'twixt Kampung Glam and Bugis

Scents waft, senses draft
Merges with a cosy site
To flavourful delight

A veil of tranquility struck me as I detached myself from all the hustle and bustle, nesting myself into this neat little street tucked right in the middle of Kampung Glam and Bugis area. For all the modern skyscrapers and confused monstrosities which Singapore has in excess, I find Haji Lane a gem of a find. It has a really intimate gesture about it - a long narrow lane where people and vehicles jostle and brush to get across; a pattern of facades from different origins weaved into an intricate fabric of history; peeling layers of paint seen at face level divulging secrets from a less prosperous era.
I also like how this slice of the past is not being disregarded, but allowed to breathe new air as a vibrant culture of the place has emerged; where high-fashion guerilla streetwear meets Arab tailors meets 2nd hand Japanese denims, where young couples browse through designer furniture, where groups of friends chill out amidst hypnotic Turkish beats with sheeshas emanating fruity odours into the air.
With such surprising colour and verve from this quaint little street, I would urge you to take a walk off the beaten path and explore this place of understated beauty and charm called Haji Lane.

Tan Hong Guan