
A trip to Singapore is not complete without a visit to the vibrant district of Kampong Glam. Browse the quirky indie stores, grab a bite to eat, and explore the famous eclectic laneways like Haji Lane and Arab Street – this is one locale not to missed especially if you’re only visiting for a short stint. We have also included some kid-friendly places to check out along the way too. Happy exploring our guide to Kampong Glam!
If you are looking for handcrafted leather goods like handbags and coin purses, then check out Crafune! As an added bonus, they also run craft workshops for both adults and kids so you can make your very own! There is a 1 hour junior workshop for kids ages 7 and above, which allows the little ones to create their own cute character pouch.
Crafune, 2 Haji Lane, #02-01, Singapore 189195, +65 8218 4223, www.crafune.com
LIMAA makes eating healthy, actually tasty! LIMAA serves up a variety of delicious smoothies, juices and health foods from breakfast to dinner. From dishes like zoodles (noodles made out of zucchini), to green bowls - your kids will actually want to eat their vegetables. And good news, they also have a range of gluten free and vegan options.
LIMAA, 51 Haji Lane, Singapore 189244, +65 8620 2041,
www.limaa51hajilane.com
When you are craving an afternoon treat, head to Fluff Bakery for mouth-watering cookies, cakes, tarts, slices, and what they are most well known for - cupcakes! While you will be able to find traditional cupcake flavours like red velvet or salted caramel, Fluff Bakery likes to constantly update their menu and experiment with different flavours creating cupcakes like durian, nutella red velvet or pandan kaya cheese. Note, this place is take out only (no seating room), but don’t worry, there’s online ordering and home delivery available.
Fluff Bakery, 4 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199071, +65 9660 3541 (whatsapp/message only), www.fluffbakery.sg
For when you are looking for a unique way to enjoy your coffee, head to Selfie Coffee Singapore. As the name suggests, take a selfie and the staff will print it on the top of your coffee. Looking for something the kids can also enjoy? No worries, selfies can also be printed on top of the scrumptious tarts they sell.
Selfie Coffee, 11 Haji Lane, Singapore 189204, +65 6341 7213, www.facebook.com/selfiecoffeesg
If you are looking to be pampered, head to The Nail Social, where not only can you enjoy services such as manicure, pedicure and foot massages, it's the little extras (like the snacks and ability to watch an iPad loaded with movies) that really make this salon stand out! The Nail Social uses non-toxic nail polishes, making this place great for expectant mums and children. And the best part is, the Nail Social is socially conscious, as it helps marginalised women gain employment.
The Nail Social, 42A Haji Lane, Singapore 189235, +65 6717 3221, www.thenailsocial.co
If you are looking to create your very own pair of shoes, head to Ficklestore. Pick the shoe base and straps from a range of colours, and adorn the straps with some fun accessories. Your own unique pair of flip flops or sandals will be made in front of your eyes in less than 10 mins! Perfect for both kids and adults.
Ficklestore, 62 Haji Lane, Singapore 189255, +65 6297 7989, www.facebook.com/Ficklestore.official
The Parkview Museum Singapore is a modern art museum which regularly changes it's exhibits. What's great about it is that it offers free admission to encourage appreciation of art. The museum is best suited for teens rather than younger children due to the mature nature of some of the exhibits. And afterwards you can head to the ground level for afternoon tea or a drink at Asia's best bar 2019 - Atlas. This place has major Gatsby vibes and has one of the most extensive gin collections (over 1300) in a spectacular glass cabinet which is the centrepiece of the bar.
The Parkview Museum Singapore, 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Level 3 Singapore 188778, +65 6799 6971, www.parkviewmuseum.com
Luca & Vic is an eclectic toy shop that will make both adults and kids smile. They have a range of unique toys from around the world including the latest and greatest, plus older pieces that will take you back to your own childhood. This shop has everything from plush toys to games, figurines and accessories (like color changing umbrellas) and it even stocks clothing and swimwear for the little ones.
Luca & Vic, 29 Haji Lane, Singapore 189222, +65 6291 1642, www.luca-vic.com
Explore the laneways of Kampong Glam and you will find some very colourful and Instagram worthy places. Gelam Gallery is a permanent outdoor art exhibition showcasing over 30 artists, and is located in Muscat Street right next to the Masjid Sultan. It is a great place to get some fun and vibrant family pics in front of the different colored shophouses. Also just behind Hajj Lane is a giant colourful wall mural, which is worth checking out if you are into street art!
Gelam Gallery, Muscat Street, Singapore 198833, +65 6292 9329, www.theadmin.sg/gelam-gallery
The Vintage Cameras Museum is a great place to take the kids if they are interested in photography! Not only will they learn that there is more to taking photos than just using their smartphone, the usual museum rule of "look and don't touch" doesn't apply here. You are actually encouraged to pick up and use the cameras! While the Click Art Museum encourages fun selfies, as does the outside of the museum which is a giant pair of hands and a camera!
Vintage Cameras Museum, 8C-8D Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199263, +65 8591 8918, Facebook Page
A visit to Haji Lane isn’t complete without a drink from cocktail heaven Bar Stories. There’s no menu here, just tell the bartenders what you're craving, and they'll pour you a custom cocktail. This bar is hidden away on the second floor of an unmarked building and takes a bit of extra effort to find. They often do promos on food and drinks, so it's a great little place to pop to after work.
Bar Stories, 57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189250, +65 6298 0838, barstories.com.sg
The Malay Heritage Centre acts as a venue to celebrate the Malay culture in Singapore. Through its exhibits, programs, and activities, the Centre hopes to honor the past while providing a means for present-day expression. They have different exhibitions throughout the year so you can see how the Malay culture is seen on the little red dot.
Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501, +65 6391 0450, www.malayheritage.org.sg/en/
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