Singapore Kampong Glam & Arab Street
Origin
The name Kampong Glam comes from the Glam tree which grew
in the area. Medicinal oil was extracted from the tree and
its bark used by the Buginese and Malays to caulk their ships.
Originally a fishing village at the mouth of the Rochor River,
it was the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore. Today,
you can still see where the Istana Kampong Glam (the Sultan's
Palace) stands or step into Sultan Mosque, the biggest mosque
in Singapore.
The little streets in this area formed the historical focal
point of Muslim life in Singapore. Arab traders settled here
to be near their Muslim brothers, the Malays, Javanese and
Buginese, and this area also became referred to as Arab Street.
Many shops still reflect the Muslim influence, selling prayer
rugs, skull caps and anything needed for an Islamic pilgrimage
to Mecca.
Kampong Glam & Arab Street Today
Nothing in Singapore beats Arab Street for bazaar-style shopping
with true ethnic character. The street itself is a riot of
colorful textiles from all over Asia at very low prices. Here
you can browse in hole-in-the-wall shops, haggle to your heart's
content and come away with the most delightful purchases at
bargain prices. Many shops still reflect the Muslim influence,
selling prayer rugs, skull caps and anything needed by the
faithful making the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
The most visible items for sale are the baskets and other
cane, straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spilling out onto
the pavements; everything from baby cradles to floor mats,
hanging chairs to serving trays. These shops also stock interesting
camel skin bags, pith helmets, tiny cloisonn? boxes and miniature
sewing kits.
But perhaps the real glory of Kampong Glam and Arab Street
is the textiles. Bales of gorgeous chiffon, silk, cotton georgette
and other luxurious fabrics crowd the pavements, waiting to
be sold at unbeatable prices. The area is also renowned for
batiks from Indonesia and Malaysia, exquisitely hand-made
by the wax-resistant dye method and typically sold in sarong
lengths. Machine-printed batiks with traditional designs are
also available by the yard or in ready-made shorts, sundresses,
ties, table linen and more.
Getting There
Take the MRT to Bugis Station and walk along Victoria Street
towards Arab Street.
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Singapore :
Ethnic Districts