Chances are if you’ve searched up places to visit around Singapore, you’ve probably come across Arab Street or Haji Lane. It’s both located in the Kampong Glam area. The two lively neighbouring lanes (and their surrounding areas) are filled with endless corners to explore and experience. Here’s an ultimate guide to Kampong Glam for you!
Things to See in Arab Street/Haji Lane 2020 Guide
1. Artsy Wall Murals
Spruce up your Instagram feed with the vibrant wall murals around Haji Lane! With the colourful paintings covering nearly every surface in the busy area, you’ll definitely need some time to pick and snapshots of your favourite ones!
It can get very crowded with eager tourists hoping to boost their Instagram aesthetic, so make sure to go early if you want to avoid getting photobombed!
2. Masjid Sultan Mosque
Take some time to appreciate the rich culture and beautiful architecture of the Masjid Sultan Mosque! The national monument is another perfect location for aesthetic shots. It is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Singapore!
In addition, the mosque serves as a focal point for Singapore’s Muslim community. Pay it a visit to learn more about the culture. While you’re there, take a quick tour inside to personally experience the environment in this grand mosque.
Masjid Sultan Mosque, 3 Muscat St, Singapore 198833
3. Malay Heritage Centre
Just down the road from Sultan Masjid Mosque, the Malay Heritage Centre is filled with artefacts and exhibits for visitors. It’s all related to the history of Malays in Singapore. This place is great to learn more about the Malay society in Singapore and the development of the surrounding Kampong Glam area.
Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Things to Eat in Arab Street/Haji Lane
1. The Hangar
Located along Arab Street, The Hangar is a Melbourne-themed cafe and bar specialising in house-roasted 100% Arabica coffee. Serving up home-made sandwiches and salads to accompany your freshly brewed coffee, it’s great to enjoy a catch-up at this cafe.
The Hangar also serves up craft beers to help battle the intense heat after a whole afternoon of exploring Haji Lane!
The Hangar, 25 Arab Street, Singapore 199724
2. Krave
If you’re looking for something unique, Krave serves up interesting fusion foods like Laksa Pasta and Chempedak Crème Brulee. Coupled with the unique concept, the food is delicious and well-made! They serve the usual cafe munches like truffle fries and chicken drumlets as well, so it’s a good place to visit for a mid-day snack!
Krave, 28 Bali Lane, Singapore 189864
3. Blanco Court Prawn Mee
If you’ve yet to find that perfect bowl of Prawn Noodles, look no further – Blanco Court Prawn Mee is as close as you’d get to that ultimate bowl! The combination of large, juicy prawns and tender pork results in a hearty, flavourful bowl of broth that perfectly complements the silky strands of noodles.
Blanco Court Prawn Mee, 243 Beach Road #01-01, Singapore 189754
4. Turkish Cuisine
If you’re looking to try something different, check out Bussorah street, located right outside the Masjid Sultan Mosque! The long, busy street is lined with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants with intricately designed decor. In particular, 1001 of Arabia is a popular spot offering Middle Eastern cuisine, specialising in authentic Syrian and Moroccan food. Since it’s open till 3am, it makes a great supper spot too!
Just around the corner, Alaturka Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant is another popular spot which serves up both classic dishes and modern interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2016, and their Turkish chefs ensure that everything on their extensive menu is made to perfection.
1001 of Arabia, 23 Baghdad St, Singapore 199662
Alaturka Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant, 15 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199436
5. R&R At A Unique Cafe
Since there are many cafes located in the area, try something different for your coffee break! At Selfie Coffee, you can print your selfies onto cups of freshly brewed coffee! Likewise, they also offer printing services onto their signature tarts and cakes. It definitely makes for a unique dining experience and a must-upload Instagram photo!
If you’re a cat lover, Meomi Cat Cafe is especially great for you! Enjoy a slow afternoon sipping handcrafted drinks as seven resident cats mill about. The seats provided are comfortable, the ambience is good and cat toys are even provided for customers to have some fun with the kitties – you’ll never want to leave!
Selfie Coffee, 11 Haji Lane, Singapore 189204
Meomi Cat Cafe, 668 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188801
Things to Do in Arab Street/Haji Lane
1. Get Snatched
Haji Lane is lined with quality services and salons, each one with their own unique decors and twists. Let the experienced nail technicians at The Nail Social take care of you with some TLC. Soak in the luxurious, intimate setting as you escape the bustle of the city. Every patron also gets a complimentary glass of wine on Fridays and Saturdays, therefore making it the perfect girls’ night out location!
At 99 Percent Hair Studio, the skilled hairstylists make sure everyone walks out looking a solid 10/10! They specialise in everything, from perms to dye jobs, so pamper yourselves with a session at the salon and leave looking fresh! For the guys, The ‘A’ Street Barber Shop offers fresh cuts for all men (and boys) to transform into dapper gentlemen. Expect top-notch service and ambience in the colourfully-decorated salon interior.
The Nail Social, 42A Haji Lane, 2nd Floor, Singapore 189235
99 Percent Hair Studio, 40 Haji Lane, #01-01, Singapore 189233
The ‘A’ Street Barber Shop, 200, #02-25 Jln Sultan, Textile Centre, Singapore 199018
2. Hand-Craft Personal Items
Design and craft your own wallets, cardholders and more at Crafune! Using vegetable-tanned Italian leathers, the workshop allows you to customise and build your own bespoke leather goods with high-quality, sturdy materials that age beautifully.
If you’re a bigger fan of aromatics and fragrances, Sifr Aromatics offers fragrance customisation classes on an appointment-basis, starting from $40/pax. This niche perfumery is a family business started in 1933, and carries a rich tradition and history that can be felt in the shop’s rustic decor. Drop by if you’d like to take a slow few hours away from the chaos of Haji Lane!
Crafune, #02-01, 2 Haji Lane, Singapore 189195
Sifr Aromatics, 42 Arab St, Singapore 199741
3. Fabric Shopping
Famous for the saturation of fabric merchants in this quaint street, Arab Street is the go-to location for an endless selection of quality fabrics. From traditional Asian fabrics to Middle Eastern-inspired designs, inspiration is sure to strike wherever you go. Take a quick stroll and check out what Arab Street’s fabric-selling scene has to offer!
4. Shop Retro Singaporean Trinkets at Craft Assembly
Be transported back in time at Craft Assembly, where you can shop nostalgic Singaporean items or simply bask in the retro vibes. Carrying a variety of products from vintage apparel to stationery like pins and magnets. It’s easy to get carried away spending hours looking around the store.
They also sell uniquely Singaporean memorabilia. Things like hawker-themed stationery and tote bags designed with local delicacies. As such, it’s a great place to buy novelty items, and they make better souvenirs than the usual overpriced t-shirts!
Craft Assembly, 61 Haji Lane, Singapore 189254
5. Get A Vibe Check
Get your life and future glimpsed upon with tarot card readings at Tara – Light Within! For $60 per 30 minutes, you can take a peek into the future. Also, get advice on career and love life matters. If you’re also interested in the metaphysical, stop by Life By Design too! They offer a range of services, including spiritual cleansing, and sell metaphysical items like crystals and Hoodoo Oils.Â
Tara Light Within, 23A Arab Street Singapore 199722
Life By Design, 43 Haji Lane, Singapore 189236
The Ultimate Arab Street & Haji Lane Guide!
The Kampong Glam area is a definite must-visit when in Singapore. For both locals and tourists alike, it’s a timelessly awesome hangout spot. There are endless things to do, see and eat. It may take a while to finish everything there, but it’s so worth it!
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