Exploring the Streets Around Masjid Sultan – Muscat Street, Haji Lane, and the Cultural Tapestry of Kampong Glam
Located in the heart of Kampong Glam, one of Singapore’s oldest urban quarters, is a cluster of streets that offer a vibrant blend of Islamic heritage, Middle Eastern flavours, Malay culture, indie art, and street-side energy. At the centre of this historic enclave stands Masjid Sultan, crowned with its iconic golden dome. Radiating outward from this mosque are a network of pedestrian-friendly lanes including Muscat Street, Bussorah Street, Arab Street, and the ultra-trendy Haji Lane, each contributing a distinct tone to the colourful experience.
Whether you're here to explore cultural architecture, photograph artistic murals, shop for Turkish lamps, or sip coffee in a boho café, the streets around Masjid Sultan offer a microcosm of multicultural Singapore.
🕌 Masjid Sultan – The Cultural Anchor
Before stepping into the surrounding streets, pause at the heart of the district, Masjid Sultan. Built in 1824 and rebuilt in 1932, the mosque is one of Singapore’s most important Islamic landmarks. Its massive golden dome, flanked by minarets and Moorish arches, dominates the Kampong Glam skyline.
During Hari Raya and other Islamic festivals, the mosque and its surrounding streets come alive with lights, prayers, and festive bazaars.
Muscat Street – Bridging Oman and Singapore
Muscat Street, named after the capital of Oman, sits directly in front of Masjid Sultan and serves as its formal approach. The street was refurbished in 2009 as part of a cultural partnership between Singapore and Oman. Its paving stones, palm-lined boulevard, and decorative mosaics reflect Middle Eastern design aesthetics.
On both sides of the street are Turkish carpet sellers, Middle Eastern souvenir shops, Islamic bookstores, and halal eateries serving dishes like shawarma, baklava, and kunafa. It's a visual and cultural homage to the Arab influences on Singapore’s early trade communities.
Haji Lane – Where Tradition Meets Indie Chic
Tucked just behind Muscat Street is Haji Lane, a narrow alley bursting with art murals, designer boutiques, tattoo studios, and indie cafés. Once a pilgrimage hostel street for Hajj-bound Muslims (hence the name), it has transformed into one of the most Instagrammed locations in Singapore.
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Street Art: Nearly every wall is covered in bold graffiti or painted facades.
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Local Brands: Small shops sell handmade jewellery, vintage fashion, vinyl records, and artisanal crafts.
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Cafés and Bars: Whether it’s iced latte from a minimalist café or shisha from a rooftop lounge, Haji Lane blends global hipster vibes with a Southeast Asian twist.
Despite its trendiness, the cultural bones of the lane remain intact, with conserved architecture and original shophouse façades.
Bussorah Street – Malay and Middle Eastern Vibes
Parallel to Muscat Street is Bussorah Street, a pedestrian-only zone flanked by restored shophouses. It has a more traditional atmosphere with stores selling Malay garments, prayer rugs, oud perfumes, and Arabic calligraphy. Malay-Muslim identity is celebrated through traditional clothing boutiques, kebaya stores, and craft shops.
It’s also one of the best spots to capture a frontal view of Masjid Sultan, framed between two elegant rows of heritage buildings.
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Arab Street – Textiles, Carpets & Culture
A short stroll away is Arab Street, one of the oldest roads in the area. Known primarily for its textile trade, this street is lined with stores selling batik fabric, lace, Persian carpets, and embroidered shawls. The scent of Arabian incense, the glint of glassware, and the sound of Quranic recitation from radios in tiny shops make Arab Street a rich sensory stop.
📍 Visitor Information
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (Downtown Line / East-West Line) – 5–7 minute walk
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Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to evening (cafés and shops come alive; lights add charm)
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Entry Fee: Free; public streets
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What to Bring: Camera, shopping bag, and an appetite
In and around Masjid Sultan, every street tells a story - of migration, prayer, enterprise, art, and revival. Muscat Street reflects diplomatic heritage, Haji Lane showcases indie creativity, Bussorah Street preserves tradition, and Arab Street celebrates trade roots. Together, they form the vibrant, layered soul of Kampong Glam, a place where past and present co-exist harmoniously in the streets beneath a golden dome.
Happy travelling.
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