Notes

The Difference Between Kampung and Kampong
If you think of Singapore, you probably picture soaring skyscrapers and vibrant shophouses. But the slick metropolis was once home to pockets of verdant land occupied by villages – also known as kampungs. The word is synonymous with a close-knit community where neighbours help each other, and a sense of camaraderie that’s often missing from modern living.

But what exactly is a kampung? And what are the differences between kampung and kampong? These terms are often used interchangeably, but the difference between them is significant. Understanding the distinction between these two words can help you better understand a culture, history and way of life that is different from your own.

Kampung is a Malaysian term that means village. The word is also commonly used in Singapore and Brunei, as well as Indonesia. login KAMPUNG138 It can refer to a rural or urban area, and may be inhabited by a specific ethnic group or community.

In the past, kampungs were typically small and tightly knit, with residents working together to cultivate their crops or raise their livestock. They would then share the produce and meat with their neighbours, as a form of mutual aid and support. In this way, the kampung was a microcosm of the larger society and was seen as a model of social harmony. Today, kampungs are still a common sight in the heartland of the country, but they have lost some of their original charm and function as a result of urbanisation.

Despite this, some modern-day kampungs are attempting to revive the spirit of olden days in order to foster a more cohesive and neighbourly society. One of these is Kampung Kitchen, a non-profit organisation that runs a kitchen school and back-to-basics farm for underprivileged communities. The team behind the project aims to promote a more holistic lifestyle, as well as to educate people on food and health through cooking and growing their own vegetables and herbs.

Another example of a modern-day kampung is the four year-old venue One Kind House, which offers organic farming, cooking and craft classes. Its 76-year-old matriarch, Ng Swee Hiah, leads guests around her lush greenery like a master gardener. She points out the different plants, from papaya seeds and pennywort to a South African leaf prized for its anticarcinogenic properties, and describes their uses to her visitors with pride.

If you’d like to experience the kampung spirit for yourself, Let’s Go Tour Singapore offers a guided tour of a quaint village where you won’t find any of the usual trappings of modern living – except for wi-fi. In addition to learning about local food and traditions, you can play a couple of old-school games such as marbles and five stones and get your hands on some handmade ice lollies.
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