Rich Culture of Singapore

Arab Street
Sultan Mosque:
It is probably the biggest non-shopping district for tourists.You might get a chance to look inside if you look modest.
The mosque was founded in 1820 but the current building dates to 1928.With its massive golden dome and huge prayer hall, the Sultan Mosque is one of Singapore's most imposing religious buildings, and the focal point of Muslims in Singapore. The mosque was designed by Denis Santry.The Mosque’s architecture is a mix of classical Persian, Moorish and Turkish themes that together form what is known as the Islamic Saracenic style.


Istana Kampong Gelam:
Named after the Gelam tree which used to grow in the area, Kampong Glam was the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore. Today, the former Istana Kampong Glam (Sultan’s palace) has been converted into a heritage museum to showcase the rich history and culture of Singapore’s Malay community. The building and architecture has been restored to retain its flavour and authenticity.


Arab Street is the place for the Muslim community where they purchase the Muslim men’s headgear (or songkok), the holy Quran, prayer mats and textiles. Today, Arab Street is a designer’s dream locale! Glittery and antique fashion items are found there, like the finest lace, sparkling semi-precious stones, ostrich feathers, iron-on diamantes, gold thread, and wholesale bales of silk, organza and lame which dazzle in rainbow hues and intensities.

When you are there:
Catch the cultural shows complete with live music and malay dance at the museum.
It showcases its performances three times a day at 10am,11.30am and 3.30pm.


Singapore Arts Museum:
The Singapore Art Museum at Bras Basah Road is the former St Joseph`s institution. The museum has 13 galleries and is home to the national art collection of Singapore. Since the opening in 1996 the museum's permanent collection has grown from under 2000 art works to over 4000, making it the largest collection of 20th-century Southeast Asian art in the region.Its collection includes works from major local artists such as Georgette Chen, Liu kang, Chen Chong Swee, Lim tze Peng and Huang Yao. Since 2001, the museum began taking works and accepting donations from around the region, including from regional artists like Affandi, Hendra Gunawan, Pratuang Emjaroen, Montien Boonma, Le Pho and Bui Xuan Phai.