The little streets in this area form the historical focal point of Muslim life in Singapore.
Nothing beats the surroundings for bazaar-style shopping with true ethnic character.
Arab traders settled here to be near their Muslim brothers, the Malays, Javanese and Buginese. Many shops still reflect the Muslim influence, selling prayer rugs, skull caps and anything needed for an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. The most visible items for sale are the baskets and other cane, straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spilling out onto the pavements - from baby cradles to floor mats, hanging chairs to serving trays. These shops also stock interesting camel skin bags, cloisonne boxes and sewing kits. But perhaps the real glory of Kampong Glam and Arab Street is the textiles.