The historic neighbourhood of Kampong Glam heritage trail was launched in October 2012, and it is the 10th developed by the National Heritage Board. The Kampong Glam Heritage Trail features 12 new heritage markers, including those for St John Ambulance Headquarters and Masjid Sultan.The trail has three routes, including one that covers Arab Street, Beach Road and Jalan Sultan.
So I set off on 21 Oct 2012 on the hot afternoon to visit to the Kampong Glam Heritage where I was lasted visited since 1990s & 2001 where a old friend of mine stayed at Kampong Gelam. In the early 1980s, Kampong Glam was once such a badly state and even not upgrading yet but since it was recently redevelopment to a new Kampong Glam where the rows of the shop houses were once pre-war attap houses and villages. The story was told by one of my old friends who lived there when she was a kid and her family were poor. This story will remind me of an old kampong villages where my grandparents lived in wooden villages and yet lived a simple life to the fullest. As a young kid, I even stayed over to my grandparents' villages when there was a school holiday in June & December every year. Time flies and memories of an old villages still linger in my mind of how a peaceful when nights fall.
I reached there at 1 plus to try to recollect the memories of a childhood friend of mine who lived there and played with her with marbles balls and others. Now it has changed overtime when there were upgrading along the streets and pathways.
Spirit of a Kampong
Glam
Kampong Glam was once began as a small village of a few families that settled near the Rochor River mouth. It was this humble settlement, that was to evolve into Singapore’s main Muslim enclave. One year after Sir Raffles’ arrival, Kampong Glam was eventually established that the two opium shops were set up there and one year later about 1800 yards of carriages road of 16 yards width was laid to Rochor and Kampong Glam.
The Istana Kampong Glam ( now as Malay Heritage Centre)
During recent times, the royal descendants still lived in the Istana. Being the historic seat of Singapore Malay royalty, the government has began the process of restoring the Istana Kampong Glam and converting it into a museum and workshop showing the many traditional Malay cultural and handicrafts within the heritage area. Kampong Glam itself was already gazetted a heritage conservation area in 1989.
The Malay Heritage Centre also houses 2 little-known workshops in its backyard - one for pottery and the other for batik-painting. The lumps of clay turn into beautiful pottery. When a white piece of cloth becomes a multi-coloured piece of art.
Inside Istana Kampong museum, there are various handicrafts and Royal Sultan's possessions.
So I set off on 21 Oct 2012 on the hot afternoon to visit to the Kampong Glam Heritage where I was lasted visited since 1990s & 2001 where a old friend of mine stayed at Kampong Gelam. In the early 1980s, Kampong Glam was once such a badly state and even not upgrading yet but since it was recently redevelopment to a new Kampong Glam where the rows of the shop houses were once pre-war attap houses and villages. The story was told by one of my old friends who lived there when she was a kid and her family were poor. This story will remind me of an old kampong villages where my grandparents lived in wooden villages and yet lived a simple life to the fullest. As a young kid, I even stayed over to my grandparents' villages when there was a school holiday in June & December every year. Time flies and memories of an old villages still linger in my mind of how a peaceful when nights fall.
I reached there at 1 plus to try to recollect the memories of a childhood friend of mine who lived there and played with her with marbles balls and others. Now it has changed overtime when there were upgrading along the streets and pathways.
Kampong Glam was once began as a small village of a few families that settled near the Rochor River mouth. It was this humble settlement, that was to evolve into Singapore’s main Muslim enclave. One year after Sir Raffles’ arrival, Kampong Glam was eventually established that the two opium shops were set up there and one year later about 1800 yards of carriages road of 16 yards width was laid to Rochor and Kampong Glam.
During recent times, the royal descendants still lived in the Istana. Being the historic seat of Singapore Malay royalty, the government has began the process of restoring the Istana Kampong Glam and converting it into a museum and workshop showing the many traditional Malay cultural and handicrafts within the heritage area. Kampong Glam itself was already gazetted a heritage conservation area in 1989.
