Kampong Glam Guide
Kampong Glam, Singapore
Explore one of Singapore’s most distinctive historic districts, where Malay royal history, Islamic heritage, conserved shophouses, traditional trades and contemporary street culture come together.
Kampong Glam at a Glance
Kampong Glam was historically the seat of Malay royalty and developed into an important residential, commercial, cultural and religious centre. It remains one of Singapore’s designated historic conservation districts.
History of Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam’s history is closely tied to Singapore’s Malay and Muslim communities, maritime trade and the royal household.
The name Kampong Glam is commonly linked to the gelam tree. URA notes that its bark, timber, fruit and leaves were used for practical purposes including boat construction and traditional remedies. [URA]
Kampong Glam became the seat of Malay royalty and was home to the Sultan’s family. Its historic district later developed around royal, religious and commercial activity. [URA]
Residents included Malays as well as Arab, Bugis, Boyanese, Javanese and Chinese communities. URA records that by 1824, at least one-third of residents were Chinese. [URA]
The district became a major regional centre for Muslim pilgrims travelling to Mecca. Bussorah Street and nearby streets provided lodging, pilgrimage services and supplies for travellers. [NHB]
Kampong Glam was gazetted as a conservation area on 7 July 1989. Additional buildings were subsequently added to the conservation stock. [URA]
Key Heritage Landmarks
Sultan Mosque
Sultan Mosque is one of Kampong Glam’s defining landmarks and remains an important spiritual centre for Singapore’s Muslim community. URA identifies it as one of the district’s two major historic landmarks. [URA]
Istana Kampong Gelam
The former Sultan’s palace dates to the 1840s and later became the Malay Heritage Centre, preserving the history of the district and the wider Malay world. [URA]
Hajjah Fatimah Mosque
Another significant landmark in the wider Kampong Glam area, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque is also recognised as a National Monument. [URA]
Streets to Explore
Kampong Glam’s character is best understood by walking through its individual streets, each of which developed its own identity and trades.
Things to Do in Kampong Glam
Walk Around Sultan Mosque
Start around Sultan Mosque and Bussorah Street before exploring the surrounding conserved streets and traditional commercial blocks.
Explore Haji Lane
Haji Lane contains some of Kampong Glam’s earliest two-storey Early-style shophouses, characterised by relatively simple façades and minimal plaster ornamentation. [URA]
Discover Traditional Trades
Kampong Glam historically supported textile wholesalers, spice traders, perfumers, sandal makers, Muslim food caterers, frame makers, gemstone retailers and other specialist businesses. [URA]
Learn About the Hajj Trade
Bussorah Street was once a centre for pilgrim lodging, brokers, money changers and shops supplying travellers heading to Mecca. [NHB]
Look for Malay Literary Heritage
Kampong Glam was once a centre of Islamic and Malay publishing. Al-Ahmadiah Press, established in 1920, formed part of this thriving publishing industry. [URA]
Explore Old and New Together
Contemporary cafés, eateries and independent shops now sit alongside traditional businesses and conserved architecture, giving the district its present-day mix.
Food & Traditional Businesses
Food is closely tied to Kampong Glam’s cultural identity. URA notes that the area continues to have a strong focus on Muslim cuisine, while traditional textile and specialist businesses remain part of the district. [URA]
Malay & Muslim Food
The district has long served Singapore’s Malay and Muslim communities, and food remains one of its defining cultural elements.
Textiles & Specialist Shops
Textiles, perfumes, spices and other specialist goods form part of the commercial legacy of Kampong Glam and Arab Street.
Old Meets New
Newer cafés and restaurants now operate among traditional businesses, bringing a younger and more diverse visitor mix to the district.
Continue Exploring
Berseh Food Centre
Head back toward Jalan Besar to explore Berseh Food Centre, its hawker culture, history and current visitor information.
Explore Berseh Food Centre →Explore Nearby
Discover Jalan Besar, Little India, Rochor, Lavender, Bugis and other neighbourhoods around Berseh Food Centre.
Explore Nearby →Sources & Further Reading
Historical and architectural information in this guide is primarily based on Singapore government heritage and conservation sources.