duration: 1.5 hours.