A PASSAGE TO INDIA: 215. STAYCATION VACATION

Trust me to pick a hotel with character - a conserved heritage structure, oozing with charm and individuality.

They were 2 rows of shophouses, each different, combined into one establishment and she's a gorgeous 100 year old dame...!

Faithfully preserved and recreated from traditional shophouse-style, The Sultan retains many beautiful architectural features that hark back to a time when Kampong Glam was a bustling shopping and trading district - tall columns, wide arcs, beautiful full-length shuttered French windows...

This was the former premises of HARMY Press and Al-Ahmadiah Press which published Malay newspapers and books and Islamic literature...

Kampong Glam has its origins as a thriving port town and is Singapore’s oldest urban quarter. Glam is often attributed to the gelam (long-leaved paperbark tree), which was used locally for boat-making, medicine and even as a seasoning for food.

In 1822, the area was allocated to the Malay, Arab and Bugis communities. The area subsequently became one of the seats of Malay royalty in Singapore.

Outside my window - it's a small intimate, cozy place, not bustling due to covid. Despite the lull in business, they've kept it well...

The neighbourhood...

...is now an all-girls school after enrollment of male students fell...

The neighbourhood by night is vibrant and full of atmosphere. It would be more so if it wasn't for covid controls and personal precautions...

Arab Street seems more subdued than other watering holes like Boat and Clarke Quay, and I rather like it. The focus is more on dining, the drinking areas confined to at least 2 narrow alleys. Eateries are more Turkish and Lebanese...