Located within the Kampong Glam area of Rochor, Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) is Singapore's most well-known mosque and a gazetted national monument. First constructed in 1826 as a simple wooden building at the request of Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor with support from Sir Stamford Raffles, it was later completely rebuilt between 1929 and 1932. Designed by architect Denis Santry of Swan & MacLaren, the present building stands as a prime example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
When you visit, you will notice how the mosque skewers off the street grid to face Mecca. Its most notable features are two identical golden onion domes. Look closely at the base of each dome to see bottle caps collected from the poor—an intentional design choice so all community members could contribute regardless of wealth.
You can also admire the eight-story minarets at each corner, topped with small golden domes and loudspeakers for the adhan call to prayer. The compound includes a boundary wall, an annexe building added in 1987, and a private domed mausoleum behind the qibla wall housing relatives of Sultan Hussein. Managed by MUIS, this restored site holds immense historical value for travelers exploring Singapore.
What to see at Masjid Sultan
- Two striking golden onion domes with bases decorated using bottle caps from the poor.
- Indo-Saracenic architecture designed by Denis Santry, uniquely angled off the street grid toward Mecca.
- Four eight-story corner minarets topped with small golden domes and adhan loudspeakers.
- Gazetted national monument initially founded in 1826 and reconstructed by 1932.
- A private domed mausoleum separated from the main mosque area by the qibla wall.
Visiting tips
Look closely at the base of the golden onion domes to see the bottle caps contributed by poorer residents during its construction.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Masjid Sultan is easy to reach on Singapore’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Singapore travel guide.
See the full Singapore travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.