Singapore Kampong Glam Hidden Gems Private Walking Tour

Kampong Glam is identified by the historic shophouses that have been carefully conserved in their original forms. With a rich history, diverse blend of cultures and a trendy lifestyle vibe, old trade houses are now home to a range of modern businesses.

Shopaholics will be excited by the independent clothing stores and trinket stores that line the streets. Carpet and fabric stores are abundant for those searching for that little ethnic touch for home living. You will see a number of hipster cafes in the area, or be spoiled for choice for bars and restaurants when the sun goes down. The area holds much character, complete with pockets of graffiti walls (unheard of in Singapore!) that call for mandatory Instagram photos.

The Hajjah Fatimah Mosque will captivate you with its blend of European, Malay and Chinese influences.

Erected in 1846, it has an onion-shaped dome and an ablution area that looks like a Malay house with traditional Malay-Muslim wood carvings inside.

You’ll notice Chinese glazed porcelain tiles in the parapet grilles on the windows, on the minaret tower and the top walls of the roof parapet.

But what gets the most attention is the minaret, which resembles a church spire. It is three-tiered, with two octagonal towers and an elongated pyramid, and bears a close resemblance to the Neoclassical spires of the first St Andrew's Church.

Located at the boundary of the Kampong Gelam conservation area, this street was home to beautiful villas lined along the waterfront owned by wealthy Asians and many prominent European merchants.

Today, despite its modern lifestyle, the area still reeks of charm and history through the presence of remaining architecture. Get a taste of multicultural Singapore as you stroll down the road to discover a mix of the old and new, contemporary concepts housed in traditional buildings and the unique blend of cultures.

The Alsagoff Arab School was established in 1912 upon the legacy of the last will of its founder and benefactor Syed Mohamed B Ahmed Alsagoff.

Students were taught Islamic knowledge and Arabic language, as well as reading and writing in English and Malay. The institution provided education to all Muslims living in the Colony of Singapore then. At such time in Singapore’s history, only a few schools had been established and this was a rare opportunity for the Muslim community to pursuit their education.

The Malay Heritage Centre is a cultural centre and museum located at Sultan Gate off Beach Road in Kampong Glam, Singapore. It showcases the culture, heritage and history of Malay Singaporeans.

Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) is a magnificent landmark at the heart of Kampong Glam – Singapore’s ‘Arabic Quarter’. The Islamic place of worship was built in 1824 by Sultan Hussian Shah (the first ever Sultan of Singapore). The impressive complex boasts a series of giant golden domes topping off the main prayer hall, and the outside is adorned in vibrant pastel shades of orange, cream and green, helping it shine even brighter in the strong Singaporean sun.

Sultan Mosque is definitely up there with Singapore’s most impressive religious buildings, both in terms of appearance and sheer size. The main prayer hall can hold up to 5,000 worshippers, while the mosque’s dome base can also be accessed, formed out of hundreds of glass bottles that were donated by devotees as part of the building’s reconstruction.

For a dose of quirky fun, stroll down Haji Lane, a stomping ground for Instagrammers, fashionistas, artsy types and troopers looking to experience a different side of Singapore.

Possibly the narrowest street in Singapore, this back alley is filled with shophouses built in the 19th century that are now homes to quaint little cafes, cool bars, lifestyle shops and indie boutiques with fascinating graffiti walls.

The vibrant colours, heady aromas and the culture are the reasons so many visitors love Bugis-Kampong Glam , which is one of the oldest areas in the city.

You'll be having lunch in this fascinating area and it's perfect for anyone that wants to make an impact on their Instagram accounts with pics of the striking street art and graffiti!