Joanna James
Singapore's Bugis and Kampong Glam areas boast of some pulsating attractions that speak of its cultural scene. These two ethnically diverse neighbourhoods merge into one another, creating a history that thrives of rich cultural aspects including architecture, shopping, cuisine, and religion.
A pleasant walking street that is more famous as a shopping destination, Haji Lane is one of the prettiest lanes that you'd come across near Bugis and Kampong Glam in Singapore. It is a hip neighbourhood that is located near some of the best value hotels in Singapore the likes of Destination Singapore Beach Road. Its quaint and quirky range of boutique shops that have artfully blended into the eye-catching wall art and street murals make this street a must-visit site in the region. While the streets pulsate with the constant hustle of the shoppers, you can find some quiet time in some of the cosy cafés that line the road. Some of these cafés contribute to the artistic ambience of Haji Lane by churning out pretty images on their coffees.
One of the best places to witness the country's rich heritage, Sultan Mosque is famous as the largest mosque in Singapore. It was built by the first-ever Sultan of the country, Sultan Hussein Shah. This magnificent tribute to architecture features humongous golden domes and enormous prayer halls, which can accommodate over 5000 worshippers at once. Despite its history running way back over to the 1820s, the exquisite façade one can see at present is the result of the renovations that were carried out a century later. Many people of the Islamic faith in the country, regardless of their income, have contributed to this refurbishment. The Sultan Mosque is situated in the Muscat Street and closes to Haji Lane as well.
A beautiful Islamic neighbourhood in Bugis and Kampong Glam, the Arab Street is an excellent location to appreciate Turkish food and grab some fantastic deals. This picturesque street is packed with street-side vendors and quaint boutique where you can get your hands on exquisite fabric and quality material. The part of the road near the striking Sultan Mosque is barred for vehicles indefinitely making it possible for one to enter a much more laidback shopping and dining experience. Whether you need to hunt for mind-boggling bargains or simply revel in the sights of an exotic culture, the Arab Street in Bugis and Kampong Glam has got you covered.
The palace of a former sultan, the Malay Heritage Centre is a museum and cultural centre that is located in Bugis and Kampong Glam. At this place, you can explore several galleries that are sprawled on both floors of this old colonial-style building, all of which speaks of the proud heritage of the Singaporean Malays, who boasts of being the second-largest ethnic community in the country. The Malay Heritage Centre showcases the struggles and ambitions of this community during their journey towards building a nation. With various multimedia presentations that illustrate the Malay culture, customs, and aspirations, visiting this centre is a must for all the history buffs out there.
A stunning Buddhist temple outside of China Town, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple succeeds in hypnotising both tourists and worshippers by its charming beauty. Dedicated to Kwan Im, the goddess of mercy, this temple is visited by a multitude of pilgrims each day in the hope they'd receive the blessings of its namesake. This magnificent building has employed granite tiles, Chinese-style roofs, and shades of red, yellow, and gold during its construction.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
