Author: Originally from Toronto, Roop Gill is a multimedia journalist and Masters student working in Singapore and blogging about travel and culture. She has lived in India, Ethiopia, Denmark, Singapore, Australia and will be moving to London soon for school. Find out more about her adventures at www.roopgill.com.

Singapore is split into many distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own unique history and highlights. One of my favourite districts to photograph, shop at and chill out is Kampong Glam and Arab Street.

Formerly the seat of Malay royalty in Singapore, Kampong Glam has been a Malay-Muslim quarter since the 1800s. Thankfully, centuries later, the shophouses still maintain their facades with brightly-coloured walls and carved windows. Landmarked by the shimmering dome of Masjid Sultan, this neighbourhood is bustling with street vendors trying to lure you into their textile shops during the day, and shisha bar-owners eagerly inviting you into their establishments after dusk.

Arab Quarter, and particularly Haji and Bali lanes, is a Singapore must-visit spot for the irresistible Middle-Eastern vibe (and food!) coupled with a variety of live music venues to chose from on this small stretch. One can spot the local trendsetters window-shopping at one of the fashion-forward boutiques along Haji Lane. Plus, it’s Disneyland for shisha smokers with the sweet smell of flavoured tobacco permanently enveloping the area.

Masjid Sultan

When Singapore was ceded to the British in 1819, Sultan Hussain Shah of Johore acquired many small fortunes including the palace in Kampong Glam. Using funds solicited from the East India Company, he decided to build a mosque next to his palace. Masjid Sultan now stands tall on the corner or Muscat Street and North Bridge Road. Its shimmering dome can be spotted from a distance. Sultan Plaza, a pedestrian-only street that stems out of the mosque’s front entrance, is a meeting point for many and a happening place to be, regardless of the time of day.

Haji Lane

By day, Haji Lane is home to the Singapore’s trendiest boutique shops and a backdrop for stunning, colourful photos. Once the sun goes down, it evolves into a buzzing hangout for shisha smokers, loungers and cocktail drinkers. BluJaz Café, Bar Stories and CAD Café deserve a special mention when highlighting the establishments on Haji Lane.

Food

No visit to an Arab quarter is complete without a juicy kebab, tangy hummus and warm pita bread. Finding the best falafel in Kampong Glam can be a bit of a challenge, but for a good reason: they are all delicious. Mediterranean platters are a unanimous favourite.

Author: Roop Gill
Photo Credit: Roop Gill