PUBLISHED October 21st, 2025 08:10 pm | UPDATED October 30th, 2025 02:38 am
Kampong Glam (or “gelam”, spelled in Malay) may be known for its colourful murals, vintage shops, and indie cafes, but beneath its trendy sheen lies a deep-rooted history of Singapore. Once a bustling trading ground by the sea, a place where textiles, books, and even fruits were bartered. Over time, the land was reclaimed, but the neighbourhood held onto its soulful spirit, with its heritage officially recognised as a conservation area in July 1989. Today, a new property has emerged within, blending its rich past with modern living.
Opened in May 2025, Coliwoo Hotel Kampong Glam feels like it was designed for people who appreciate the balance between the new and old. Located on 48 Arab Street, the building’s geometric facade quietly references traditional Malay textiles, a subtle nod to the past rather than a loud statement. With a close proximity to Haji Lane, Gelam Gallery, Sultan Mosque (or Masjid Sultan), but also not far from the bustle of Bugis Junction and Suntec. It’s well-placed for solo travellers, digital nomads and culture seekers who want a bit of both worlds.
Your stay begins the moment you arrive with a seamless, self-check-in process. Check-in is designed to be fuss-free. While there’s a reception area with staff on hand during office hours, arrivals after-hours can make use of a contactless option; a guide is sent to your email with a passcode for a key locker just outside the main entrance. After completing a quick registration form, your key cards will be ready and waiting for you. It’s efficient, if a little impersonal, but it does get you up to your room quickly.
Designed by Coliwoo, the hotel reflects Kampong Glam’s heritage through warm wooden interiors and a beautifully laid-out Persian carpets. This contemporary take on traditional aesthetics is reflected in all of the 24 thoughtfully designed rooms, from the cosy Single Cabin for the solo adventurer to the more spacious Premier Queen for couples.
Room and Amenities
Our stay in the Kampong Glam Suite was reminiscent of a ship’s cabin, with a refined colour palette of deep blues and gold accents that reflects the mosque’s design and the artisanal heritage of Arab Street, creating a space that feels both cosy and elegant.
Some rooms come with frosted windows. They give you all the privacy you need, but also, the option to open them for a breather and admire the bustle of the shophouses outside. The rooms are also equipped with a range of features designed to suit different types of travellers. For those intend to settle in for a while, the room comes with a washer-dryer combo and a dedicated space to hang your clothes. If you’re looking for food takeaways, it is also equipped with a microwave and there is a water dispenser on every floor with both hot and cold water on tap.
Remote workers will appreciate the dedicated work desk. The only minor thing we wished for was a larger desk and a second chair, which would have been perfect for a couple working and travelling together. For those who prefer to work from bed, or simply can’t sleep without a final phone scroll, the power sockets and floating shelf right by the bedside are a huge help. A Nespresso machine with complimentary, refillable pods is on hand to power your work ritual, and a mini refrigerator keeps your drinks cool. For times when you just want to relax, each room also comes with an extendable smart TV, perfect for lying down and catching a film. It’s pre-loaded with apps like Prime Video and Netflix, so all you have to do is log in with your access details.
Coffee, Cafes, and Cocktails
Arguably, one of the best things about staying at Coliwoo Hotel Kampong Glam is the incredible food scene just a few steps away right at your doorstep. One to visit is Vietnamese BÁNH MÌ KHÔNG, known for their freshly baked baguettes daily. Grabbing your morning cuppa joe is also easy as many coffee cafes are around, and for those who love to explore, the neighbourhood has some great finds just a short walk away. You can grab a unique Chendol soft-serve from Overrun, or pop into Fika, a Swedish cafe and bistro with a halal menu.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Shawarma Kingdom offers delicious Turkish and Mediterranean kebabs. For a huge variety of local favourites, take a ten-minute walk to Golden Mile Food Centre. And when the sun goes down, the neighbourhood has plenty of spots to unwind with a drink, whether you’re after the varied IPA selections at Black Sheep & Co or a unique bespoke cocktail from Bar Stories. The sheer variety here is hard to beat, whether you’re hunting down the best halal eats, indie cafés, or low-key bars in Haji Lane and Kampong Gelam, this neighbourhood packs in enough to keep even the pickiest food lover busy for days.
As a bonus, all guests are automatically entitled to a Coliwoo Membership, so just by showing your keycard, you get perks like 10% off at 2050 Coffee (which serves coffee on tap), 10% off at Gyutan-tan, and even special gym package promos.
Uncovering Kampong Glam’s Soul
One of the most memorable parts of the stay was the complimentary heritage tour, a special offering for guests. As part of its launch, the hotel is offering these on-demand, first-come, first-served tours, giving guests a special chance to dive into the neighbourhood’s history and character. The district itself is thought to have derived its name from the gelam tree, whose bark was used for sails and timber for boats. The area was historically settled by a mix of Arab, Bugis, Boyanese, and Javanese communities, and it remains a soulful district today. Home to major landmarks like the Sultan Mosque and the former Sultan’s palace, Istana Kampung Gelam.
Beyond its bustling eateries and historical architecture, Kampong Glam is also a living canvas of street art where murals narrate, reflect, and reimagine the past and present. Our tour took us on a hunt for these murals, from commissioned pieces by renowned artists to grassroots graffiti. While they were a beautiful sight, they also served as great backdrops for a memento picture.
The tour then led us to the gorgeous Sultan Mosque. The story behind its distinctive golden domes is a moving one, as they are adorned with glass bottle ends collected and donated by lower-income individuals. This brought the mosque’s rich history to life, as did our walk past streets that were historically home to traditional businesses and communities. We saw stalls selling everything from traditional fabrics and silks to exquisite Persian carpets, a nod to the area’s history as a trading hub. We also found some incredible traditional bakeries and eateries, like one selling the kuih keria. This Malay doughnut, made with sweet potato, had a wonderfully soft interior and was coated in a thin layer of gula melaka for a satisfyingly crisp, caramel finish. There were also plenty of opportunities to pick up food souvenirs, such as Ottoman Turkish Delights.
Our journey ended on Haji Lane, which gets its name from the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Both Haji Lane and the nearby Bussorah Street used to be a bustling centre for pilgrims from across the region. Today, it’s a brilliant fusion of old and new. It was fascinating to see the traditional shophouses housing modern boutique shops, Korean photobooths, vintage stores, and bars with neon lights. This effortless coexistence of old and new is a perfect way to think about Kampong Glam itself.
Our Verdict
In the end, what becomes clear is that Coliwoo Hotel Kampong Glam isn’t trying to be a traditional hotel. Instead, it offers something richer and more authentic. The experience allows you to instantly feel part of the city, where you’re not just a guest but a temporary local, with everything from coffee to history right on your doorstep. Through its thoughtful design and unique offerings like the heritage tour, this hybrid space provides a genuine, community-driven experience for those who value cultural depth over extensive F&B and room service. The hotel makes you feel like you’re part of Kampong Glam’s living story, not just passing through it.
Ultimately, this is a space for travellers hungry for new cultural experiences or digital nomads looking for inspiration. While it can also work for professionals seeking a convenient base, those after more extensive amenities or a quieter escape might consider Coliwoo Bukit Timah Fire Station, a retreat tucked away in nature, offering a slower pace just beyond the city’s buzz.
Book your trip via Coliwoo’s official website or booking.com now.
Featured photo: Courtesy of Coliwoo Hotel Kampong Glam