Kampong Glam is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Singapore, known for its rich culture and entertainment. Initially, this neighbourhood was allocated to the Arabs, Malay and Bugis by the Britishers during the colonial era. Today, it has become a tourist hotspot where you can experience the perfect blend of tradition with modernity.
There are several prominent landmarks in Kampong Glam that you can explore such as the Sultan Mosque, Sri Krishnan Temple, Malay Heritage Centre and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. You can also visit the vibrant Arab Street where you can relish in delicious cuisine, enjoy shopping as well as witness a lively local culture.
Another must-visit place is the Haji Lane, a Bohemian street lined up with tattoo parlours, vintage Egyptian restaurants, street food stalls, yoga centres and colourful shops. Bugis Street is another shopping paradise, with more than 800 shops and stalls. Here, you can find a variety of branded items available at affordable prices if you know how to bargain. Additionally, Kampong Glam is known for its exciting and lively nightlife with a wide range of pubs, nightclubs and bars for you to explore.
Highlights
• Explore the vibrant streets of Kampong Glam, a culturally rich and one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Singapore.
• Visit the largest mosque of the city, the Sultan Mosque along with other spiritual sites like Masjid Malabar and Hajjah Fatimah Mosque.
• Offer your prayers at one of the largest Hindu temples in Singapore, Sri Krishnan Temple which is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• Explore the vibrant lanes to enjoy shopping and purchasing souvenirs from the local market.
• Experience a lively nightlife by dancing to your favourite beats, and relishing in mouth-watering snacks and refreshing drinks.
How To Reach
- By Car: Kampong Glam is located around 13 km from the city centre of Singapore. You can reach your destination in approximately 20 minutes via the Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 and Central Expressway route. You can easily get a taxi from any corner of the city that will directly take you to Kampong Glam.
- By Bus: One of the most convenient ways to reach Kampong Glam is by bus. The nearest bus stop is Beach Road, at a distance of 400 metres which can be covered with a 6-minute walk. Several buses that travel to your destination such as bus numbers 33, 57, 61, 100 and 170. Travelling by local buses will not only save you money but will also allow you to experience the local lifestyle.
- By Metro: The fastest way to reach Kampong Glam is by metro. The nearest metro stations are Bugis and Nicoll Highway. You can enjoy a short 8-minute walk from these metro stations to Kampong Glam, covering around 500 metres.
Best Time To Visit
Kampong Glam is a popular tourist destination in Singapore which can be visited throughout the year.
- Best Season: You can visit the Kampong Glam in the summer season, starting from February and April to comfortably explore the attraction in pleasant weather, mild temperatures and low humidity.
- Best Day of the Week: Plan your visit to Kampong Glam on the weekdays if you wish to avoid crowds on the weekend.
- Best Time of the Day: It is advisable to visit Kampong Glam during the early hours so that you will have sufficient time to explore the attraction at your own pace.
Other Essential Information
Visitor Tips:
- Make sure to wear modest clothes, covering your knees and shoulders if you will be visiting spiritual sites.
- Wear comfortable footwear as you will be walking a lot to explore the entire neighbourhood.
- Apply sunscreen and carry a hat or scarf to protect yourself from skin burns, especially in the summer season.
- Remember to carry sufficient cash for shopping, eating and local transportation to avoid any inconveniences.
- Make sure to bargain your best before purchasing anything from the local market to get the best prices.
- Maintain the cleanliness of your environment and dispose of garbage properly in the dustbins.
- Take care of your belongings like mobile phones, watches and wallets as it is a bustling street.
Visit Major Spiritual Sites
One of the most prominent landmarks of Kampong Glam is the Sultan Mosque which was built in 1824 by Sultan Hussein Shah. Make sure to also visit the ‘Little Cousin of the Sultan Mosque’, the Malabar Masjid which is a charming blue and white structure with a golden dome atop its prayer hall. You can also visit the famous Hajjah Fatimah Mosque which is one of the few mosques to be named after a benefactress. To learn more about Buddhist culture, visit the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple which is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. A major Hindu temple that you can visit is the Sri Krishnan Temple which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Additionally, the temple has a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Goddess Guan Yin and stands as a symbol of harmony and multicultural society.
Go On a Shopping Spree
Kampong Glam is one of the best places in Singapore to purchase souvenirs and experience the vibrant local culture of the city. There are several streets lined up with colourful stalls, offering items like handicrafts, jewellery, paintings, carpet, spices, clothes, footwear, bags and decorative pieces. You can visit the famous Arab Street where you can find imported items from the Middle East such as furnishing items, crafts, textiles and trendy accessories. Another popular shopping stop is Haji Lane which is a captivating graffiti lane. It is lined up with colourful stores selling items at an extremely affordable price along with tattoo parlours, yoga centres and vintage restaurants. If you wish to visit luxury malls then you can head towards Bugis Street where you can find even branded items at a discounted price.
Learn About Malay Culture
Malay Heritage Centre is a stunning gallery, built in 1840 by Sultan Ali, the son of Sultan Hussein Shah. The exhibition displays items that represent the rich culture and heritage of Malay Singaporeans. It is a huge complex made of several bungalows, out of which there is a main two-storey bungalow which used to be the residence of the Sultan. The museum has six permanent galleries displaying artefacts contributed by the Singapore National Community as well as personal items from the members of the Malay Community. It is surrounded by stunning Gelam trees and has a gorgeous fountain in the middle of the complex.
Enjoy Delectable Dishes
Kampong Glam is nothing less than a paradise for all the foodies. You will find a wide variety of cuisine to treat your taste buds, ranging from Lebanese to Egyptian, Turkish and Indian. One of the most popular choices to enjoy a meal is Kandahar Street which offers a budget-friendly buffet. You can also visit other popular places like Haji Lane and Arab Street which are lined up with several colourful food stalls and vintage-style restaurants. Some of the must-try dishes include almond croissants, Kaya Swiss rolls, kebabs, biryani, murtabak (stuffed bread), Ayan Goreng (fried chicken), Sundanese grilled chicken and Tahu Telur (fried tofu). Some of the popular eateries in Kampong Glam that you can explore are Zam Zam Singapore, Warong Nasi Pariaman, Hjh Maimunah and Fika Swedish Cafe.
Enjoy a Lively Nightlife
Apart from its historical and spiritual sites, Kampong Glam also offers a lively nightlife to its visitors. There are several pubs, bars and clubs that operate all night. One of the most popular places to visit at night is the Golden Mile Complex where you can enjoy your favourite drinks and delicious snacks at a Thai disco. Some other eminent night hotspots of Kampong Glam include Bar Stories, Beavers Pub & Grill and Blu Jaz Cafe. You can also explore Bugis Street at night which is renowned for its age-old pubs and bars, serving drinks at affordable prices.
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