Trip to Kampong Glam

On 23 September 2011, we had a trip to Kampong Glam as part of our Learning Journey. We were so excited about the trip that we were restless throughout our lessons. We wish that time pass by quickly.

It was 2pm, and everyone was assembled at the school's porch, waiting for the bus. When the bus reached, we scrambled to get out seats.

20 minutes passed, and we finally reached Kampong Glam! The tour guide, Mr Yeo, brought us to the Malay Heritage Center, which is also known as Istana Kampong Glam, where we get to know more about the origins of the Malays and their culture, and also the history of the location. 

We learned that the word "Kampung" means "village or settlement" in Malay, and "Glam" is the name of a tree, which was commonly seen in the area in early Singapore. Initially, a fishing village situated at the mouth of Rochor River, Kampong Glam was allocated specially for the Sultan and his household, as well as the Malays and Arabs, many of whom were businessmen.

It was scorching hot, but we dragged our feet and continued to walk further. We saw a beautiful place of worship which has a very unique golden colour. With the sun shining on the domes, the view was simply amazing!




 "This is the Sultan Mosque, or Masjid Sultan, the most outstanding landmark in the Kampong Glam Malay Heritage District. Masjid Sultan has a history way back in 1824.The mosque has a prayer hall that can fit in almost 5000 during a mass prayer", said Mr Yeo as we were admiring the architectural design of the mosque.

Today, the Sultan Mosque remains a major landmark in Singapore. Around the mosque along Arab Street, Bahgdad Street and Bussorah Street, rows of shophouses that have been conserved can be seen. Most of the tenants are using the space as design firms, art galleries, crafts and lifestyle shops, and restaurants. Some shops also sell items like textile and carpet, religious items used by Muslims.

Mr Yeo brought us to a shop that sells perfume oils, which is called 'Attar'. We found out later that the Arabs like to put on the Attar almost all the time, especially during prayers. The Arab merchants were the ones who brought and sell Attar to the community.
We were happy because we bought a small bottle of Attar each as a souvenier. Some of us bought more than two bottles because it was cheap! They were selling at only $2 per small bottle of 5ml.

The trip had to end, and we boarded the bus back to school. It was tiring, but worth our time because we learned a lot and get to enjoy the nice views in Kampong Glam and the colourful shophouses along the streets.