Cartoon walls and colorful houses make for an Insta-worthy shot—the must-visit fairy-tale "Haji Lane" in Singapore

Text and photos by Buji

Though small, Singapore is a melting pot of ethnicities with a rich tapestry of cultures, leading to the formation of culturally distinct districts. The Muslim quarter near Bugis MRT Station (Bukit Merah) is one such area. In addition to being home to Singapore’s largest mosque, the Muslim quarter also boasts numerous Arabian-style streets.Known as the "Rainbow Lane," Haji Lane is one of the most energetic alleys, featuring several cartoon-painted walls and adjacent rows of vibrantly colored houses that frequently leave travelers’ cameras clicking non-stop.

▲ Entrance to Haji Lane.

The houses in Haji Lane are neatly arranged, each painted in a different bright color.The wall at the entrance of the lane is adorned with vivid and whimsical murals, infusing the entire alley with a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

▲ Mural wall in Haji Lane.

Walking into this clean, colorful alley, you’ll noticea collection of trendy independent boutiques, cafes, and bars gathered here,adding a touch of fashion and artistry to the otherwise colorful Muslim alley.

▲ A brightly colored restaurant with an arched façade.

▲ A small bar in the lane.

▲ %Jiajinlan?Ha Lane.

▲ Under the eaves of the houses in the lane. As it was around 10 a.m. when I visited, many shops were still closed.

▲ %Jiaji peishi de chuangzuo, shiwu, shouzhi yishu zuopin ji anyi jiating yongpin deng jun cunzai yuci.

▲ %Ji rongqi ha lannei de jiaojiao you xie xiaoxiao de jiaoyan changsuo, yexu neng zhaodao yixie you tese de shangpin.

When visiting the Muslim quarter, besides exploring the colorful Haji Lane,other nearby alleys also have their own unique charm and are definitely worth a stroll, such as Arab Street (also known as Al-Arab Street), Baghdad Street, and Bali Lane..

Baghdad Street is home to many shops selling Arabian perfumes, making it a great spot for fragrance enthusiasts. Additionally, the intersecting Arab Street is filled with stores offering essentials for Muslim life, such as fabrics, carpets, textiles, salons, jewelry, and home decor. If you see an entire street in the Muslim quarter dedicated to these types of goods, chances are it’s Arab Street. Many people come here to buy carpets or scarves as exotic souvenirs or gifts.

▲ %Ji jia zhi jian you kafei dian he shuji dian, liangzhe zhijiao hai you yi zuo xiao guangchang.

▲ %Ji ha lane jiaoqu de xiao jie.

▲ Turkish kebab eatery.

Bali Lane also has a laid-back vibe. Even if you’re not shopping, simply strolling through its charming streets can be a relaxing experience. There are cozy cafes, vintage stores, and art galleries tucked away in the area, all exuding a unique retro charm. If you're looking for a peaceful yet culturally rich spot, Bali Lane is an excellent choice.

▲ %Jia Bali Lane.

※ Transportation Information
After exiting Bugis MRT Station, walk along Victoria Street toward Ophir Road. When you reach Ophir Road, cross the street and turn right, then walk straight along Ophir Road. When you reach North Bridge Road, turn left. Continue walking, and the first alley on your right is Bali Lane, the second is Haji Lane, and the third is Arab Street.

The area enclosed by Victoria Street, Ophir Road, Beach Road, and Jalan Sultan forms the main tourist hub of Singapore’s Muslim quarter. In fact, as long as you find Bali Lane and Arab Street, you can easily locate Haji Lane and the others. Exploring this area is also a very relaxing experience—you won’t regret it.

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