Kampong Glam, home to the the famous Arab Street, Bussorah Street, and Haji Lane, gives Singapore a character to the otherwise cosmopolitan city. It is located just a couple of streets away from Bugis MRT station. Exit from BHG at Bugis Junction and walk towards Raffles Hospital. Just after the hospital would be the start of Kampong Glam on the right side. Kampong Glam is the hub of where the Arabs, the Muslims as well as local fashion designers hang out. With Haji Lane transformed to a local designer hub, the street gives the area to an eclectic vibe and a different shopping experience to the otherwise standard mall fare you would find in Singapore.
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| Haji Lane, Singapore |
Haji Lane, Singapore
Haji Lane is perhaps my favorite as lining the narrow street is an mix of local fashion designers. I love the way they deck out the little shop houses, reminding me very much of Chapel Street in Melbourne. Here's where local fashion designers showcase their clothes, unique to the otherwise mass produced high street fashion one can find in Singapore malls. The shops open late, hence the best time to visit would be in the late afternoon till before 8pm.
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| Cute fashion shops at Haji Lane |
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| Interesting alfresco cafe at the end of Haji Lane |
Arab Street, Singapore
Arab Street is an endless stretch of fabric shops. It's where designers come and pick up unique fabrics, and Malays and Indians coming to make their traditional costumes. Traditional batik have also begun to surface along Arab Street, making the street look a little more traditional and colorful. Competition is still stiff, so expect hustlers to ask you to buy from them. If you wish to make an ethnic Indian sari or Malay baju kurong, here's the place to do it.
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| Arab Street, Singapore |
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| Ethnic Batik Fashion at Arab Street |
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| Malay Baju Kurung at Arab Street |
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| Ethnic Arab Lamps in Arab Street, Singapore |
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| Bussorah Street, Singapore |
Bussorah Street, Singapore
The most colorful part of Kampong Glam must be the cross junction between Bussorah Street and Baghdad Street where one can sit at the coffee shops nearby and sip a cup of Teh Tarik (frothy tea with condense milk and sugar). Along Bussorah Street, find a Childen Little Museum of toys played in days past, as well as little trinkets and games to reminiscence on growing up years.
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| Bussorah Street, Singapore |
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| Trinklets along Bussorah Street |
During the day, Kampong Glam is like a little lazy town, filled with either backpackers, tourists, or Muslims praying at the mosque. But come night, the area is transformed into a hub of activity, where locals try out Middle Eastern fare or chill out and smoke flower essence. The streets become embodied in a sweetly flowery fragrance, that might not suit the everyone.
Travel Directions to Kampong Glam, Singapore
Easily accessible, a 10 minutes walk from the Bugis MRT station (Green or Blue line).
Exit Rochor Road and walk along North Bridge Road past Raffles Hospital.
