8 Best Things to Do in Bugis and Kampong Glam

This delightful little walking street in the heart of Kampong Glam is one of the narrowest – as well as prettiest – roads in Singapore. Famed more for its quaint and quirky collection of boutique shops, Haji Lane has become a favourite hangout for all of Singapore’s cool kids, while also attracting a good helping of visitors who venture this way.

The colourful graffiti-tagged lane boasts numerous shops, markets stalls, and the odd hip cafe and restaurant, making this compact little street a must-see attraction in Kampong Glam. Find it just of North Bridge Road, a few minutes’ walk from Bugis MRT station.

Sultan Mosque is the biggest mosque in Singapore and can be found just off North Bridge Road, near the ethnic quarter of Arab Street. First built by Sultan Hussain Shah of Johore in 1824, the original structure was replaced five years later by Denis Santry, which is what you’ll see still standing to this very day.

With its massive golden dome, bright salmon-red exterior and grand central prayer room (which can hold up to 5,000 worshippers at one time), this is probably the most impressive mosque in Singapore, as well as the largest.

One of the most famous Buddhist temples outside of Chinatown is Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho, a stunning place for both visitors and worshippers. The temple is dedicated to Kwan Im, the Goddess of Mercy and every day large numbers of worshippers come to pay respect and ask for her blessing.

This major temple features Chinese-style roofs, granite tiles and the use of red, golden and yellow throughout the building. You can find this pretty attraction just a few minutes’ walk from the main Bugis MRT station on Waterloo Street.

At the heart of Singapore’s Islamic community is Arab Street, a picturesque and colourful street packed full of boutique shops, tiny restaurants and vendors. The section of road near the stunning Sultan Mosque is closed off to cars all day every day, meaning the whole shopping/dining/sightseeing experience at this part wins extra points for its more laidback and charming atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking for some of the best Halal food in town, wanting to get your hands on some quality and exotic fabric, or just want to explore one of Singapore’s prettiest roads, Arab Street is a great bet. Find it adjacent to Haji Lane near Bugis MRT station.

The Malay Heritage Centre is located within the same complex of Istana Kampong Glam, the palace of the former sultan. Inside, visitors are treated to around ten galleries housed on both floors of this old colonial-style building, which all tell the story of the Singapore Malays – the second largest ethnic community in Singapore. The Heritage Centre explains their roots, struggles, aspirations and role in the nation-building process.

Besides rare prints from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries, you’ll also find sections explaining the Malays' roles in being part of Singapore's multi-cultural, multi-religious society. Careers, festivals, customs, aspirations are all captured here in the form of multimedia presentations.

Hajjah Fatimah Mosque was built in 1846. It was named after a charitable Malay woman who donated money to build it, which resulted in a beautiful landmark whose design is a mix of Malay and colonial styles. At the back of the Mosque are a number of old tombstones including Hajjah Fatimah's own.

You can enjoy a wonderful shopping experience in the Bugis and Kampong Glam area. Think cheap T-shirts and tourist knick-knacks on Bugis Street and at a flea market by the name of Sungei Road Thieves Market. They're also fun places to spend an afternoon, especially at weekends.

Sri Krishnan Temple is right next door to Kwan Im Thong Hood, making it a great cultural landmark sightseeing spot. This Hindu temple dates back to 1870 and is dedicated to Sri Krishna and his consort Rukmini. Check out the impressive statues above the main entrance.