SG
Kampong Glam
Singapore’s Malay-Muslim quarter: the Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane and Arab Street
Singapore’s Malay-Muslim quarter: the Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane and Arab Street
Masjid Sultan is Singapore’s best-known mosque. The first mosque here was built in the 1820s for Sultan Hussein Shah; the present building, with its golden domes, was completed in 1932. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times.
Dress modestly; robes are lent at the entrance. Avoid Friday midday prayers.
Photo: Johan Jönsson (Julle), CC BY-SA 4.0
This narrow lane of colourful shophouses and murals is lined with independent boutiques, bars and cafés. It is busiest in the evening.
Photo: Moheen Reeyad, CC BY-SA 4.0
Arab Street has long been known for textiles, carpets and batik, and today also sells Turkish lamps, perfume oils and handicrafts.
Compare prices before buying carpets.
Photo: Henry Vante, CC BY-SA 4.0
The pedestrianised Bussorah Street leads straight to the mosque, lined with palm trees, restaurants and souvenir shops. Kandahar and Baghdad streets nearby show off restored shophouse façades.
Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
The former palace of the Sultan, Istana Kampong Glam, houses the Malay Heritage Centre, which tells the story of Malay culture and history in Singapore, and hosts cultural events in its grounds.
Check opening hours and current exhibitions before visiting.
Photo: GoAheadFan95, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kampong Glam is a food destination: try murtabak (stuffed, griddled flatbread), nasi padang (rice with a choice of Malay and Indonesian dishes) and teh tarik (pulled milk tea), as well as Turkish, Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurants.
During Ramadan, the area hosts a busy evening food bazaar. Many restaurants are halal, and alcohol is limited near the mosque.
Bugis MRT station is a short walk away, and Nicoll Highway and Lavender stations are also nearby. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to use.
Kampong Glam is easily combined with Little India and the Bugis shopping area, both within walking distance.
Singapore uses the Singapore dollar (SGD). Hawker centres keep food affordable, but accommodation is expensive.
Walking around the quarter and visiting the mosque are free.
Boutique hotels in converted shophouses are popular here.
A few hours is enough for the main sights, though evenings are livelier.
Visit the Sultan Mosque in the morning, walk Bussorah, Arab and Kandahar streets, then the Malay Heritage Centre. Return to Haji Lane in the evening for dinner and drinks.
Combine with Little India the same day.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the mosque.
The mosque closes to visitors during prayers, especially Friday midday.
Evening food stalls appear during the fasting month.
Afternoon downpours are common; carry an umbrella.
Quick answers for planning time in Kampong Glam.
Yes, outside prayer times and with modest dress; robes are provided.
Colourful shophouses, street art, independent boutiques, cafés and bars.
Bugis MRT station is a short walk away.
Murtabak, nasi padang, teh tarik and Middle Eastern dishes.
Yes, for its heritage, architecture, shopping and food.
Planning a wider trip? Our Singapore travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.