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Sultan Mosque
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monument
The Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) in the historic Kampong Glam district is the primary religious center for Singapore's Muslim community. The original mosque was built in 1824 for Sultan Hussein Shah, the first Sultan of Singapore, with financial support from the East India Company. As the building became inadequate for the growing community, the current mosque was constructed between 1924 and 1928 in the Indo-Saracenic style, designed by architect Denis Santry. A unique feature of the mosque is the massive golden domes, the bases of which are decorated with glass bottle ends donated by poor Muslims during construction. The mosque was gazetted as a National Monument in 1975 and remains a focal point for religious and cultural activities in the Malay Heritage district. It has a prayer hall capacity of up to 5,000 worshippers.
- Location: Singapore
- Top sights: Masjid Sultan · Arab Street · Haji lane
- Nearby: Hougang (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 235 | 102 | 168 | 193 | 199 | 164 | 174 | 173 | 167 | 210 | 283 | 300 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam is open to visitors, but not during prayer times. Non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall, but can visit the courtyard and surroundings. The mosque is an active place of worship, so respectful behavior is required.
Typical hours
The mosque is typically open to visitors daily between prayer times. Exact times vary according to the prayer schedule. A visit late morning or early afternoon is well-suited. Fridays have a longer closure for Friday prayers.
Photography
Photography of the exterior facade and the golden dome is allowed. Photos are also permitted in the courtyard, but without flash and without posing. Avoid photographing during prayer. The best shot of the dome is from Arab Street.
Time needed
A visit to the mosque and courtyard takes about 20-30 minutes. If you also explore the surrounding Kampong Glam area with its shops and restaurants, allow one hour. The area is compact and walkable.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through Kampong Glam district, including Arab Street and the Malay Heritage Centre. The nearby National Museum of Singapore and Raffles Hotel are also worth a visit. Bugis Street with its night market is also nearby.
Getting there
The mosque is located in Kampong Glam district in Singapore and is accessible by MRT (Bugis or Lavender station). From Bugis station it is about a ten-minute walk. It is also easily reached by bus or taxi. Parking is limited.
Insider tip
Wear appropriate clothing (long pants, covered shoulders) for the mosque visit. Free robes and headscarves are provided at the entrance. A visit early morning provides the quietest atmosphere. Try a traditional Malay dish on Arab Street.
Geography
Facts
- The original mosque was built in 1824 for Sultan Hussein Shah.
- The current structure was completed in 1928 in Indo-Saracenic style.
- Dome bases are decorated with glass bottle ends donated by the poor.
- The main prayer hall has a capacity for up to 5,000 people.
- The building was gazetted as a National Monument in 1975.
- It is located in the center of the historic Kampong Glam district.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Sultan Mosque (10)
Malay Heritage Centre🏛 museum
Cultural centre and museum about the history of Singapore's Malay community.
Vintage cameras museum🏛 museum
Private collection of historic cameras and photography equipment.
Arab street shops
Shops selling batik, carpets and traditional handicrafts.
Aliwal Arts Centre
Venue for contemporary art and performance.
Jubilee Assembly of God
Christian church in Singapore, part of the Pentecostal movement.
Masjid Malabar
Mosque of the Malabar community in Singapore.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Muslims enter the mosque?
Yes, open to tourists outside of prayer times.
What about the dress code?
Please wear respectful, covered clothing.
Is admission free?
Yes, visiting is free.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 45 minutes.
Are there sights nearby?
Yes, Kampong Glam has great culture and food.
Sultan Mosque: where is it located?
Sultan Mosque is located in Singapore.
Sultan Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Masjid Sultan, Arab Street, Haji lane.
Sultan Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
Sultan Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) in the historic Kampong Glam district is the primary religious center for Singapore's Muslim community.
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