Photo: Johan Jönsson (Julle) (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Singapore
The cultural districts
Kampong Glam, Chinatown and Little India
District · Singapore
Discover The cultural districts
The 1822 Raffles Plan set aside Kampong Glam for the sultan's household and the Malay and Arab communities, and it is still the heart of Muslim life in Singapore. At its centre is the golden-domed Sultan Mosque, whose present building was completed in 1932, surrounded by Arab Street, Bussorah Street and Haji Lane, with their shops and halal restaurants, and the Malay Heritage Centre in the former sultan's palace.
A few minutes away are Little India, with Serangoon Road and its shops for fabrics, spices and gold, and Chinatown, with Pagoda Street and its colourful shophouses. Between them lies the Civic District, with its colonial buildings and the historic Raffles Hotel.
We suggest a guided morning walk that begins at the Sultan Mosque and ends with a halal lunch in Kampong Glam.
Where to stay
Stays in this region
Experiences
What to do here
LandmarkSultan MosqueSingapore's best-known mosque, golden-domed, in Kampong Glam; its present building was completed in 1932.
ShoppingHaji Lane and Arab StreetConserved shophouses in Kampong Glam, mixing traditional textile and carpet shops with modern boutiques and cafés.
ShoppingChinatown and Pagoda StreetStreets of colourful shophouses and lanterns, with markets for souvenirs and crafts.
ShoppingLittle IndiaSerangoon Road, with shops for fabrics, spices and gold, and the aromas of Indian cooking.
Singapore
