Singapore boasts many spectacular religious sights that offer insight into different cultures and customs. Specifically, there are many beautiful temples. From Hinduism to Buddhism to Taoism, these places of worship are remarkable ancient structures with dazzling architectural works to admire. And whether you’re searching for spiritual enlightenment or you just have a curiosity about different religions, we’ve selected 10 of the most stunning temples you need to visit in Singapore.
1. Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
Go on a spiritual journey at Singapore’s largest Buddhist temple, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, in Bishan. It was built in the 1920s, by Zhua Dao, as a place to house monks. Today, it’s known as Bright Hill Temple and it’s a majestic place to discover art and culture in an exotic colourful setting, and learn about a century worth of Buddhist history at the temple. In fact, this temple is one of our favourite secret places in Singapore.
📍88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117
2. Sri Mariamman Temple
This Hindu temple is the oldest and largest of its kind in Singapore. Locals will recognise it from its iconic colourful and detailed tall exterior in the middle of Chinatown. It was built in 1827 by Naraina Pillai, an Indian immigrant in Singapore. Be fascinated by the many statues within the compound dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman, known for her healing powers to cure disease and illness. Definitely, one of the most unique temples in Singapore.
📍 244 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058793
3. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Based in Chinatown, the Buddhist compound of Buddha Tooth Relic is one of the most famous temples in Singapore. It was built in 2007, and is made from 320 kilograms of gold, with remarkable exterior and interior designs. Plus, it has a rooftop garden. With the building’s design being influenced by the Buddhist Mandala, expect to see art and history, alongside cultural works that tell stories over many centuries.
📍 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840
4. Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
This popular temple, known as the Temple of a Thousand Lights, was founded by a Thai monk in 1927. The monastery combines Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture to create the picturesque temple you see today. It features a 15-metre high Buddha inside the temple, Buddha upon entering, as well as hundreds of illuminated lights, murals about Buddha’s life, Buddha’s footprints, and more. Certainly, a unique haven for a little peace and spiritual connections.
📍366 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218638
5. Thian Hock Keng Temple
During the 19th century, this beautiful temple, which is the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, faced the beach and sea. Confused? Well, Telok Ayer Street used to be the waterfront. Hence why it is dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. Today, the architectural masterpiece stands among the bustling city as a tranquil place of worship. Be sure to visit if you love art or you’re just eager to learn about Chinese culture, heritage, styles like dragon sculptures and more.
📍 158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613
6. Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple
This spectacular Buddhist monastery has been a designated World Heritage Site since 1980. In 2002, the monastery finished an 11-year, millions of dollars remodeling project. The new project took influences from Chinese style and architecture. The most iconic new features are, arguably, the majestic 9.1-metre archway entrance and the 29-metre Dragon Light Pagoda. Regardless of race or religion, this temple offers an insightful day out for all people to embrace.
📍 184 Jalan Toa Payoh, Singapore 319944
7. Sri Sivan Temple
This beautiful Hindu temple will make you feel as if you’re in India or Sri Lanka and not Singapore. The place of worship is a shrine for the god Shiva. It was rebuilt three times, since its establishment in the 1850s, before settling in its current location in Geylang in 1993. Definitely, one of the best temples to admire in Singapore.
📍24 Geylang East Ave 2, Singapore 389752
8. Sri Krishnan Temple
Built in 1870, this place of worship is the only South Indian temple in Singapore and the only place exclusively dedicated to Sri Krishna. Additionally, the stunning construction offers a magnificent visual appeal, from the classic Indian styles such as the blue entrance dipped in a colourful array of statues depicting the 10 incarnations of Hindu deity Vishnu, to the gold plating designs, and plenty more. Be sure to capture a shot of the epic entrance.
📍 152 Waterloo St, Singapore 187961
9. Maha Sasani Ramsi Temple
Founded in 1875, and otherwise known as the Burmese Buddhist Temple, this beautiful masterpiece is the oldest Theravada compounds in Singapore. Particularly, it is famous for its traditional Burmese architectures and the 11-foot pure white marble Buddha statue which is largest one outside of Myanmar. For the greatest insight into Buddhism and to admire the impressive designs, you must visit this peaceful haven.
📍 14 Tai Gin Rd, Singapore 327873
10. Toa Payoh Seu Teck Sean Tong
This enchanting temple underwent various alterations to become what it is today since its establishing in 1942. Currently, it is home to a medical unit but visitors can still come and take in the wonderful architecture for themselves. Excitingly, enter through the huge red getaway, explore the beautiful garden and ancestral cemetery, and capture instagrammable moments against the backdrop of the temple.
📍 2 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319377
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