Arab Quarter and Sultan Mosque Place guide

Any time travellers grow tired of seeing all the technological advances that Singapore has to offer and would like to take a step back to appreciate the simpler and more delicious things in life, Trip Guru highly recommends a visit to the Arab Quarter and Sultan Mosque.

While the rich scent of spices often makes people think of Little India, it's the gorgeous splattering of color and the enchanting feel of the textiles that stick in people's memories. The rich Persian carpets, exquisite feel of genuine leather, the heady smell of perfume in bottles that glisten amongst baskets and jewelry. Don’t forget to sample some of the delicious Middle Eastern fare in their cafes or restaurants nearby, where you can enjoy dining with friends while drinking delicious Turkish coffee and watching the world go by.

Afterwards, gain a deeper understanding and respect for the Muslims and their religion, Islam. There are volunteers who would be glad to share what they know for you, and you can even open a copy of their Quran, as well as understand why the Muslim women dress the way they do. It’s a wonderful way to get to know their religion on a deeper level, and it’s a pleasure in itself to be able to view the inside of the mosque, which welcomes visitors from all over the world, from all walks of life. Remember to dress modestly and to cover up your shoulders and thighs when visiting temples and mosques alike.

To get to the Arab Quarter, ride the green line and alight at Bugis Junction, and head towards Raffles Hospital. Go towards Exit B and you may be able to spot the symbols indicating that the Sultan Mosque is nearby. After you get out of the metro, turn right and walk towards Raffles Hospital, to your right. When you see the Hospital fountain, walk past it and when you can see the Golden Landmark Hotel, you know you're almost there. Keep walking past another fountain and before you know it, you'll see the Sultan Mosque and Arab Street, with the North Bridge Road ahead of you. The Sultan Mosque is open Saturday to Thursday, 9:00am - 12:00nn, 2:00pm - 4:00pm and it's open for mass on Fridays every 2:30 - 4:00pm.