Colours, Sights & Patterns At Kampong Glam

10:14 AM  , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  

Kampong Glam

Central, Singapore
May 2013

Merlion Wayfarer ventured into the Kampong Glam area last weekend. 

In the 19th century, Kampong Glam was essentially an ethnic district with a strong Malay-Arab influence. It was a place where locals patronized for their Arab-Muslim traditional foodstuff and merchandise. Prior to colonization by the British in 1819, the area was home to the Malay aristocracy of Singapore. It became prominent and more populous after the signing of a treaty between the British East India Company, Sultan Hussein Shah of Johore and Temenggong Abdul Rahman in 1819. 
 
Today, Kampong Glam still retains strong ties to the ethnic-Malay and Muslim community, and has sometimes been termed the "Muslim Quarter" due to its history. The Muslim population still remains a significant presence in Kampong Glam, especially in Bussorah Street. The area remains a centre for Muslim activities and the Sultan Mosque remains a major landmark and congregation point for Singapore Muslims.

Merlion Wayfarer likes Kampong Glam for its eclectic mix of history and modern elements, and for its rich heritage and its bright colours.
 
Gourmet Pie Co. - An orange-and-red shophouse beside a yellow-and-orange neighbour,
Darbar, which serves North Indian cuisine...
  
Potted plants on the wall of a shophouse with a five foot way corridor...
   
Tai Sing Corporation is a toy outlet displaying a huge array of toys. Open since 1971, with more than 40 years in operation, the range of toys span from dolls to hobby ships. In the last year or so, Merlion Wayfarer noticed that Tai Sing seemed to have increased its prices by a far bit.
 
  • Little creepy crawlies that freak you out abound -"Take Me Away", the box says. At S$5.90 each. No way...
  • Fancy some sea creatures? The sea monsters version is also priced at S$5.90. Don't be fooled by the Japanese text - The "Made In China" print is usually found at the bottom of most boxes.
  • OK, now you can see the "MADE IN CHINA" print for these kawaii floatables at S$3.90. What would Sesame Street's Ernie do without his Rubber Duckie!

Haji Lane, a tiny retail enclave well-hidden away in the heart of Kampong Glam, is a fashion lover's paradise. The row of colourful shophouses enclosed in a narrow one-way lane, have been transformed into an hip fashion and furnishings stretch reminiscent of Harajuku in Tokyo or Le Marais in Paris. Out of the so many "things to do" in Singapore, it was chosen as a feature in Time Magazine's Singapore City Guide.
 
Gosh... A 666 art gallery!
  
A one-way entry to Haji Lane and the little bunny says hi...

Lots of hip and cool shops - and people - in Haji Lane...

A "SpoilMarket" that does not sell groceries...

Colourful, fun, playful signs - some with real requests...

TokyoBike Singapore is a bicycle retail shop that allows you to take a bike
for a test ride around the neighbourhood....

Contractors working on a tarpaulin covering the walkway...

Barang hung on a clothes line on the second floor...

Objectifs, a visual arts centre dedicated to promoting photography and filmmaking, is located here...

An interesting concept - a  shophouse that is named "Shophouse" that is a "social hostel"...

In a bid to preserve the character and heritage of the area, a group of shop owners are now putting up posters and stickers in their shops to prohibit alcohol on their premises. An admirable concept.
Can they do the same for smoking and shisha too?
  
The evil eye is a look that is believed by many cultures to be able to cause injury or bad luck for the person at whom it is directed for reasons of envy or dislike. Disks consisting of concentric blue and white circles  representing an evil eye are common talismans in the Middle East. These talismans are supposed to bend the malicious gaze back to the sorcerer.
"Evil Eye" talismans as part of the cemented floor decoration...
  
The deco of the floor tiles is conveyed further into the tables and chairs of the cafe next door
- Tiled tables, a homely feel...
   
A man smoking shisha sitting next to a Japanese production crew filming a segment on Singapore...

A restaurant entrance with hanging vines...
    
Stark black and white wall with an outstanding red stool below an electric lamp...
   
The Malay Heritage Centre has just been renovated. The grounds are beautifully landscaped
with a fountain, plants and palm trees...

 
The full album is available at:
 

Sources