Kampong Glam, Arab St. & Bugis St. Shopping

The original home of the Malay aristocracy during the time of Sir Stamford Raffles, Kampong Glam, named after a tree, is the Malay-Muslim enclave established centuries ago. Attracting traders and immigrants from Malaysia, Indonesia, India and the Middle East in those days, the area has grown into a rich cultural and flourishing hub.

Browse around quaint shophouses restored on streets named after exotic Middle Eastern cities such as Baghdad, Bussorah and Kandahar. By day, the streets teem with shops selling Islamic books, textiles, batiks, sarongs, handwoven baskets, oil-based perfume scents, indigenous art and craft. By night, out comes the carpets, cushions , kebabs, and shisha or hookah (water pipes filled with aromatic tobacco) and one gets the feeling of being transported to a Middle Eastern hub.

This area is easily accessible by public transport and the nearest MRT stop is the Bugis station.
A gazetted conservation area, it takes on a joyous festive air during the fasting month of Ramadan. The precinct is transformed into a colorful zone with cultural performances and food bazaar. If you are tired from shopping at the modern mega malls in the city, this is the place for a fascinating cultural respite.

The charm in shopping here lies in the streets adorned with picturesque shophouses converted into retail outlets and food outlets specializing in delicious Muslim cuisine.
Shop for Malay, Indonesian and local souvenirs at Bussorah Mall –antiques including the keris (Malay dagger) at the Malay Art Gallery; Peranakan slippers from Little Shophouse, batik from Kupu Kupu, teddy bears from Sasha’s, scents from Jamal Kazura Aromatics and more. On Arab St, view the rattan and willow basketry at Rishi Handicraft and San Marco Collection for funky fashion, costume and jewellery.

Need to find fabrics for a wedding or a grand occasion? There are some gorgeous chiffon, silk, cotton georgette and other luxurious fabric finds from Bobby’s Fabrics. Try your luck at haggling at some of these stores. Parallel to Arab St is Haji Lane, believed to be Singapore’s narrowest lane. A quaint alley, there are some surprising finds such as the White Room boasting Japanese designerwear, carpets at Anil Brothers and classic bags and vintage wear at Dulcetfig.

Today, Bugis Street has evolved from its extraordinary heyday as a seedy nighlife, to a pulsating shopping village thrilling shoppers to no end with bargains galore. Its current showcase of over 600 stalls offers an eclectic mix of trendy street wear, souvenirs, silver jewellery, cafes, hawker food and services. Prices here are competitive and bargainable.