The Malay Heritage Centre also houses 2 little-known workshops in its backyard - one for pottery and the other for batik-painting. The lumps of clay turn into beautiful pottery. When a white piece of cloth becomes a multi-coloured piece of art.
Wedding Couple at Istana
The wedding couple shot their wedding photo at Istana Kampong on their special day. Luckily I managed to capture the Bride's long gown flying and photogragher is seen below background.Inside Istana Kampong museum, there are various handicrafts and Royal Sultan's possessions.
Encik Bujal's seal
This seal belongs to Encik Bujal, a confidant of Sultan Hussein;s son who advised the latter in the negotiations with the British regarding the inheritance of his father's title and his recognition as Sultan Ali Iskandar Shah. He also represented other Sultans residing in Singapore in their dealings with the British.
An Aluminium & Steel Flask (1950s-1960s)
Satay pot and basket
A Malay Script
A Malay Script on display shows two different uses of the Arabic script. In the Quran, the Arabic script conveys the original ableit more refined and formal Arabic language of the verses while the inscription on the back of the photographs are written in locallised Arabic script known as Jawi which includes additional characters to accommodate Malay sounds. Jawi was the main written form of the Malay language from the 12th century until 1960s.
Nekara Kettledrum
This drum is one of the instruments in a nobat ensemble which only performs on special occasions such as the installation of the Sultan. The instruments in a nobat ensemble are usually dressed in yellow color of Malay royalty and the musicians would play a form of traditional Malay music to herald the arrival of the Sultan.
A Malay Regiment Songkok (1940s)
One of the Malay regiment's heroes was Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi who sacrificed himself while deending the Pasir Panjang Ridge and is commemorated at Reflections at Bukit Chandu. During and after the war, the soldiers from the regiment sought refuge at Istana Kampong Gelam which was a protected area as the Sultan was accorded respect by the Japanese forces. The corroded rifle (below pic) on display was uncovered during the archaeological digs in 2000.
Like Istana Kampong Glam, the design architecture of Gedung Kuning reflects palladian influence, while the form and internal layout derives from the single storey, reaised floor Malay house. Gedung Kuning remained in his family's possession till 1999, when the government acquired it for redevelopment. After conservation works were completed, Gedung Kuning was opened as a restuarant to the public in late 2003.
The road of Sultan Gate probably took its name from the fact that the road leads to one of the entrances to the former Istana Kampong Gelam. The Hokkien name for the road, ong hu khau (palace entrance), and the Tamil name, raja kottai (King’s palace) suggests the same. It was also noted that there was a well in the middle of Sultan Gate, and the Hokkiens referred to the street as twa che kha (foot of big well).
comprises 240 pages, more than 70 photos, 7 architectural drawings & 5 maps. Printed - ISBN: 978-981-08-4756-2The book is available in major bookstores in Singapore & Malaysia. You may also order with
APD Singapore Pte Ltd (Singapore)
MPH Online (Malaysia)
Select Books (Other countries)
Corroded Rifle found on archaeological digs
Typewriter with keys in Arabic and Jawi characters
In 20th century, Malay literary writers who were also journalists and vice versa. Post-World War II, growing social concern for the development of Malays galvanised writers to traverse between the literary and journalistic domains as well as other creative fields such as film and music in order to diversity and increase the platforms available for community engagement.
Gedung Kuning at 73 Sultan Gate
Gedung Kuning (Yellow Mansion) was probaly built around the same period or before the Istana Kampong Gelam (now Malay Heritage Centre) located next to the Istana Kampong stood within what was once the royal compound, it was reported to have been called "Rumah Bendahara" which means "Prime Minister's Residence" in Malay.Like Istana Kampong Glam, the design architecture of Gedung Kuning reflects palladian influence, while the form and internal layout derives from the single storey, reaised floor Malay house. Gedung Kuning remained in his family's possession till 1999, when the government acquired it for redevelopment. After conservation works were completed, Gedung Kuning was opened as a restuarant to the public in late 2003.
