Named after the Gelam tree which used to grow in the area, Kampong Glam was the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore. Today, the former Istana Kampong Glam (Sultan’s palace) has been converted into a heritage museum, the Malay heritage Centre, to showcase the rich history and culture of Singapore’s Malay community. The building and architecture has been meticulously restored to retain its flavour and authenticity.
Next to the Istana is Tepak Sireh, a restaurant in a restored bungalow which offers halal food and cultural performances in a charming historical district. If you’re lucky, you may even dine with guests at a royal-style Malay wedding!
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A key building in Kampong Glam is Sultan Mosque (or Masjid Sultan) at Bussorah Street, the largest mosque in Singapore with the capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 Muslims in congregational prayers. Built in 1928, the mosque features a massive golden dome and is one of Singapore’s most imposing religious institutions.
Fronting the mosque is Bussorah Mall, where the beautifully restored shophouses sell traditional clothes, artefacts, handicraft, furniture and jewelry. Or head on down to Kandahar Street to try some traditional Malay cuisine.
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| Arab Street is the centre of the Muslim community where it used to be the main selling place of Muslim men’s headgear (or songkok), the holy Quran, prayer mats and textiles. Today, Arab Street is a designer’s dream locale! Glittery and lavish fashion items abound, like the finest lace, sparkling semi-precious stones, ostrich feathers, iron-on diamantes, gold thread, and wholesale bales of silk, organza and lame which dazzle in rainbow hues and intensities. |
Thursdays 9:30am – 12 noon
SGD 25 Adults, SGD 15 Children 12 years & below (wef 1 April 2007) |
| Singapore in 1819. Politics and power like you have never seen before, wielded by a commercial firm called the East India Company. How was Singapore sold to the British for 60,000 Spanish dollars? Find out about the man who did it, and the man who forced him to. The Sultan Mosque, the Royal Graveyard, the site of the old Istana Kampong Glam: they all carry an air of royalty from the past. Follow Journey's entertaining guide on a pilgrimage to remember past glories. Take this chance too, to discover the Islamic beliefs, Malay traditions and mysticism that go back countless centuries! |
Route: Keris Gallery - Sultan Mosque - Bussorah Street - Traditional Muslim Supplies Shop - Old Istana Kampong Glam (Royal Palace) - Royal Graveyard
Meet at Bugis MRT Station, outside Exit B
* If you'd like to enter the mosque, please wear sleeved blouses / shirts (ladies - long sleeves) and long skirts or pants.
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Take the MRT to Bugis Station (EW12) and walk along Victoria Street towards Arab Street and Sulton Gate Street towards the Malay Heritage Centre. |
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