Self-Guided Tour of Little India, Kampong Glam, and Orchard Road | Singapore Purple Travel Guide
Today’s itinerary provides a brilliant contrast between the most colorful ethnic districts in the nation and its world-famous luxury shopping belt. You will see how the city preserves its heritage through traditional trades and sacred sites while embracing a high-speed, modern lifestyle.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
free GuruWalk tours
paid Viator tours
1. Morning: The Colors of Little India
Little India Heritage District
(map, reviews)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideStepping into the Little India Heritage District is a sensory explosion where the scent of freshly ground spices meets the vibrant glow of flower garlands and neon-hued architecture. As one of the most soul-stirring ethnic enclaves in the nation, this historic district preserves the legacy of early Indian pioneers through its bustling wet markets, intricate Hindu temples, and world-famous street art. Whether you are hunting for the perfect photo at the rainbow-colored House of Tan Teng Niah or seeking spiritual serenity at the ancient Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, our Singapore Purple Travel Guide provides the ultimate self-guided path through these storied streets.
House of Tan Teng Niah
(map, reviews)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideVisit the last surviving Chinese villa in this district. Built in 1900, this rainbow-colored house is an architectural anomaly and one of the most vibrant photo spots in the city. Its psychedelic shutters and restored masonry make it a masterpiece of colonial-era fusion.
Traditional Trades of Little India Mural
(map)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideMarvel at this sprawling masterpiece of street art by Psyfool. This mural depicts the early merchants, from parrot astrologers to dhobis (washermen), who built the foundation of this community. It is a vital stop for understanding the "vanishing trades" of the district.
Find the exact map location and best photo angles in our Singapore Purple Travel Guide.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Dedicated to the Goddess Kali, the Destroyer of Evil, this is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the nation. The intricate sculptures on its gopuram (entrance tower) are breathtaking, featuring hundreds of hand-painted deities that tell stories of protection and power.
Learn the essential visitor etiquette and temple hours in our Singapore Purple Travel Guide.
Abdul Gaffoor Mosque
(map, reviews)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideA short walk away, this National Monument is a stunning mix of Saracenic and Roman architecture. Look for the unique sundial at the entrance, decorated with 25 rays of Arabic calligraphy, and the intricate star-and-crescent motifs that adorn the facade.
2. Midday: Bugis and Kampong Glam (The Malay Heritage District)
Bugis
(map)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideThe Bugis district is a high-energy intersection where the nation's seafaring history meets a cutting-edge urban lifestyle. Once a bustling trading post, it is now home to the Bugis Street Market, the largest and most famous street-shopping destination in the city with over 800 diverse stalls. Whether you are navigating the labyrinth of affordable fashion and local snacks or admiring the unique "glass-covered" heritage shophouses at Bugis Junction, this neighborhood offers a vibrant contrast of old and new. This Singapore Purple Travel Guide provides the essential route to exploring the hidden temples, trendy boutiques, and bustling food centers that make Bugis an unmissable stop on your self-guided adventure.
Bugis Street and Bugis Junction Shopping Mall
(map, reviews, website)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideExplore the Bugis Street Market, the largest street-shopping location in the city with over 800 stalls. Across the street, Bugis Junction offers a modern mall experience with a unique "glass-covered" shophouse street, allowing you to enjoy the historic architecture in air-conditioned comfort.
Sultan Mosque
(map, reviews, website)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideDominating the skyline of Kampong Glam with its massive golden domes, the Sultan Mosque is the premier focal point for the Malay-Muslim community in the nation. Originally built in 1824 for Sultan Hussain Shah, the first Sultan of the country, the current structure is a masterpiece of Saracenic architecture featuring intricate carvings and a grand prayer hall. A unique detail often missed by visitors is the base of the dome, which is adorned with thousands of glass soy sauce bottles donated by the community during its construction, ensuring that even the poorest citizens contributed to its beauty. This Singapore Purple Travel Guide offers a deep dive into the royal history and the stunning architectural symbolism of this National Monument.
Arab Street
(map, reviews)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideStepping onto Arab Street is like entering a historic bazaar where the trading legacy of the Middle East and Southeast Asia remains vibrantly alive. Historically the heart of the city’s textile and spice trade, this colorful lane is world-renowned for its exquisite silk fabrics, hand-knotted Persian rugs, and bespoke non-alcoholic perfumes known as attar. As you wander past the beautifully restored heritage shophouses, you will discover the scents and textures that have defined this district for nearly two centuries. This Singapore Purple Travel Guide provides a self-guided walking route through the best textile boutiques and traditional perfumeries to help you discover the authentic soul of Arab Street.
Haji Lane
(map, reviews)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideThis narrow, mural-covered alleyway is filled with independent boutiques and quirky cafes. It provides a stark, artistic contrast to the traditional mosques nearby and is widely considered the birthplace of the nation's "indie" creative scene.
3. Evening: Orchard Road Shopping Belt
Orchard Road Shopping Street
Conclude your day by taking the MRT to Orchard (NS22). This 2.2-kilometer stretch is a world-renowned shopping paradise.
- The ‘Big Three’ Malls
- ION Orchard: A futuristic architectural wonder with luxury flagship stores and a media facade that lights up the night.
- Ngee Ann City: A massive complex housing the Takashimaya department store and the largest bookstore in the region.
- 313@Somerset: The go-to spot for younger fashion brands and a massive food court featuring local favorites.
- The ‘Secret’ View (ION Sky): Head to the 55th floor of ION Orchard for a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
- Admission: Spend a minimum of S$20 (up to 4 same-day receipts) at ION Orchard and redeem your ticket via the ION+ Rewards mobile app.
- Visiting: Access is via the Art Gallery on Level 4. Slots typically run between 2:00 PM – 5:45 PM and 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Where do you want to go now?
Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
Other popular Purple Travel Guides you may be interested in:
Like this Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel Guide? Pin these for later:
