Kampong Gelam isn’t just a place for murals and food stalls. It’s also a district where craftmanship still breathes through textiles, scent, ink, and wood. If you’re searching for souvenirs that aren’t made in factories but shaped by hands and heritage, Kampong Gelam delivers.
Here’s a curated look at where to find meaningful items that reflect the neighborhood’s artistic roots.
1. Hand-Stitched Batik Textiles
Rows of fabric shops along Arab Street house rolls of hand-printed batik—each one different in color, pattern, and story. Many are imported from Indonesia, but a number of vendors commission exclusive designs from regional artisans.
What to buy:
- Batik scarves and sarongs
- Fabric for custom shirts or dresses
- Framed batik art pieces
Tip: Ask if the batik was “cap” (stamped) or “tulis” (hand-drawn). The latter is more labor-intensive and has finer detail.
2. Custom Fragrance Blends
Kampong Gelam’s perfume shops still follow traditional attar-making techniques. These alcohol-free scents are oil-based and long-lasting. Vendors line Bussorah Street and offer one-on-one consultations.
Recommended spots:
- Jamal Kazura Aromatics
- Sifr Aromatics
What to buy:
- Customised attar bottles with engraved caps
- Oud blends
- Solid perfume in carved wooden cases
3. Calligraphy and Islamic Art
Several studios offer Arabic calligraphy works, often paired with geometric motifs or verses from the Quran. Some are printed, others are drawn freehand using bamboo pens and ink.
Top finds:
- Framed canvas pieces for wall decor
- Handwritten bookmarks and greeting cards
- On-site calligraphy demonstrations
Shop tip: Many calligraphers take commissions if you want a family name or quote rendered in classical style.
Try it yourself: Join a calligraphy workshop to learn how traditional scripts are crafted by hand. Some studios in Kampong Gelam offer beginner-friendly sessions where you can create your own piece under the guidance of a local calligrapher. Materials are typically provided, and you get to bring home your final artwork.
4. Handwoven Rattan & Wicker Goods
Local shops often stock small furniture or storage items made from rattan and bamboo—materials that have long been part of Malay craftsmanship. Though some are imported, designs remain regionally inspired.
Popular picks:
- Lightweight stools
- Planters
- Fans and woven trays
Most shops accept bulk orders or custom sizing.
5. Printed Postcards and Local Art Prints
Independent artists in Kampong Gelam capture the district through watercolors, pen sketches, and digital collages. These are sold in cafes, boutiques, or weekend pop-ups.
Items worth packing:
- Postcards of Sultan Mosque at dusk
- Minimalist Haji Lane illustrations
- Abstract takes on traditional motifs
Good to know: Some proceeds support local art initiatives.
6. Bespoke Leather Goods
One-man workshops and boutique leather studios offer handcrafted wallets, key holders, and straps using vegetable-tanned hides. Some use batik or tenun inlays to blend fabric and leather.
Items in demand:
- Passport holders with initials stamped
- Card wallets using local textiles
- Leather journals with brass clasps
Shops often host crafting sessions if you want to try your hand at it.
7. Kampong Gelam-Themed Merchandise
A newer wave of merchants and designers have turned local visuals into wearable designs. Think Sultan Mosque as a pin, or shophouse facades turned into tote bag prints.
Quirky choices:
- Enamel pins
- Graphic tees
- Stickers and magnets
Many designs are exclusive to Kampong Gelam stalls.
8. Handmade Soaps and Wellness Products
Inspired by Southeast Asian herbs, several boutiques carry handmade soaps, balms, and incense. Most are small-batch, wrapped in recycled or batik paper.
What stands out:
- Lemongrass or turmeric soap bars
- Clay mask powders in glass jars
- Herbal sachets for wardrobes or pillows
Ingredients are often organic and locally sourced.
9. Ceramics and Pottery
A few artists offer locally made ceramic bowls, incense holders, and tea cups with muted glazes and rustic finishes. They’re not easy to mass-produce, so stock is usually limited.
What to check:
- Hand-signed pieces
- Irregular shapes (a sign they’re wheel-thrown)
- Local kiln markings
10. Where to Find It All
Best Streets for Crafts & Souvenirs:
- Arab Street – Textiles, perfumes, baskets
- Bussorah Street – Art, calligraphy, leather
- Haji Lane – Prints, apparel, designer items
- Kandahar Street – Niche shops and ceramic pop-ups
Kampong Gelam isn’t about mass shopping. It’s about pausing at each stall, asking about the maker, and choosing something that means more than a barcode.
For a district steeped in history, its art lives not in galleries but in the hands of its people.
