Singapore Hotels & Malaysia Hotels
About Singapore Malaysia

ARAB STREET & KAMPONG GLAM 2

Istana Kampong Glam The Istana Kampong Glam hardly seems a fitting palace for Singapore's former royal family, but there's a fascinating and controversial story behind its current state of sad disrepair. In 1819> Sultan Hussein signed the original treaty that permitted the British East India Trading Company to set up operations in Singapore. Then, in 1824, he signed a new treaty in which he gave up his sovereign rights to the country in return for Kampong Glam (which became his personal residence) and an annual stipend for himself and his descendants. Shortly after his death some 11 years later, his son, Sultan Ali, built the palace. The family fortunes began to dwindle over the years that followed, and a decades-long dispute arose between Ali's descendants over ownership rights to the estate. In the late 1890s, they went to court, where it was decided that no one had the rights as the successor to the sultanate, and the land was reverted to the state, though the family was allowed to remain in the house. Trouble is, since the place had become state owned, the family lost the authority to improve the buildings of the compound, which is why they've fallen into the dilapidated condition you see today. Just recently Sultan Hussein's family was given the boot and the place will be spruced up to house Kampong Glam cultural exhibits.

It's not known who designed the Istana, but many believe it was George Coleman who, in addition to official buildings, also contracted himself out to design personal residences. The style certainly resembles signature elements found in some of his other works.

The house to the left before the main gate of the Istana compound is called Gedong Kuning, or Yellow Mansion. It was the home of Tenkgu Mahmoud, the heir to Kampong Glam. When he died, it was purchased by local Javanese businessman Haji Yusof, the belt merchant.

Located at the end of Sultan Gate, 1 block past the intersection of Sultan Gate, Bagdad St., and Pahang St. This is a construction site, therefore no entry is permitted.
1 2 3