Kampong Glam is Singapore's so-called Malay-Arab Quarter. It derived its name from the gelam tree, which used to proliferate this area. The tree species is a relative of the eucalyptus.

Today, Singapore's Malays continue to converge at Kampong Glam because Singapore's largest mosque, the Sultan's Mosque, is located here.

The Sultan's Mosque has a fascinating history. It was rebuilt in 1928 after a major fund-raising project. Many of the poorer folks who donated to the building apparently raised funds from collecting and selling used bottles. If you visit the mosque today, you'll see its main dome sitting on a black rimmed structure made up entirely of glass bottles. It's not difficult to explain why they are there.

The main street leading to the mosque is Bussorah Street. Here, visitors get to marvel at quaint, refurbished shophouses from the colonial era. Snag a piece of 'old Singapore' souvenir here. Or have a teh tarik (frothy milk tea) at one of the eateries. 

Also worth doing here are the workshops at the Malay Heritage Center. The Center is in a renovated building which was once the palace of Malay royalty. You may spend a day molding your own pottery or creating your own batik art. Else, go to nearby Arab Street and get yourself a nice rattan laundry basket, an Afghan carpet or an exquisite piece of silk for that head-turning dress.