Being blessed and content living in a multi-racial society such as Singapore is a privilege that many people overlook. This diversity is what brings our little nation together, fusing people from all backgrounds and cultures into one big and happy family.

With this, it brings us the opportunity to explore these races and their specific cultures in a more in-depth setting—with various monuments, religious buildings, heritage centers and more that are available to us at any time and are generally free to visit.

As a local, you can always take a day off or use a day of your weekend to take a breather and immerse yourself in Singapore’s heritage. If you are visiting from overseas, this will be your definitive guide to do all these things in a span of a day. Here is How to Explore Singapore’s Heritage in A Day For Free.

GENERAL SINGAPORE HERITAGE

A visit to the national museum will kick-start your day on a high. Head over here after your breakfast and spend at least an hour or two reading about Singapore’s heritage and marvel at the art structures.

Time: 11am
Where to visit: National Museum of Singapore
Cost: FREE (for locals), S$10 for foreign visitors
Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
(Opens from 10pm to 7pm daily)

MALAY HERITAGE AT KAMPONG GLAM

Pick a nice lunch spot, if you can, head to one of the traditional Malay eateries in the vicinity of Kampong Glam for the most authentic and tasty eats. The Sultan Mosque is a must-see and we can promise you that it is beautiful.

Time: 2pm (After Lunch)
Where to visit: Kampong Glam Conservation Area & Sultan Mosque
Cost: FREE
Address: 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833

A VISIT TO LITTLE INDIA

The epitome of Indian culture lies right here. Take a walk down the smaller streets to truly get a glimpse of the shops and the daily life. Remember to have some authentic Indian curries and food and maybe have a peek at Mustafa, a huge convenience store with the best bargains.

Time: 4pm
Where to visit:
Cost: FREE
Address: General Little India Area (MRT: Little India or Farrer Park)

CHINATOWN ADVENTURE

Before you end your day, head down to Chinatown for dinner at a Chinese restaurant, then proceed on to shop bargains and other lovely products in the vicinity. The Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple are must-sees.

Time: 7pm (after dinner)
Where to visit: Sri Mariamman Temple & Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Cost: FREE
Address: 288 & 244 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840

ANOTHER MUST-VISIT ATTRACTION

(If you have extra time) You can visit Haw Par Villa. We left this as an optional place to head to as it is pretty far away from the rest of the places mentioned but it is filled with rich history of Chinese mythology and folklore that are not to be missed.

Where to visit: Haw Par Villa
Cost: FREE
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, 118628
(Opens from 9am to 6pm daily)

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Kampong Glam is a neighbourhood in Singapore that is so rich with heritage and culture. Located in the vicinity of Bugis and just beside popular areas such as Arab Street and Haji Lane, Kampong Glam houses one of the most iconic structures in Singapore—the Sultan Mosque.

However, Kampong Glam is so much more. Exuding the charm of old heritage and marrying it with modernisation; that’s what Kampong Glam is today.

The entire area is now a very trendy place where bars and cool cafes have been popping up, juxtaposing traditional shop houses selling textiles, antiques and more. It is one neighbourhood in Singapore you must visit if it is your first time to the sunny island. And for locals with no plans this weekend, #BeATouristInYourOwnCity.

Kampong Glam was originally a fishing village, which is where its name comes from. ‘Kampong’ means village and the word ‘Glam’ derives from an adaptation of the word ‘gelam’ from the Gelam Tree (also known as Paperbark Tree).

So how exactly did Kampong Glam transform to what it is today?

Originally in 1822, Sir Stamford Raffles allocated the area to the Malay Sultan Hussain Mohammed Shah and the local Muslim community; thus the birth of this area. It is only in the recent few years that the area has modernised drastically.

The main sight to behold is definitely the Sultan Mosque, and it is one of the grandest and most impressive religious buildings in Singapore. You will also be able to find modern restaurants and cafes in the vicinity.Some of these shop houses fuse traditional and modern together, to create interesting concepts as well.

Some of these shophouses fuse traditional and modern together and have interesting concepts to boast.

You will also be able to find the Malay Heritage Centre here where you will be treated to an in-depth and first-hand understanding of Malay heritage and history.

The Kampong Glam area lights up at night with snazzy restaurants and bars in the Haji Lane and Arab Street vicinity especially, so anytime is a good time to visit Kampong Glam!