Temples & religious sites
Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka
Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka is a historic mosque located along Keng Cheow Street and off Havelock Road in Chinatown, Singapore. Built in 1820 by Syed Omar Aljunied, it holds historical significance as the very first mosque to be established in the country, predating even Masjid Sultan. It is a national heritage monument of Singapore, holding 59th place in the overall registry.
A Historic Mosque in Chinatown
Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka holds a notable place in Singapore's history as the country's first mosque, built in 1820 by the trader Syed Omar Aljunied, predating even Masjid Sultan. Tucked along Keng Cheow Street off Havelock Road, it sits within Chinatown rather than a Muslim quarter, a reminder of how mixed this part of the city once was. Travellers interested in Singapore's early trading communities and religious diversity will find it a worthwhile, low-key stop rather than a grand architectural landmark. It is recognized as one of Singapore's national heritage monuments.
Getting There
From the city centre, the mosque is a short taxi or MRT ride away, with Chinatown or Havelock stations within easy walking distance. On foot from the Chinatown core, expect around 10-15 minutes.
Time to Allow
Since this is a working mosque rather than a museum, most visitors spend 15-30 minutes taking in the building and its surroundings.
When to Go
As an active place of worship, it is best visited outside prayer times, and dress modestly. It is not a high-traffic tourist site, so crowding is generally not a concern here.
Combine With
The area rewards a walking itinerary: Masjid Jamae is just 0.5km away, Sri Mariamman Temple is 0.6km, and both the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator are about 0.8km off. Together they trace a route through Singapore's religious and colonial-era history.
Sources: open data from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap · Updated August 5, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
