Glam Meets Graffiti with the Best Kampong Glam Murals
As I wander Kampong Glam’s alleys, I always find stories painted on walls. Each of its murals is a nod to the area’s roots or a fresh expression of urban creativity. I like to think of it as a free gallery-slash-historical walking tour!
In this guide, I’ll help you discover where to find these artistic gems, uncover the history behind them, and make the most of your mural-hunting journey through one of Singapore’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
Kampong Glam Heritage Murals
– Media from yipyewchong
Location: 92 Arab Street
Artist: Yip Yew Chong
If you’re keen on discovering Kampong Glam’s roots, Yip Yew Chong’s heritage murals are a great starting point. They capture the district’s vibrant past with scenes like “Kampong Gelam” and “Satay Club.”
You’ll find these gems near spots like Hotel NuVe on Jalan Pinang and along Arab Street, each mural loaded with intricate details celebrating local culture.
What I love about these murals is they bring Kampong Glam’s history to life, with scenes of traditional trades and bustling streets that reflect the area’s multicultural essence.
Pro-tip: Try low angles for a dramatic effect or frame with nearby elements like doorways to add depth and local context.
“Alphabatik”
– Media from slacsatu_znc
Location: 50 Kandahar Street
Artist: Slacsatu
If you’re wandering near Kandahar Street, don’t miss Slacsatu’s iconic “Alphabatik” mural—a stunning blend of intricate batik patterns and a powerful dragon motif. This mural adds a modern twist to traditional art, even featuring AR elements for a unique, interactive experience.
“Alphabatik” perfectly captures Kampong Glam’s vibe of mixing old and new. With its vibrant patterns and hidden digital surprises, this mural satisfies my obsession with street art and adds cultural depth.
Pro-tip: To access the AR component of the “Alphabatik” mural, download the dedicated AR app (check signage near the mural for app details).
Contemporary Street Art on Haji Lane
– Media from streetartsix
Location: Various spots along Haji Lane
Artists: ZERO, Jaba, and Ceno2
Haji Lane is like a candy store for street art lovers like me. They’re bursting with vibrant colours and bold graffiti by some of Singapore’s finest, including ZERO, Jaba, and Ceno2.
From wild colours to thought-provoking themes, this spot is perfect for anyone looking to dive into Kampong Glam’s artistic side.
Each artist brings a unique flair—ZERO’s powerful social themes, Jaba’s intricate Aztec-inspired designs, and Ceno2’s monochromatic portraits—adding layers to Kampong Glam’s urban vibe.
Pro-tip: For the best mural shots on Haji Lane, stand slightly back at a corner where you can capture both the full mural and the narrow alley vibe.
Piedra Negra Mural
– Media from aneventures
Location: 241 Beach Road
Artist: Didier Jaba Mathieu
If you’re strolling through Kampong Glam, the Piedra Negra mural is impossible to miss—a vivid, Aztec-inspired masterpiece splashed across the restaurant’s walls at the start of Haji Lane.
This bold piece is the work of Didier ‘Jaba’ Mathieu, a Colombian artist who brings a powerful Latin American flair to Singapore’s street art scene. Jaba’s unique style blends intricate patterns with a lively energy.
Its sheer vibrancy and detail transform a corner of the street into an explosion of colour and culture. I find it hard to look away!
Pro-tip: When at Piedra Negra, don’t miss its table-side guacamole—prepared fresh with diced mangoes and green grapes for a delightful twist.
Muscat Street Murals
– Media from companydragon
Location: Muscat Street
Artist: Various Omani artists
Strolling down Muscat Street, I found myself among Omani-inspired murals—vibrant pieces that blend Middle Eastern charm with Kampong Glam’s cultural vibe.
Created by a group of Omani artists, these murals celebrate Oman’s rich heritage with intricate designs featuring iconic symbols like the khanjar dagger and the traditional dallah coffee pot.
I recommend visiting these murals for their unique storytelling that bridges Singapore and Oman, creating a cultural exchange right on the street.
Pro-tip: Visit the nearby Malay Heritage Centre for exhibits and stories that trace the historical ties between the two nations.
