Kampong glam Singapore & Arab Street
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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.
(c) Provided by Tourism
Authority of Singapore
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