Witnessing the unforgettable magic of Kampong Glam

Though old ideals tend to clash with the new in our fast-paced modern era, this quaint area in Singapore shows how both can blend together. Kampong Glam is best known as a place where the traditional Muslim culture mends well with Singapore’s thriving alternative arts scene. There’s no better time to visit the area than the month of Ramadan, just as the community bands together for the annual highly anticipated Ramadan Bazaar. 

COLORFUL SIGHT Much of Kampong Glam's buildings stand out for its vivid murals

For a first-time visitor, Kampong Glam tends to shine for its colorful walls of graffiti art that grace its 19th century-style buildings. In every corner, you’re bound to find either a wild mix of culinary delights from all over, tailors that sell various textiles, thrift shops for your next vintage find, or artisans selling all sorts of antiquities and trinkets for the avid collector. Amid all its enticing sights, the Sultan Mosque stands tallest from the crowd with its beaming golden dome.

GOLDEN DOMES Sultan Mosque was originally built in the 1800s before undergoing a reconstruction that finished in 1932

LET'S EAT Onlookers have over 120 food and retail bazaar stalls to choose from throughout the annual Ramadan Bazaar

For this year’s Ramadan Bazaar, the Sultan Mosque’s surroundings are filled with over 120 food and retail merchants. It’s also a wonderful time to get a glimpse into the area’s diverse nature as activities like a hands-on cultural workshop and a mix of traditional and contemporary performances take place. One such event is the Joget Parade, where an entourage of traditional Malay dance, Pencak Silat demos, and Kompang performances amp up the festive spirit. Though the grand highlight for visiting during the Ramadan season this year is the Sultan Mosque Light Show where onlookers can gaze at the façade of the Sultan Mosque becomes adorned with visuals representing Ramadan accompanied by an original score by Singaporean music composer Sha’aban Yahya. Upon listening, you’ll notice the composer took great care in ensuring he can incorporate as much Islamic representation as he can from the various sectors present in the area. The free light show runs every Friday to Sunday night until March 25. And, of course, the food stalls are a tasty delight to crawl through. 

AWE AND GLAMOUR Sultan Mosque's grand façade is adorned by a light show featuring various elements that represent Islamic culture

Finally, one of the best parts of visiting Kampong Glam is getting to know the different folks who frequent the area. A lot of the store owners and stall merchants are open to conversing with any curious onlookers. Don’t hesitate to stop from your shopping spree to talk and possibly make new friends along the way. Wherever you end up, you’ll find the wonderful experience to be truly unforgettable as Kampong Glam’s community, old and new, shine through.