About Kampong Gelam, Singapore

Named after the Glam tree which used to grow in the area, Kampong Gelam was the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore. Today, the former Istana Kampong Gelam (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!

A key building in Kampong Gelam 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.

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.