Kampong Gelam is one of the most popular hotspots for tourism in Singapore. Home to quaint boutique stores which you won’t find anywhere else, Kampong Gelam is the place to go for a shopping spree. What’s more, if you are up for trying different cuisines, Kampong Gelam is chock full of foodie hangouts where you can find anything from Mexican food to Arabian dishes!
Worried about getting lost while exploring? Don’t fret! Instead of running around aimlessly, here are 3 top places you have to visit while you are in Kampong Gelam.
1. Visit The Masjid Sultan
One of the main Kampong Gelam attractions is the Masjid Sultan, a place that holds much significance in the country’s Muslim community. With its easily recognisable golden dome and four minarets, the Masjid Sultan or otherwise known as the Sultan Mosque is part of Kampong Gelam’s history that is a sight to behold.
Its interior is no slouch either, with rich history lining every aspect of the building. While visiting the mosque, pay close attention to the base of each dome. Each one of these dome bases is intricately designed with glass bottle ends. You may be wondering why use glass bottle ends to decorate. The answer lies in providing inclusivity. During its construction, everyone in the community wanted to lend a helping hand. Yet for many, they were not financially capable of large monetary donations. The glass bottle ends are the result of a community’s effort to join hands regardless of financial standing to create the architectural wonder you see today.
For those looking for a more structured approach to exploring the building, there are guided tours that you can book to go more in-depth into its historical background. At the end of it, you can also bring home your very own Amal prayer rugs to commemorate your adventure.
2. Explore Haji Lane
With its brightly coloured shops with stylish graffiti sprayed around every corner, Haji Lane screams hip, modern, and fun. With many diners spilling out into the open road, the place feels more wild and unchained, detached from conservative Singapore.
Have a hankering for some sweet treats? Looking to beat the Singaporean heat with some frozen delights? Momolato is just the pitstop you should make while visiting Kampong Gelam. With a vast array of popsicles with flavours galore, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. What’s more, each product is Halal certified meaning that your Muslim friends can also partake in your sweet eating escapades.
As for dining, you’ll be hard-pressed to make a choice without feeling as if you missed out. Madd Pizza brings authentic Roman cuisine in a form everyone loves, pizza. Made from the same ingredients used in Italy, you can be assured of an uncompromised original taste that you and your loved ones can enjoy. There are many more foodie gems nestled within Kampong Gelam that couldn’t be squeezed into this list. The only way you can experience them all is to plan more repeated trips and explore to your heart’s content!
3. Unwind At Sultan Gate Park
After exploring hectic streets, you may be looking for a spot of respite to decompress. Thankfully, visitors can seek refuge in the quiet Sultan Gate Park.
Just a short 6-minute walk from Haji Lane, Sultan Gate Park provides a natural ambience as a relaxing alternative to take in the sights while giving your laurels a break. Filled with lush greenery and wide-open spaces you can comfortably enjoy your tidbits at your own leisure.
