Kampong Glam & Bugis Guides

Kampong Glam Singapore at a glance

Kampong Glam Singapore is the city's historic Malay and Muslim quarter. Kampong is the Malay word for village. The area grew up around the palace of the Malay sultan in the 1800s. Today its streets are full of shophouses, textile shops, cafés and small boutiques. It sits right next to Bugis, a busy shopping area.

The quarter is small, flat and easy to explore on foot. Bugis MRT station, on the East-West and Downtown Lines, is a short walk away.

Sultan Mosque and visiting with respect

Sultan Mosque, also called Masjid Sultan, is the heart of the area. Its large golden dome rises at the end of Bussorah Street. It is an active mosque, and visitors are welcome outside prayer times.

• Dress modestly. Cover your shoulders, arms and knees. Robes are usually available at the entrance.
• Remove your shoes before you step inside.
• Keep your voice low, and do not walk in front of people who are praying.
• Avoid Friday around midday, when the mosque is busy with Friday prayers.
• Visiting times change for prayers and religious holidays, so check the notices before you go.

During Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, the area is especially lively in the evenings as people break their fast. Hari Raya Puasa, the festival at the end of Ramadan, brings street lights and festive markets to Geylang Serai, further east.

Haji Lane, Arab Street and Bugis

Haji Lane is a narrow street of colourful shophouses with independent boutiques, cafés and bars. Its walls are covered in murals, so it is a favourite for photos. It is quiet in the morning and livelier in the evening. Our Kampong Glam & Haji Lane page has more on the area.

Arab Street is known for shops selling fabric, batik and carpets. Batik is cloth patterned by using wax to block the dye. Bussorah Street, a palm-lined walkway leading to the mosque, has cafés and souvenir shops.

A few minutes away, Bugis Street is a covered market with cheap clothes, accessories, souvenirs and snacks. It is a good place to pick up small gifts.

What to eat in Kampong Glam

The food here mixes Malay, Indian Muslim and Middle Eastern cooking. Many places serve halal food. If you need halal food, look for the MUIS halal certificate on display. MUIS is the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, which certifies halal food.

• Murtabak: pan-fried bread stuffed with minced meat, egg and onion, served with curry. Try Zam Zam Restaurant or Victory Restaurant, two Indian eateries known for it.
• Nasi padang: steamed rice with your choice of dishes, such as beef rendang and vegetables in coconut gravy. Warong Nasi Pariaman and Rumah Makan Minang both serve it.
• Biryani: spiced rice cooked with meat. Islamic Restaurant is an Indian restaurant known for biryani.
• Nasi lemak: rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal chilli and sides. The Coconut Club is a Malay restaurant built around this dish.
• Middle Eastern food: Turkish and Lebanese restaurants serve kebabs, dips and flatbreads. See Middle Eastern Restaurants in Singapore.

Hawker food is close by too. A hawker centre is a large food hall of small, low-cost stalls. Albert Centre Market & Food Centre near Bugis and Golden Mile Food Centre on Beach Road both offer cheap local meals. Learn the names first in Malay Hawker Dishes to Know Before You Order.

Where to stay and practical tips

Bugis and Kampong Glam make a central base, with good MRT links and plenty of food. Options include boutique hotels such as Hotel NuVe Heritage and four-star hotels such as Village Hotel Bugis. Browse more in Hotels in Bugis & Kampong Glam.

• Visit the mosque earlier in the day, then stay for dinner as the lanes light up.
• Many shops on Haji Lane open in the late morning, so there is no need to arrive early.
• Ask before you photograph people, especially worshippers near the mosque.
• The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18. If you visit a bar on Haji Lane, drink responsibly and remember you are in a religious heritage area.

FAQs about Kampong Glam

Can tourists enter Sultan Mosque?

Yes. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times if they dress modestly. Robes are usually provided at the entrance, and shoes must come off.

What is Haji Lane known for?

Haji Lane is known for colourful murals, independent boutiques, cafés and small bars in old shophouses. It is a popular spot for photos.

Is the food in Kampong Glam halal?

Many places are, but not all. Look for the MUIS halal certificate at the restaurant or stall before you order.

How do I get to Kampong Glam?

Take the MRT to Bugis station on the East-West or Downtown Line. From there, Sultan Mosque is a short walk.