Kampong Glam was Singapore's Malay quarter long before independence — the seat of the Sultan, the home of the Bugis and Boyanese trading communities, and the textile district of the city. Today it's one of the prettiest neighbourhoods to walk: the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque, narrow shophouse lanes, perfume and textile shops, and the mural-soaked Haji Lane.
Getting there
The closest MRT is Bugis on the East-West and Downtown Lines. Exit B drops you on Victoria Street, three minutes from Bussorah Street and the Sultan Mosque.
EW12 / DT14Best exit: B for Bussorah Street and the Sultan Mosque, F for Haji Lane.
01113 (Bugis Junction) and 01211 (Opp Bugis Stn) for buses 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 197 — search any code in GoBus SG for live arrivals.
Stop 1 · Bussorah Street & the Sultan Mosque
Walk down Bussorah Street for one of the cleanest sightlines in Singapore: a pedestrianised palm-lined avenue leading straight to the golden onion dome of Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan). Built in 1824 and rebuilt in 1932, it remains the largest mosque in Singapore. Modest dress required (robes provided at the entrance); non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times.
Stop 2 · Malay Heritage Centre & Istana Kampong Glam
Just behind the mosque, the Malay Heritage Centre sits inside the restored Istana Kampong Glam — the former palace of the Sultan of Singapore. The exhibits trace Malay and Bugis migration, music (including the kompang and gamelan), textile traditions and the long history of the kampong itself.
Stop 3 · Arab Street & the textile lane
Arab Street has been Singapore's textile street since the 19th century. Long-running shops sell batik, songket, lace, prayer mats and rolls of silk — many run by the same families for three or four generations. Cross over for perfumeries that still mix attar from raw essences, and stop at one of the carpet stores that double as informal museums.
Stop 4 · Lunch on Kandahar or Baghdad Street
- Hjh Maimunah — beloved Malay nasi padang on Jalan Pisang, a short walk away.
- Zam Zam on North Bridge Road — murtabak since 1908.
- Beach Road Scissors-Cut Curry Rice — a Hainanese institution at the south edge of the district.
Stop 5 · Haji Lane & the murals
One block over, Haji Lane is the narrowest and most photographed lane in Singapore — every wall a mural, every shophouse a boutique or coffee bar. Parallel Bali Lane is quieter and good for an iced coffee. The art changes regularly; expect the street to look different every visit.
Stop 6 · Sweets & a slow walk back
End at one of the cafés along Bussorah Street or the long-running Rumah Makan Minang for kuih (Malay sweets). From here it's a five-minute walk back to Bugis MRT, or you can continue south to Bugis Junction for shopping.
Heading back
EW12 / DT14 — back the way you came.Nicoll Highway MRT ·
CC5 — useful for the Circle Line east.
A walkable order
- Bugis MRT (Exit B)
- Bussorah Street → Sultan Mosque
- Malay Heritage Centre / Istana Kampong Glam
- Arab Street textiles & perfumeries
- Lunch at Zam Zam or Hjh Maimunah
- Haji Lane & Bali Lane murals
- Bugis MRT or Bugis Junction
Best time to go
Kampong Glam is at its most spectacular during Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr): the Geylang Serai bazaar is the bigger draw for food, but Bussorah Street and Sultan Mosque are beautifully lit through Ramadan. The Bussorah Street pedestrian mall is also lively on weekend evenings year-round.
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