The road of Sultan Gate probably took its name from the fact that the road leads to one of the entrances to the former Istana Kampong Gelam. The Hokkien name for the road, ong hu khau (palace entrance), and the Tamil name, raja kottai (King’s palace) suggests the same. It was also noted that there was a well in the middle of Sultan Gate, and the Hokkiens referred to the street as twa che kha (foot of big well).
Gedung Kuning's Main Hall
Malay Keris on top of a front counter
Royal Brass on top of the displayed unit
Royal Vase
On top of this, the 'friendly' staff from Gedung Kuning allowed me to take photos of these Royal's possession and around the main hall when I asked permission. The Brass Drinking water comes with two drinking water: Brass Kettle water and Brass Water tank.
In additional, there is a Gedung Kuning book called 'Memory of Malay Childhood', was launched on: 9 January 2010 (Saturday) at The Pod, National Library (Singapore). The book covered on 28 short stories, readers can get a historical narrative of the lives of the people living in Gedung Kuning and the Malays of Singapore settlements from 1850s to 1999. comprises 240 pages, more than 70 photos, 7 architectural drawings & 5 maps. Printed - ISBN: 978-981-08-4756-2The book is available in major bookstores in Singapore & Malaysia. You may also order with
APD Singapore Pte Ltd (Singapore)
MPH Online (Malaysia)
Select Books (Other countries)
Masjid Sultan at 3 Muscat Street
Masjid Sultan also known as Sultan Mosque, is an important focal point for Muslims in Singapore and the most prominent landmark in Kampong Glam. Every year, during th efasting month of Ramadan, Muslims gather in the vicinity of the mosque to await the prayer call to break their fast. Although the former building was constructed in the late 1920s, Masjid Sultan has a history that goes back to the early part of the 19th century. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles (1781-1826) signed a traty with Sultan Hussein(1776-1835) and Temenggong Abdul Rahman (d.1825) allowing the British East India Company (EIC) to establish a trading post in Singapore. In early 1900s, the mosque had become inadequate for the Muslim population. In 1924, it was decided that the mosque would be demolished and rebuilt and designed by Irish architect Denis Santry of Swan and Maclaren in the Indo-Saracenic style with distinctive domes and minarets. The mosque was built in phases over next few years so that funds could be raised and devotees could continue performing their prayer in the mosque.
Dome
The cost of the builidng was funded with donations from the Muslim community. In addition to monetary contributions, the community also donated glass bottles which were incorporated into the base of the dome. When the war broke out in Malaya in 1941, people of different athnicities and creeds sought shelter at the mosque and one of its minarets served as an observation post to look out for enemy aircraft. Masjid Sultan was gazetted as a national monument in 1975. The building designed in a similar style to the mosque, was officially opened in 1993 and houses in auditorium, multi-purpose hall, classrooms and meeting rooms.
Malay Art Gallery at 31 Bussorah Street
Malay Art Gallery established in 1972 and owned by Mr. Syed Husain Aljunied. Malay Art Gallery initially started off as a Gallery for artists to expose their works and later evolved eventually into the dealings of artifacts and artworks from the regions. Been in business more than 3 decades, this Gallery worked with the National Museum here in 1995, and with the Shah Alam Museum in Selangor, in Malaysia. More recently, working together with Majlis Pusat and the newly open Malay Heritage Centre.
Bussorah Street
The rows of shop houses along the Bussorah Street in front of Masjid Sultan. This Bussorah Street was originally known as 'Sultan Road' and was renamed in 1930 after a city in present Iraq. Around Bussorah Street, the available shops sold things that caters to Javanese influences such as batik designed clothes and handcrafted goods. Bussorah Street was once a transit area for Indonesians who are carrying out their hajj. This street was a place for pilgrims to sleep and wait for their flight in Singapore.
Vintage lamp
Bussorah Street is a pedestrian street set right in the heart of Kampong Glam It is a favored tourist destination and a national heritage site. Little two-storey shop houses line both sides of the street, and together with the Sultan Mosque at the northern end.
