1. Kampong Gelam used to be the seat of Singapore’s Malay royalty


2. Kampong Gelam was a melting pot of cultures
Though it was reserved for royalty, Kampong Gelam was also home to people of different cultures, including ethnic groups from the Malay Archipelago like the Javanese, Baweanese, Bugis, Arabs and even the Chinese. Most migrants settled within their own ethnic group, resulting in the precinct to have several small ‘kampongs’ instead of one Kampong Gelam that we know today.3. The Urang Banjar is arguably the smallest sub-ethnic Malay group in Singapore

4. Kampong Gelam used to be a trading hub
Before Kampong Gelam transformed into a spot for hipster cafes and trendy shops, it used to be a trading hub for spices, perfumes, textiles, gemstones and more. Today, you can still find some of the old trades like perfumes and textiles at Kampong Gelam.


5. Singapore’s prominent Muslims left important landmarks in Kampong Gelam


6. Kampong Gelam was a gathering place for Muslims before they went on Hajj

7. Kampong Gelam’s street names had interesting stories

8. Sultan Mosque didn’t always have a golden dome


GIVEAWAY: Redeem a $5 Grab voucher from 29 January 2021 onwards
Good news, the Malay Heritage Centre is giving away $5 Grab vouchers to 100 lucky people. Here’s how you can redeem the vouchers:- Follow Malay Heritage Centre on Facebook and Instagram
- Visit the Urang Banjar special exhibition
- Fill in the feedback form
- Redeem your Grab vouchers at the Visitor Services Centre (limited to the first 100 redemptions)
- Do note that you can only redeem the vouchers from 29 January 2021 onwards