Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam was one of the very first areas of Singapore to be inhabited. Arab Street is today the centre of a vibrant Arab quarter.

The first streets in the area were called Arab Street, Muscat Street and Baghdad Street, all built at the beginning of the 20th century.

The area was given the title of historic district on the 7th of July 1989.

What to see in Kampong Glam

  • Sultan's Mosque: built in 1924 by Denis Santry, this mosque is the most important, and prettiest in Singapore. Visiting hours are from 9 am to 1 pm, and from 2 pm to 4 pm (2:30 on Fridays)
  • Sultan's Palace: built in 1840 by Sultan Ali, this building is on Kandahar Street, and perhaps wouldn't strike you as a palace at first. On the same street you can find the Sultan's Gate, a yellow house where the Prime Minister lives.
  • Bussorah Mall: the most beautiful part of the quarter, and where you can find the best restaurants and cafés. The Sultan's Mosque is at its northern end.
  • Arab Street: full of shops selling cloth, rugs and perfumes, Arab Street is the most typical street in Kampong Glam
  • Repleta de tiendas de telas, alfombras y perfumes, Arab Street es la calle más representativa de Kampong Glam.

An Interesting Visit

Although Kampong Glam isn't quite as striking as Little India or Chinatown, if you've got the time it's also worth a look. And if you walk along North Beach Road it's relatively close to Bugis.