Kampong Gelam is more than a heritage district—it’s a living archive of scent craftsmanship passed through generations. Amidst its textile shops, shisha cafés, and vibrant murals lies a thriving perfume culture steeped in traditional methods and modern artistry. For those in search of custom fragrances and concentrated oils, Kampong Gelam offers depth, variety, and an intimate scent experience tailored to personal expression. Here’s where to go if you’re looking to buy personalized fragrances and quality oils in the heart of Singapore.
1. Sifr Aromatics – Craft Meets Chemistry
Location: Arab Street
Sifr Aromatics operates at the intersection of science and artisanal tradition. Founded by a third-generation perfumer, the store bridges historical techniques with modern minimalist design. Each visit is a chance to learn and participate.
What to expect:
- Personal Consultations: Appointments include one-on-one sessions where preferences, moods, and memories inform the final scent.
- Hands-On Workshops: Guests can participate in blending classes that introduce raw materials and construction techniques.
- Signature Products: Beyond bespoke creations, the boutique carries curated blends, soy-wax candles, and home aromas.
Sifr’s perfumes come alcohol-free, oil-based, and intentionally subtle. Designed for wearers who want their scent to whisper rather than shout.
2. Jamal Kazura Aromatics – Heritage in a Bottle
Location: Bussorah Street & North Bridge Road
Established in 1933, Jamal Kazura Aromatics stands as one of the oldest perfumeries in Singapore. The family has specialized in oil-based attars for nearly a century, blending Middle Eastern roots with Southeast Asian taste.
What to expect:
- Attar Expertise: Choose from musk, sandalwood, rose, jasmine, and other traditional bases.
- Custom Formulation: Customers can request blends that balance cultural classics with personal preferences.
- Affordable Options: Prices range widely, with entry points that cater to casual visitors and connoisseurs alike.
Their small glass bottles, often shaped like mini artifacts, also make for meaningful gifts or keepsakes.
3. Royal Fragrances – Scent Without Alcohol
Location: Bussorah Street
Royal Fragrances focuses on non-alcoholic perfume oils that offer both staying power and skin-friendliness. The shop caters to diverse tastes, and the team’s product knowledge adds clarity to the customization process.
What to expect:
- Custom Oil Creation: Staff consults based on mood, season, and body chemistry.
- Premium Blends: Concentrated oils designed for durability and intensity.
- Warm Hospitality: Customers frequently comment on the patience and professionalism of the team.
The shop’s relaxed setup allows for slow browsing, which suits those new to personalized scents.
4. Aljunied Brothers – Quietly Consistent
Location: Kampong Gelam
Aljunied Brothers may not shout for attention, but its legacy quietly continues among fragrance seekers. This perfumery provides a wide array of oils and is well-versed in personalizing blends for those who prefer traditional profiles.
What to expect:
- Wide Range: From classic ouds to gentle florals.
- Custom Blending: Staff will formulate based on customer notes and intended use (daily, ceremonial, gifting).
- Generational Trust: Many return customers treat the shop as a reliable source for both signature and experimental oils.
The store retains a local, word-of-mouth reputation and carries the kind of consistency many larger perfumeries struggle to maintain.
Scent Profiles Available Across Kampong Gelam
These perfumeries don’t just sell finished products—they invite customers into the raw ingredients that make them possible. Many shops, especially along Arab Street and Bussorah Street, display dozens of tiny glass vials filled with uncut oils. Common fragrance bases include:
- Oud: Smoky, woody, and resinous.
- Sandalwood: Creamy, smooth, grounding.
- Amber: Warm, musky, slightly sweet.
- Floral Notes: Rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang.
- Citrus Zest: Bergamot, neroli, mandarin.
Customers can work with these ingredients to develop something intimate or loud, grounding or uplifting, seasonal or permanent.
Buying Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re new to custom fragrances, here’s how to make the most of your trip through Kampong Gelam’s scent scene:
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the process. Each perfume oil changes with wear, reacting to body temperature and chemistry.
- Ask for Skin Testing: Apply oils on your wrist and revisit them after 30 minutes.
- Go with an Open Nose: Some of the most memorable scents are those you didn’t know you were drawn to.
- Request Sample Bottles: Many shops will offer small testers or travel-sized versions of your blend.
- Learn the Origin Stories: Understanding where an ingredient comes from—whether Mysore sandalwood or Cambodian oud—adds depth to the experience.
Why Kampong Gelam Stands Out
The fragrance culture here isn’t just transactional—it’s narrative. Each bottle tells a story shaped by heritage, tradition, and personal preference. Unlike commercial perfume counters, these shops don’t simply push what’s trending. They listen. They adapt. They allow for memory and identity to shape scent.
In Kampong Gelam, perfume isn’t mass-produced. It’s interpreted. From century-old perfumers to modern artists mixing sandalwood and citrus, this district offers an olfactory journey defined by authenticity and craft. For those seeking a fragrance that means something, this is where it begins.
