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  • Kampong Gelam : Singapore's Heritage Streets Filled With Shophouse Treasures, Chic Staycations & More

    Noelle Ong
    Noelle Ong
    Last updated 14 Mar 2024
    kampong gelam singapore
    Photos were taken in accordance with safe distancing measures

    Kampong Gelam Singapore 

    If the last time you visited Kampong Gelam was in a primary school excursion, it’s time to make another trip down! With new gems hidden in quaint shophouses, beautiful staycations and plenty of photo opportunities in every lane, here are some new things you can discover at Kampong Gelam. 

    Things to do and see

    1. Scent by SIX Perfume Workshop

    perfume workshop kampong gelam singapore
    If you’re looking for a way to spend the afternoon, why not try your hand at creating your very own scent! The Scent by SIX Perfume Workshop is beginner-friendly and you’ll get to learn the basic processes of making fragrances from a professional. 
    At the end of it all, you’ll get to take home your very own bespoke perfume which you can keep or gift to a loved one. 
    Address: 200 Victoria St, #01-15, Singapore 188021

    2. Leather Crafting Workshop by Crafune 

    leather craft workshop singapore haji lane
    Always wanted to make your own leather accessories? The Leather Crafting Workshop by Crafune will let you do just that! Trust us, the sense of satisfaction when you complete your leather goods is something you’ll need to experience for yourself. You’ll even get to customize your work by embossing your initials on them. Nestled in a shophouse along Haji Lane, this is a treasure you won’t want to miss. 
    Address: 38A Haji Lane, #02-01 Singapore 189231

    3. Vintage Camera Museum 

    You can’t call yourself a shutterbug if you haven’t visited the Vintage Camera Museum. Home to over 1,000 cameras including spycams, some of these huge vintage cameras will make you appreciate the pocket-sized phones you have.
    The exterior of the building is the largest camera-shaped building in the world so be sure to snap some photos. 
    Address: 8C & 8D Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199263

    4. Amazing Chambers Escape Room

    amazing singapura escape room
    The Amazing Chambers Singapura has 7 creative rooms that will push your thinking capabilities and wits to the limit. Learn more about Singapore’s history and solve puzzles with the clues given to escape the room. This immersive experience is one to conquer with the squad. 
    Address: Amazing Chambers Singapura, 73 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198497

    5. Instagram Walking Tour 

    instagram spots bugis
    The charming streets of Kampong Gelam make for stunning backdrops to your photos. From the colorful streets of Haji Lane to the spiral staircases at back alleys, let an experienced guide take you to the BEST spots for photos. The guide of the Instagram tour will actually be a social media influencer, and we all know they take the best #OOTDs. 
    #Klook Tip: Level up your #OOTDs with a pop of colour by donning one of the Asian Heritage inspired pieces of art from Utopia Apparels. Fusing traditional fabrics with high fashion styles, utopia's individualistic collection evokes a refreshed sense of nostalgia.

    Things to eat 

    6. NOX Dine in the Dark 

    nox dine in the dark
    If you couldn’t see what you were eating, would you still be able to decipher what the ingredients are? At NOX Dine in the Dark, your senses will be put to the test. Without the sense of sight, work your sense of taste and smell in this unique dining experience. 
    This is truly a once in a life-time experience you need to try. 

    7. Hjh Maimunah 

    Hjh Maimunah
    Photo credit to HJH Maimunah
    Located within a 5-minute walk from the iconic Sultan Mosque, Hjh Maimunah serves up some of the BEST Nasi Padang in Singapore. Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, some of the signature dishes to try include the Juicy Sundanese Grilled Chicken, Beef Rendang and Sotong Hitam, all best paired with a plate of plain rice. 
    Address: 11 & 15 Jalan Pisang Singapore 199078

    8. Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall 

    Owned by one of the top mixologists from Jigger and Pony, Ah Sam Cold Drink Store is one of Singapore’s most popular “underground” cocktail bars. You’ll be spoilt for choice with a myriad of Hawker delights, 14 local craft beers on tap and you must try their signature cocktails. 
    Bringing you local flavours like Milo Old Fashioned and Pandan Daiquiri, these are some drinks you have to sample for yourself. Even famous Youtubers The Try Guys have sampled their Laksa cocktail. 
    Address: 12 Haji Lane Tel: +65 6391 9942 

    9. Rich and Good Cake Shop

    These famous swiss rolls from Rich and Good are soft, fluffy and bursting with flavour. With a fluffy Chiffon exterior and fillings like Kaya, Durian and Mango, it’s not impossible to finish an entire roll on your own. 
    Our favourite is their Signature Kaya roll, with just the right ratio of sponge to Kaya, the soft and moist chiffon cake is light and pairs with the rich Kaya filling perfectly. 
    Address: 24 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198887

    10. % Arabica 

    This famous Kyoto coffee joint has opened at Arab Street and is known to be one of the best coffee shops around the world. It takes pride in using beans from their very own coffee farm in Hawaii and around the world. Depending on seasonality, the coffees you get when you visit could be from Japan, Guatemala, Brazil, El Salvador, Ethiopia or Panama. 
    The coffee is aromatic, smooth and robust, guaranteed perk-me-up for the day! 
    Address: 56 Arab Street Singapore 199753

    Hotel staycations 

    11. Andaz Singapore

    andaz hotel singapore
    Huge spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop garden bar, infinity rooftop pool, it’s no wonder Andaz Singapore is one of the top picks for a staycation.
    andaz hotel singapore mr stork
    There are also 6 different dining establishments to choose from so you won’t even leave to have the hotel. Your staycation package on Klook includes $100 dining credits for you to use at any of them! 

    12. InterContinental Singapore 

    intercontinental singapore
    Looking for a family-friendly option? InterContinental Singapore’s family package comes with child amenities that allow them to “camp” out in their rooms. The package on Klook also includes $100 F&B credits but you’re also located right beside Bugis Junction so there’s plenty of F&B and shopping options available nearby. 

    13. Hotel G 

    hotel g
    Hotel G is a boutique hotel that is wallet-friendly and chic! Decorated with an industrial-chic vibe, your room has plenty of photo spots. We also recommend trying out the hotel restaurants Ginett for some steak or burgers and beer at 25 Degrees. 
    The package on Klook also includes a complimentary bottle of house wine, perfect as a nightcap. 

    14. ST Signature Beach Road

    st signature bugis hotel
    Located along Beach Road, ST Signature Bugis is a wallet friendly staycation option! The room is simple and minimal and one of the coolest things about this place is the access to the communal kitchen, allowing you to prep all your meals. 
    The staycation package on Klook also includes a complimentary welcome gift pack and a Limited Edition umbrella in case of rain! 

    More to Singapore to explore! 

    more to singapore kv
    There’s so much more to Singapore to discover! We’ve teamed up with Singapore Tourism Board to bring you new adventures right here in our little red dot. Enjoy 8% off all Singapore activities when you cart out with the promo code <KLKEXPLORER>, min spend $50 (discount capped at $10). 
    If you’re new to Klook, you can enjoy 10% off min spend $50 (discount capped at $10) with the promo code <REDISCOVERSG>