The alleys of Kampong Gelam with Sultan Mosque

Mosaics at Muscat Street

Heritage mural at Muscat Street

Tour at Kampong Gelam

Tracking ancient arab trade routes

Things we will smell during the tour!

Alsagoff building Bagdah Street

Karien guiding Kampong Gelam

Arab perfume store Alchemist

Map of old Kampong Gelam

Scents of Kampomg Gelam Historic Walking Tour

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2025

Karien D.

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Singapore

Dutch (Native), English (Native), French

2 hours

Private tour (only you and Karien D.)

Up to 15 people

As the seat of the Sultan of Singapore Kampong Gelam became the Muslim area in which many colourful people settled. We will explore this historic neighbourhood in a very special way: through our noses. Scents are known to evoke memories, and with all the items we smell during this tour, you will never forget the intriguing history of Kampong Gelam!

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:30 AM

Meeting Point

Sultan Gate

- We meet in front of the old Sultan's palace at Sultan Gate to hear about the royal family that lived here and the role they played in the development of 19th century Singapore.

09:30 AM

Sultan Gate Park

Did you know Kampong Gelam was one of few places in Singapore already inhabited before the British 'founded' modern Singapore? In this small but significant park we will learn about the indigenous people that lived here before colonisation and about the rich biodiversity of the region that attracted traders from all over the world to the shores of the Malay Archipelago.

09:50 AM

Sultan Mosque

As the Muslim Quarter, Sultan Mosque is the focal point of the area, both from a religious as a community perspective. We also learn about the role of fragrances in Islam.

10:10 AM

Arab Street

Learn about the contribution of Arab Traders to the development of Singapore and visit heritage shops along Arab Street, which was once one of 19th Singapore's prime trading and shopping districts. Batik, perfumes, fabrics, - Arab Street is a great spot to stock up on genuine and artisanal souvenirs.

10:30 AM

Beach Road

We might be standing in the middle of the city here now, but Beach Road used to be the seafront and Kampong Gelam was a port town! Learn all about the local traders from the Malay archipelago that plied their wares here.

10:50 AM

Haji Fatimah Mosque

Learn about a famous female inhabitant of Kampong Gelam, a Malay widow who headed a wealthy trading house and started a dynasty that became one of the most influential families of Singapore and beyond.

11:10 AM

Malay cemetery

Let's visit the royal cemetery and discover the stories of some of the people buried here.

11:30 AM

Golden Landmark Shopping Centre

We end the tour at Golden Landmark Shopping centre to cool down and see the many shops peddling wares like perfumes, Islamic items, dates and snacks. The shopping centre is built in the location of the old Kampong Intan and Kampong Seylon - the areas where gem and gold traders sold their wares, and is still a great place to buy that special gift or souvenir.

Ending Point

Golden Landmark Shoppign Centre

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guide fees

What‘s not included

Food (you can add lunch at own cost at a Malay heritage restaurant, estimated cost 10-20 dollars)

Shopping (up to you :))

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

* There is much to see in Kampong Gelam, stops suggested are examples only. I can decide on the specific itinerary based on time available and your personal preferences.

Important message from the supplier

Availability on request

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Karien D.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Karien D.

My name is Karien, a writer and tour guide from Singapore. I love stories, either written or spoken, and bring guests to popular hotspots or off the beaten track hidden gems – as my tours are private and curated the choice is yours! Singapore is a multicultural melting pot and its history and culture delves a lot deeper than most visitors (or even residents) are aware of.

Singapore’s vibrant population from different background suits me perfectly, as I myself come from multiple cultures. Born from Dutch parents I have lived in many countries since birth, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Middle East, and Europe. I have called Singapore home since 2012.

My tours are themed and show you the history and development of our small island in a fun and interactive way. Tours itineraries are flexible, half or full day, by public transport or private transport – all depending on your wishes and budget. My expertise lies in Malay and colonial history, nature, the development of Singapore and its different cultures, and above all: spices!