Explore Bugis & Kampong Glam — 8 best places to visit & top things to do

Bugis and Kampong Glam are two lively and colorful precincts offering a variety of shops, restaurants, bazaars and markets located in the north of Singapore river, not really far from the city downtown. The place is famous for Islamic and Middle Eastern food, Arab-styled shisha pots and mint-flavored tea as well. Let’s explore top 8 best places to visit, best tourist attractions (Bugis and Kampong Glam places of interest) and top things to do in Bugis and Kampong Glam Singapore, which you will regret if not visiting with Living Nomads below!

Here are 8 best Bugis and Gampong Glam Singapore attractions you must visit when coming to these districts.

Arab Street

The street has a series of shops and decoration style that give off a sense of the One Thousand and One Nights kingdom. Being the heart of the Muslim community in Singapore, Arab Street is a colorful and picturesque street, filled with shops, small cafes and kiosks. Special things about this street are that it’s close to Sultan Mosque and it is a walking street for pedestrians only. It means you will be able to experience shopping, dining and sightseeing activities here without any obstacle; moreover, you can enjoy a serene and pleasant atmosphere here.

Regardless you are looking for the best Halal food on the street, touching quality and unique piece of silk or simply exploring one of the most beautiful streets of Singapore, Arab Street is the best fit for your selection that you should consider. You can reach this attraction through Haji Lane near Bugis MRT Station.

• Location: Arab Street

Haji Lane

Colorful paintings put a vibrant jacket on this little street. This vigorous street, located in the center of Kampong Glam precinct, is one of the most tiny and beautiful streets in Singapore. Famous for a “collection” of luxurious and exclusive shops, Haji Lane has become the favorite gathering place for young people in Singapore.

Furthermore, this place also attracts a large number of visitors and tourists. The street becomes colorful thanks to exceptional and distinctive graffiti arts. Besides, there are cafes and restaurants with rather peculiar styles. Everything contributes to an irresistible street that has all you need in Kampong Glam. You can get here through North Bridge Road, walking for a few minutes from Bugis MRT Station.

Read more: Explore Haji Lane — A hypnotizingly fantastic shopping street in Singapore.

• Location: Haji Lane, Singapore

Hajjah Fatimah Mosque

The mosque/chancel has simple exterior architecture but the interior is extremely magnificent. This mosque was built in 1846 and named after a Malaysian woman who dedicated and donated funds for its construction. The beautifully designed mosque is a combination of Malay spirit and colonial architecture.

• Address: 4001 Beach Road, Singapore 199584

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

Situated on Waterloo Street, the famous Chinese temple is constructed for the worship of Guan Yin. Everyday, there are a large number of people coming to visit and pay their respect, as well as ask for favors and blessings from the goddess. The main hall’s roof follows Chinese style, which is made of granite. Red and yellow colors are used throughout the building’s design.

• Address: 178 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187964

Malay Heritage Centre

The center is located on the same plot of land with Istana Kampong Glam, the former Muslim palace. Malay Heritage Centre has a total of 9 exhibition rooms on two floors of Istana Kampong Glam, all of which display the history of Singaporeans of Malaysian origin, the second largest ethnic group of Singapore that reaches approximately 15% of the country population.

This center explains the roots of Malay Singaporeans, their hardship, resistance and aspiration as well as their role in the process of constructing the contemporary country of Singapore. There are rare prints from the late 19th to early 20th century describing the lives during the very first days when the Malays set their foot on the land and settled down. There is a section explaining about the role of Malays as part of a multi-religious and ethnically diverse society of Singapore. Occupations, festivals, customs and aspiration are all retained and displayed at the multi-media center.

• Opening hours:
  Museum: Monday from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M., Tuesday – Sunday from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.
  Istana Compound: 8 A.M. to 9 P.M.
• Address: 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501, near Masjid Sultan in Kampong Glam

Singapore Bazaar and Flea Market

This is an ideal shopping destination in Bugis and Kampong Glam precincts, located on Bugis Street. You can find a lot of interesting things in a bustling atmosphere. Besides, don’t forget to visit a flea market with an unusual name – Sungei Road Thieves Market. Everything on the planet is available here and you can spend the entire afternoon just walking around these shops.

• Location: On Bugis Street and Sungei Road

Sri Krishnan Temple

Located next to Kwan Im Thong neighborhood, the Hindu temple is constructed to worship Sri Krishnan and Queen Rukmini. The most outstanding feature is that the entire facade of the temple is engraved with the images of gods and goddesses and stories from Hindu mythology. If coming here, remember to take a look at the impressive statues at the main entrance.

• Address: 152 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187961

Sultan Mosque

As the largest Muslim mosque in Singapore, Sultan Mosque is located on North Birdge Road, near the intersection with Arab Street. First constructed by Sultan Hussain Shah of Johor in 1824, the original constitution was replaced by the temporary chancel architecture in 1928, which was designed by Denis Santry. Sultan Mosque has massive golden dooms and huge prayer hall, which will impress you at the first sight.

• Opening hours: 9 A.M. to 1 P.M., 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. everyday.
• Address: 3 Muscat Street (North Bridge Road), Kampong Glam precinct, Singapore 198833

Last but not least, both Kampong Glam and Bugis are shopping heavens for shopaholics at all ages. There are flea markets, local markets, fairs, shopping centers etc. where everyone would feel the impulse to shop. There are also architectural areas for anyone who loves photography to take amazing pictures. You definitely cannot neglect this destination when coming to Singapore.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in Singapore and from Singapore you can refer to

• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) Private Transfer
• Private City Transfers between Singapore and Johor Bahru
• Shared Changi Airport Transfers (SIN) for Singapore Hotels
• Singapore All Day Pass
• The Singapore Pass
• [Klook Exclusive] 3 Hours Singapore City Tour
• Singapore Cityscapes Tour
• [Klook Exclusive] Sentosa Island Introductory Tour in Singapore
• Singapore Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (Open-Top)
• Sentosa FUN Pass
• Singapore City Pass (2/3 Days)
• [Klook Exclusive] Universal Studios Singapore™ 1 Day Ticket
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (Changi Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
• 4G WiFi (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
• 4G Portable WiFi for Singapore from Uroaming
• 4G WiFi (SG Pick Up) for Europe

Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Singapore travel blog — The fullest Singapore travel guide blog for a budget trip to Singapore for the first-timers.