Kampong Glam is no kampong now. The old kampong (Malay for “village”) of idyllic living under swaying coconut palms is largely gone, but the sense of unhurried pace and community spirit lingers on. Despite losing many old buildings to the wrecking ball, the area still retains much of its old world charm of narrow streets and picturesque houses, thanks to several conservation programmes.
The restored structures, lined in the shadow of newly developed highrise towers, house shops and restaurants of every description, offering the visitor a wide sampling of Malay heritage and Arab muslim influences. Must see attractions include the Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre. Click pictures to view full size
The Sultan Mosque with its resplendent dome was under renovation when this blog was posted. To be updated.
The Malay Heritage Centre showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of the Malay people through video presentations, live performances and a collection of paintings and artefacts spread over several galleries of the museum proper.
The Malay Heritage Centre is the restored Istana Kampong Glam and was once the palace of the Sultan of Singapore. “Istana” is the Malay word for palace. It is sited on a sprawling patch next to the Sultan Mosque.
Bussorah Street pedestrian strip for exotic shopping finds and taste sensations.
An oasis of calm for a leisurely stroll in the dappled shade.
You can't miss this life size robot beckoning you into the toy museum.
Office blocks and condos towering over the conserved properties.
Behind the wall lies a world of dining on authentic Malay cuisine set in opulence and splendour fit for royalty.
Furniture inlaid with ornate tiles lends a touch of authenticity to the setting for Turkish cuisine.
Flipping prata in a Muslim restaurant famous for dum biryani, murtabak and other delicacies. Eat in, take out or drive by, the establishment does a roaring trade.
The Sultan Mosque dominates the neighbourhood with its golden dome and minarets.
Grave stones lying forlorn in a Muslim cemetery on the edge of Kampong Glam.
What is striking about Chinatown is that it is not all Chinese. Here you will find, for instance, Chinese, Malay and Indian places of worship sitting cheek by jowl in blissful harmony, making it possible for tourists to soak up the essence of three cultures in one go.
The current character of Chinatown is partly the result of heeding the call of early conservationists like architects from the early 60s, and the work of United Nations seconded experts on urban renewal. The messy sights, sounds and smells of old Chinatown are gone, replaced by a somewhat sterile environment packed with swanky shops, homes and offices, and the ubiquitous tourist joints.
Many age-old businesses have been edged out of town due to, understandably, the higher rents for restored premises, but enough remain to make this a vibrant stop for medicinal herbs, dried foods, preserves, antiques and other buys.
Also thriving are restaurants and street food vendors who are holding their own against the influx of upstarts offering ethnic taste sensations from around the world.
Despite its changed character, diehard fans swear by Chinatown when it comes to certain street foods and traditional medicine for authenticity and value.
Temple Street corner packed with tourist souvenir stalls fronting a grand old dame with long balconies where residents of yore relaxed watching the world go by, occasionally dropping a basket on a string to fish up some noodle or dim sum from the hawkers plying the street below.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum draws devotees and other crowds to view its Buddha tooth relic and sacred objects on display.
Video: Temple ceremony
Sri Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest and largest Hindu temples in Singapore.
A statue of a rickshaw puller in the concourse of China Square mall, a repurposed property housing shops, eateries and offices.
Maxwell Food Centre offers a wide variety of popular local fare at affordable prices.
