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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - One of Singapore’s most historic urban quarters, Kampong Glam, captivates visitors with its unique charm. Blending rich traditions from the 1800s with a vibrant modern scene, this iconic Muslim spot offers a unique experience, making it a must-visit during your Ramadan celebrations. To admire the entirety of its cultural scene, here are a few of the best things to do in Kampong Glam.
Things to Do in Kampong Glam
According to Hotelsdotcom, Visit Singapore, and Time Out, the ultimate things to do in Kampong Glam should include a visit to Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane. See other recommended activities below.
1. Stroll Around the Haji Lane
Adorned in colorful graffiti, Haji Lane is one of the most stunning streets in the heart of Kampong Glam. This original indie hotspot for Singaporean teenagers is renowned for its bustling boutique shops where you can find a photobooth outlet every two meters. Walk all the way to the North Bridge Road from Bugis MRT Station and find yourself inundated by the street’s amusing ambience.
2. Visit Sultan Mosque
The impeccable Sultan Mosque stands tall at the front of the Singaporean Muslim community, presenting a grand central prayer room of up to 5,000 worshippers at a time. First established in 1824 by Sultan Hussain Shah of Johore, the golden dome provides a comfortable shelter not only for locals but also for Muslim tourists.
Sultan Mosque welcomes visitors wishing to capture the enchantment of the massive dome during certain times daily. You cannot enter the iconic architectural landmark during prayer times.
3. Venture to the Arab Street
Bringing cultural experiences to another level, Arab Street offers a more laid-back ambience of the Malay and Arab communities. Thanks to the street closure at a section of the impressive Sultan Mosque, travelers can enjoy a shopping and dining experience without the worry of passing cars around. Aside from soaking into the cultural vibes, the street is well known for serving the best halal food places where Middle Eastern cuisine is the norm.
4. Swing by Hajjah Fatimah Mosque
After surviving a fire and two burglary cases, Hajjah Fatimah Sulaiman decided to donate her house to become a mosque in 1846. Today, the colonial-style prayer center has a number of ancient tombstones, including Hajjah Fatimah, at the back of the building.
5. Join the #instawalk around Bugis, Waterloo, and Kampong Glam
Planning the ultimate things to do in Kampong Glam might be daunting for first-timers, so it will be the best bet to go into exploration with the instawalk tour. This guided Instagram-worthy tour allows travelers to find the best interests around Bugis, Kampong Glam, and Waterloo Street.
6. Enjoy Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar
This year’s Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar is more than just a festive market, it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and sustainability, inviting everyone to reconnect with Singapore’s cultural roots in a meaningful way. Over the course of 35 vibrant days, this iconic event will showcase a dynamic fusion of tradition and modern flavors, with more than 120 food and beverage vendors offering an array of mouthwatering delights.
What to Eat in Kampong Glam
After jotting down the top things to do in Kampong Glam, it’s time to dive into the gastronomic feast at one of the country’s most aesthetic neighborhoods. The following are some popular restaurants serving world-class dining experiences for you to try:
1. Hjh Maimunah (Halal)
Renowned for its in-house nasi padang, Hjh Maimunah became a must-try eatery when visiting Kampong Glam. On top of the ever-popular beef rendang, the restaurant also serves a range of favorite dishes, from sambal prawns and tahu telor to Sundanese grilled chicken.
2. Rumah Makan Minang (Halal)
Another Nasi Padang fare worth trying is Rumah Makan Minang, where visitors’ favorites like tahu telur and mee soto are served meticulously. Promising an exceptional dining experience, this restaurant has been around for some time and is now run by the third generation.
3. The Coconut Club
What’s better than a traditional Malay recipe? Of course, a plate of Nasi Lemak with various side ingredients. Here, in the Coconut Club, diners are welcome to try the perfect blend of a fried egg, fried chicken, ikan bilis, sambal, and rice, all for SGD$12.80.
4. Zam Zam
Now, onto the Middle Eastern addition, head to Zam Zam and order a hot plate of biryani for authentic cuisine. Once done with the orange-flecked basmati dish, dig into the restaurant’s famous murtabak to end your dinner in a good vibe.
From cultural discoveries to gastronomic delights, there are plenty of things to do in Kampong Glam, which beautifully blends tradition with modernity. If you are still in the Ramadan festivities, let’s also enjoy Ramadan Bazaar in Singapore here.
HOTELS | VISIT SINGAPORE | TIME OUT | TRAVELOKA
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