These shop houses along Bussorah Street have been restored and showcase either First Generation Shop house or Late Shop house style architecture. The First Generation Shop house styled architecture is believed to have been built between 1840 to 1900. They have simple designs and lack ornamentation.
Restoration of Modern Facade
Shophouses with Late Shophouse style architecture were built between 1900 to 1940 and display a mixture of Malayan and European architecture styles. Their exteriors are elaborately ornamented.
Jamal Kazura Aromatics at 21 Bussorah Street
This store building built in 1933 and in business almost 80 years. The screen doors have been installed in January 2011 and started operations on 28 April 2011. 
Cafe Rouge at 20 Baghdad Street
Along the Baghdad Street, there are various of restaurants like Cafe Rouge, Bushra Cafe and others that serves Omelettes, Nasi Lemak with Beek Rendang, Beef Rendang wrap with colesaw,..etc
Rows of shophouses at Haji Lane
Narrow footpath in Haji Lane where the rows of shophouses with a brand new style. The brand new store location of Alley has been finally been revealed! It’s now situated in the coziness of Haji Lane! Local lifestyle outfit Alley Store sells established Indie brands. Alley is where you mash up fashion, art, music and lifestyle. Haji Lane is frequently visited by the young adults in search of fashionable clothings and accessories, as well as household decorations.
Filmbox at Haji Lane
Filmbox at Haji Lane
Flimbox has a lovely exterior, including a clap board with the shop owners’ names on it. The shop is not 100% related to film, but it sells knick knacks that will interest just about anyone.
Online Shoppers at 35 Haji Lane and Shophouses with early-style
Online Shoppers at 35 Haji Lane and Shophouses with early-style
This Fixedure store specializes in customizing fixed-gear bicycles for enthusiastic bicyclists who have money to spend on this expensive hobby.They design, create and service bicycles, promising to adhere to your style and preferences. Their website displays a lot of their colourful work, but because I have not actually bought a bike or modified mine here, it's hard to tell where they stand, performance wise. To get a better idea of their products and services, drop by in the day. They also have riding accessories such as slip on shoes and watches, and a collection of things that don't seem related to bicycles at all.
Tucked away in a cozy spot on Bali Lane, Blu Jaz Cafe is becoming one the coolest places to groove if you want a night out but don’t want to dress to the nines for it. The place is packed on weekends with a good-looking crowd who come here for the jazz musicians like the popular Aya Sekine and guest DJs on the second floor. Blu Jaz Cafe on the hand, a two-storey establishment on Bali Lane in Arab Street that houses a restaurant on the first floor and a lounge area on the second floor. One of its main concerns is supporting and enriching the local scene, with several renowned international and local soul, Latin and experimental jazz acts having graced its stage. It opening hours Mon to Thurs from noon to midnight or 2am from Friday to Sun.
Tucked away in a cozy spot on Bali Lane, Blu Jaz Cafe is becoming one the coolest places to groove if you want a night out but don’t want to dress to the nines for it. The place is packed on weekends with a good-looking crowd who come here for the jazz musicians like the popular Aya Sekine and guest DJs on the second floor. Blu Jaz Cafe on the hand, a two-storey establishment on Bali Lane in Arab Street that houses a restaurant on the first floor and a lounge area on the second floor. One of its main concerns is supporting and enriching the local scene, with several renowned international and local soul, Latin and experimental jazz acts having graced its stage. It opening hours Mon to Thurs from noon to midnight or 2am from Friday to Sun.
This design colorful wooden chairs tuck at the corner with a table for tibits & chips and drinking sessions listening to a music till late at night.
By visiting and strolling along the Kampong Glam Heritage and the old Malay streets with memories of local residents whose lifestyle are not fade away and will remain still.
By visiting and strolling along the Kampong Glam Heritage and the old Malay streets with memories of local residents whose lifestyle are not fade away and will remain still.
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