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W H A T
Kampong Glam derived its name from the word “Kampung” which means “village” or “settlement” in Malay and “Glam” is the name of the gelam tree (Paperbark Tree), which grew in abundance in the area in early Singapore.
Kampong Glam was once the seat of Malay royalty in a traditionally Malay urban residential area, bustling with various cultural and ethnic activities.
Kampong Glam is well known for two major landmarks : Sultan Mosque and the Istana Kampung Gelam, the former Sultan’s palace.
Every street had their own unique trades.
North Bridge Road was known for tailors and Chinese-run goldsmith shops. Haji Lane, named after the ‘Hajj’, was undertaken by Muslims to Mecca and Medina, and Bussorah Street nearer to Sultan Mosque had residences and centres for pilgrimage services, serving Muslim pilgrims from around the region.
THE HISTORY
OF
KAMPONG
GLAM
S U L T A N
M O S Q U E
Sultan Mosque, also known as Masjid Sultan, is a well-known mosque in Singapore and one of the country’s most impressive religious buildings.
It is also one of the main attractions in Kampong Glam and the focal point for Singapore’s Muslim community.
The Mosque’s most striking features are its two gold domes above the East and West facades, each with a crescent moon and star on top.
One of its main features is the rectangular-shaped prayer hall, defined by 12 octagonal columns and two stories high, which can accommodate up to 5000 worshippers for mass prayer.
©️ sn infocomm 2017
©️ sn infocomm 2017
M A L A Y
H E R I T A G E
C E N T R E
The Malay Heritage Centre, is a cultural centre and museum, located at the Sultan Gate in Kampong Glam.
It was founded on November 27, 2004 and formerly known as Istana Kampong Gelam, where the royals used to live in.
The palace and compounds were then refurbished into the Malay Heritage Centre in 2004. People from all walks of life can now visit to know more about the rich culture and heritage of Singapore’s Malay community.
N O R T H B R I D G E
R O A D
North Bridge Road, one of the oldest roads in Singapore, is located at the north of Singapore River.
It runs through the Kallang and Rochor areas, beginning at Crawford Street and ending at the intersection of Elgin Bridge and South Bridge Road.
©️ sn infocomm 2017
H A J I
L A N E
In the 1960s and 1970s, Haji Lane was used as a form of shelter for poor Muslim families and pilgrims. ‘Haji’ refers to Muslim men who have completed their pilgrimage.
Haji Lane is now a popular place for youngsters, cafe-enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.
©️ sn infocomm 2017
A R A B
S T R E E T
Arab Street lies between Victoria Street and Beach Street and was part of the Rochor Planning Area of Singapore’s Central Region.
It was a designated area for the Arabs to live in. Other streets including Bussorah Street, Muscat Street and Baghdad Street are named after Arabian cities.
Arab Street is the centre of Muslim activities in that area, and is famed for its speciality shops, Muslim restaurants and more.
©️ sn infocomm 2017
Even though Kampong Glam may be a traditionally Malay urban residential area, it is bustling with various cultural activities, where people of all races and ethnicities come together.
People of other ethnicities may visit Kampong Glam to shop for Malay goods or to enjoy Malay delicacies and understand more about the Malay culture.
Kampong Glam is a must-visit attraction for tourists, especially the Sultan Mosque, where they can experience an ongoing mass prayer with other Muslims in the mosque.