Aliwal Street Murals
– Media from singaporestreetart
Location: Aliwal Street
Artists: ANTZ, Spaz, TraseOne
The Aliwal Street murals are where I feel Kampong Glam’s creative soul truly shines, with each piece blending culture, colour, and a strong sense of community. These murals are a must-visit for anyone wanting a peek into the heart of local urban art. They’re raw, vibrant, and rooted in cultural evolution!
A standout for me is “Reality in Construction” by artists like Spaz and TraseOne—a collaborative mural that perfectly captures the mix of old and new defining Singapore’s street art.
Pro-tip: The best time to visit and snap pics of the Aliwal Street murals is early in the morning, ideally around 8–9 AM for natural light and no harsh shadows.
Sultan Arts Village murals
– Media from singaporestreetart
Location: 71 Sultan Gate
Artist: Slacsatu
When I’m wandering through Kampong Glam, I always make a stop at the Sultan Arts Village murals by Slacsatu. These vibrant pieces blend traditional batik patterns with modern graffiti, showcasing Slacsatu’s unique style.
As a local artist, he has this amazing way of honouring Malay culture while giving it a fresh, edgy twist that just pops. The intricate details and cultural nods create a visual story of Kampong Glam’s rich history right on the walls.
Pro-tip: Start at the entrance of Sultan Arts Village and take a slow walk around, standing back to capture the full mural and stepping in close for those intricate details.
Graffiti Hall of Fame
– Media from theoccasionaltraveller
Location: Spans 107 metres along Ophir Road
Artists: ANTZ, Didier Jaba Mathieu, Hegira, Studio Moonchild, Dem, KILAS, Boon Baked, AshD, NOEZ23, Has.J, Sei10
The Graffiti Hall of Fame along Ophir Road is my go-to spot for a true street art experience in Kampong Glam. The murals here are bold and dynamic, featuring works by local legends like ANTZ and Jaba, who each bring their style, from cultural themes to intricate designs.
What makes this spot a must-visit is its sheer energy. These murals don’t just sit on the wall; they explode with colour and personality! Plus, it’s a rotating canvas, so every visit feels like discovering a new layer of Singapore’s urban art scene.
Pro-tip: Keep an eye on the One Kampong Gelam social media pages. They often announce when new murals are about to go up at the Graffiti Hall of Fame.
Blu Jaz Café Mural
– Media from didierjabamathieu
Location: 11 Bali Lane
Artist: Didier Jaba Mathieu
The Blu Jaz Café mural is one of my favourite finds in Kampong Glam—a colourful, lively piece that perfectly matches the café’s vibe. What makes this mural a must-visit is how it sets the tone for Blu Jaz Café, known for its live music and eclectic feel.
Painted by Didier ‘Jaba’ Mathieu, a Colombian artist with a flair for bold patterns and vibrant designs, it adds that extra touch of energy to this already buzzing spot.
Pro-tip: Have a day of art and music; the café hosts live jazz performances on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, featuring a mix of local and international artists.
The Singapura Club’s Wall Art
– Media from strt.art
Location: 36 Haji Lane
Artist: Mohammad Azlan Ramlan (Ceno2)
The Singapura Club’s wall art at Haji Lane is a monochromatic masterpiece that adds a touch of nostalgia to Kampong Glam. Created by Ceno2, a talented local artist, the mural features timeless figures like a Samsui woman and a turbaned elder, beautifully capturing Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
I recommend viewing this wall art for its stunning detail and rich nods to Singapore’s past—like history with a modern twist. Ceno2’s style adds an elegant edge, making it perfect for anyone craving culture and creativity.
Pro-tip: Visit The Singapura Club in the late afternoon to enjoy the mural in soft lighting, then stay for its signature cocktails and tapas.
Hidden Mural Gems in Kampong Glam
– Media from yipyewchong
If you’re up for a little adventure, Kampong Glam has hidden mural gems waiting in its quieter nooks—perfect for those who want to discover art off the beaten path.
Look out for smaller treasures like “Coffee Story” near Aliwal Arts Centre and other tucked-away works along Bali Lane, where the crowds are thinner but the art is just as stunning.
They’re ideal for those quieter photo ops, where you can soak up the creativity without the bustle of Haji Lane and create a more intimate street art experience.
Pro-tip: These murals are sprinkled along back alleys and side streets near landmarks like Sultan Mosque and Bali Lane.