Arab Street & Kampong Gelam
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Arab Street - by Christian Chen on Unsplash
Description
Arab Street refers to the area around Sultan Mosque, Arab Street and Kandahar Street. It is part of Kampong Gelam (or "Kampong Glam"), a Malay-Muslim quarter known for its heritage architecture and vibrant Malay and middle eastern restaurants, especially in the evenings. Historically - before the British colonisation in the early 19th century - the district was inhabited by the island's Malay aristocracy. The end of the 19th century saw significant immigration from the Malay peninsula and Sumatra and the settlement of Arab traders. The area has slowly gentrified in the last 20 years and there are now many art galleries, craft and carpet shops as well as trendy bars, coffee shops and restaurants. The main sights include Haji Lane, the Sultan Mosque, Gedung Kuning (a Malay historical residence) and the Malay Heritage Centre.
Access & Transport
The closest MRT station is Bugis (EW and Downtown lines), about 300m away of the neighbourhood. There are also bus stops along Victoria St and Beach rd.
Instructions & Recommendations
Evening is a good time to go and enjoy a drink and/or dinner there. This is one of the few places in Singapore were al fresco dining with tables on pavement is really popular.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral except for the lighting and A/C in restaurants Socially, the benefits of gentrification and increased revenues from tourism also come with drawbacks for the community in the form of lower rent affordability and increased cost of living.
Conclusion
Kampong Glam makes for a very enjoyable visit with the proper context, i.e. one need to know or read about the early days of Singapore as a British colony to fully appreciate the cutural heritage there. The Arab street area is a nice complement, with a distinct food offering and lively bars.
Key positive
Different atmosphere and architecture Vs the rest of the city
Some really good middle eastern food can be found (not all restaurants)
One of the nicest mosques in the city
Key negative
Getting increasingly commercialized
Some stores have touristy prices
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo