“Near the Residence of the Sultan…”George Windsor Earl, 1837
Kampong Glam Heritage Trail

On 6th February 1819, Tengku Hussein signed a treaty allowing the establishment of a British settlement in Singapore. Kampong Glam was where he built his istana (palace) and dreamed of establishing a new negeri (state) but instead watched as the realm of his wealth and influence vanished before his eyes. Schemes and exploits, controversial treaties signed under duress, royal concubines escaping from the palace…Kampong Glam was rife with mystery and intrigue.

Find out more about the long forgotten Sultan of Singapore and learn the real reason why he signed the treaty with the British. Discover the mosque named after him where the muezzin still sounds the call to worship, hear stories of the mysterious kris, explore shops where pilgrims purchase prayer rugs, tasbih and the ihram in preparation for the hajj, and wander along narrow lanes where the culture and history of wealthy Arab merchants still lingers.

Sultan Mosque * Istana Kampong Glam (Old Royal Palace)
Hajjah Fatimah Mosque * Arab Street * Perfume Shop