Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam is a neighborhood in Rochor, Singapore, centered around the Sultan Mosque with its golden domes and tall minarets. Colorful shophouses line the narrow streets, creating a connected network of shops, restaurants, and residences.

The neighborhood was established in 1819 when the British East India Company set aside land for Sultan Hussein Shah and Muslim communities following a treaty. Over the 20th century, the area became an established economic and religious center.

The neighborhood preserves its Malay heritage through textile shops, traditional restaurants, and religious spaces that line Arab Street. You notice this cultural continuity in how storefronts are decorated and how locals move through the streets.

The neighborhood is easily accessible via the Bugis and Lavender MRT stations and multiple bus lines. The narrow streets are best explored on foot, and visiting in early morning or evening hours allows you to move through the area more freely.

The Gelam Gallery hides in back alleyways and displays large-scale murals and street art by local artists. This public art scene often goes unnoticed, yet it shapes the character of the neighborhood and reflects its creative energy.