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.

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.