Singapore is a cosmopolitan city known for its ultra-modern buildings and attractions. Another interesting thing about Singapore is that it has a rich culture. In fact, several cultures and communities peacefully co-exist in Singapore. The perfect example of the same is that Singapore is home to several ethnic enclaves, belonging to the Chinese, Indian, and Arab communities. Arab Street, as the name suggests, belongs to the Arab community of Singapore. Existing since 1819, Arab Street is known as the center of the Muslim community of Singapore. It is also a place that you should not miss if you want to see more than the popular tourist attractions of the city. Here we present the ultimate guide as well as some interesting facts about Singapore and Arab Street in Singapore.
Arab Street Singapore
Located in Kampong Glam, Arab Street in Singapore is the smallest of all the ethnic enclaves in the city. The street is filled with retail stores and restaurants influenced by Muslim culture and traditions. Apart from these, there are some important attractions as well on this street. With this note, let us look at some of the best things you can do when in Singapore’s Arab Street.
Arab Street Attractions
Many think that Arab Street is all about shopping and dining. While this is true to some extent, the place has a few other attractions too. In fact, there are some important attractions that you need to check out on Arab Street.
Sultan Mosque
The Singapore Mosque was declared a national monument in 1975. This is the largest mosque in Singapore as well. The original mosque was built in 1824, while the structure you see now was built in 1932. The mosque with its onion-shaped domes embedded with glass bottle ends makes for an interesting architectural sight. You can go on a guided tour of the mosque if you want to know more about it. It is necessary to dress modestly if you plan to visit the mosque.
Malay Heritage Center
If you want to know about Singapore’s Malay history and culture, you must not miss visiting the Malay Heritage Center in the Kampong Glam district. The heritage center building was formerly known as Istana Kampong Glam or the Malay Palace built by Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor. Today, a visit to this heritage center will give you an insight into the heritage and culture of the Malay community through interactive multimedia, historical artifacts, and such other colorful exhibits.
Arab Street Shopping
Arab Street is a haven for shopping lovers. There are plenty of stores selling everything from clothes and accessories to carpets and lamps on this street. It is one of the best places in Singapore to buy fabrics, including Indonesian batik, silk, Indian fabric, etc. Visit Soon Lee to find stylish clothes, jewelry, handbags, and accessories from international brands. Apart from this, there is DWiz for Turkish lamps and Supermama for Japanese art pieces and pottery. Sifr Aromatics is where you can buy different types of perfumes and get one customized as well. You should visit Achakzai Trading to buy Persian carpets, mats, and rugs. Arab Street also offers street shopping opportunities where you can haggle to buy fabrics, accessories, footwear, pottery, and souvenirs.
Arab Street Restaurants and Cafes
If you are a foodie, you will fall in love with the Arab Steet. Since the place is filled with an array of restaurants and cafes serving delicious food. Here, you can enjoy different types of cuisines, including Malay, Singaporean, Indonesian, Italian, French, Western, Arabic, Indian, Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern, and even Australian. Head to Kampong Glam Café for its East-Asian menu and Alsaeed by Char Syed for its Indian and Arabic cuisine. While the café named Working Title is known for its delicious burgers, BluJaz Café offers mouthwatering Mediterranean fare along with an amazing jazz performance. Visit Good Luck Beerhouse to try a wide range of beers, while Aroma Gelato offers some unique flavors of gelatos. The place is also home to some of the romantic restaurants in Singapore, including TXA Gastro Bar, Positano Risto, Lepak at Rayz, etc. A few other popular restaurants on Arab Street include Overrice, Nasrin Restaurant, House of Kebab, % Arabica, All Things Delicious, Ratu Lemper, etc.
Best Time to Visit Arab Street
Arab Street is open 24×7, making it possible for you to visit the place anytime during the day or night. The best time to visit the place will depend on why you want to visit the place. Those interested in shopping and sightseeing should visit in the morning, while evenings and nights are for those interested in exploring the nightlife of the place. Arab Street is the busiest during the night with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs remaining open till late at night. The place is most crowded on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
How to Reach Arab Street?
You can reach Arab Street by taking public transport in Singapore, i.e., via public bus, metro, or taxi. While a taxi is the quickest and easiest way of reaching the place, it can be a bit expensive. Alternatively, you can take one of the buses bus no. 2, 12, 33, 133, and NR7 to reach the place. If you are taking the MRT, you can get down at Bugis MRT Station via the Green Line. Arab Street is 5 minutes on foot from Bugis MRT Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arab Street known for?
Arab Street is known for its colorful shops and restaurants that sell fabrics, carpets, handicrafts, and spices. Many of the shops are owned by Arab merchants and reflect the Arab and Muslim culture. Arab Street is also home to several mosques, including the impressive Sultan Mosque. The area has a very distinct Arabian character and vibe that makes it a popular tourist destination in Singapore.
What is there to do on Arab Street?
Some of the top things to do on Arab Street include shopping for fabrics, carpets, jewelry, and spices in the various specialty shops, visiting the Sultan Mosque, exploring the small side streets and alleyways lined with shops and eateries, going to restaurants and cafes to try authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, appreciating Islamic architecture at the various mosques, visiting Haji Lane for quirky boutiques and street art, catching a show at Blu Jaz Cafe, and more. Going at night offers a different experience as the area comes alive with lights and activity.
What is the history of Arab Street?
Arab Street has a long history that dates back to early 19th century Singapore under British colonial rule. The area was designated by Sir Stamford Raffles for Arab traders and merchants to stay when they came to trade and sell their goods. Many Arab traders settled around the area, creating a small Arab enclave. The Sultan Mosque was built in 1826 for the Muslim community.
Over time, the area expanded to include more shops and restaurants catering to the Arab and Muslim community, giving the district its distinct Arabian character that continues to this day.
What shopping is available on Arab Street?
Arab Street is filled with tons of shopping, ranging from fabrics and carpets to jewelry and perfumes. Some notable shopping areas include the DFS Galleria which sells luxurious items, Kampong Glam for local handicrafts, the Sultan’s Bazaar flea market for souvenirs, Arab Street and Busso rah Street for fabrics and carpets, and specialized shops selling Persian rugs, saris, kebayas, and unique Arabian creations. Haji Lane is also popular for its quirky local boutiques. Make sure to bargain when shopping at stores and markets in the area. Cash and credit cards are widely accepted.
Is Arab Street safe to visit?
Yes, Arab Street is generally very safe to visit. As one of Singapore’s most popular tourist destinations, the area sees many visitors daily. Like most major cities, common sense precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit alleys at night, keeping valuables out of sight, not venturing out alone late at night, and being aware of one’s surroundings.
Violent crime is extremely rare in the Arab Street vicinity. The area also has routine police patrols along with security cameras in many public places to ensure visitor safety. Issues specific to women travelers are also minimal, but normal safety standards for solo female travelers are advised.
Conclusion
While there are several exciting new attractions in Singapore, Arab Street has an old-world charm that is worth exploring. Arab Street Singapore is a place that preserves the Malay culture of Singapore amongst all the development happening in the city. Do visit Arab Street while visiting the city with a Singapore visa to know more about this aspect of the city. Arab Street Singapore is a place that preserves the Malay culture of Singapore amongst all the development happening in the city. Do visit Arab Street while visiting the city with a Singapore visa to know more about this aspect of the city.