Sacred Singapore: A Day Among Temples, Mosques and Shrines

★★★★★Loki· a month ago“I visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple on Vesak Day, and the atmosphere was truly special. The temple was packed with devotees and visitors, with long queues forming both inside and around the grounds. Despite the large crowds, the experience remained peaceful and well-organized The temple itself is stunning, with its striking Tang Dynasty-inspired architecture, intricate details, and beautifully maintained interiors. The main prayer hall was filled with worshippers paying their respects, creating a sense of reverence and community that felt especially meaningful on such an important Buddhist occasion The most interesting thing I learnt is that the Buddha tooth was from Bagan Myanmar, which was discovered circa 1980 in Buddhist ruins”

★★★★★Mario Micozzi· 6 months ago“Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is an impressive and serene place to visit. The architecture is striking and inside, the atmosphere is calm and respectful, offering a meaningful insight into Buddhist culture and traditions. Each floor hosts beautifully decorated prayer halls, statues, and exhibitions (photos attacched) that explain the history and significance of Buddhism. The temple is very well maintained and welcoming to visitors. A visit here is both culturally enriching and spiritually calming, making it a must-see stop while exploring Singapore’s Chinatown. A must do even for not Buddhist people.”

★★★★★Elvi Madushanka· 3 months ago“I recently visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, and it was one of the most peaceful and culturally rich places I explored in Singapore. The temple stands out immediately with its beautiful traditional architecture, and once inside, the atmosphere feels calm, quiet, and very respectful. It’s a perfect place to slow down and take in the spiritual side of the city. Each floor of the temple offers something unique, including detailed prayer halls, impressive Buddha statues, and informative exhibitions that explain Buddhist history and traditions. Everything is very well organized and maintained, making it easy for visitors to explore and understand. Even if you’re not Buddhist, this temple is absolutely worth visiting. It’s a great cultural experience in Singapore’s Chinatown and a relaxing break from the busy city streets. Definitely a must visit spot for anyone traveling to Singapore.”

★★★★★Jana LaBarbera· 7 months ago“Beyond Amazing, Soulful Travel and A Soulful Experience in the Heart of Chinatown The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of those places where presence becomes palpable. Stepping inside feels like entering a living mandala: glowing, colorful, warm, radiant, and filled with devotion. The architecture is exquisite, every detail infused with intention, and the energy carries you into a deeper rhythm of stillness and awe. I wandered through slowly, appreciating the golden prayer halls, the soft hum of chanting, and the gentle flow of people moving through their own sacred moments. It’s the perfect place for slow travel and cultural immersion, to pause, breathe, and take in the spirit of Singapore’s Chinatown with depth and respect. If you love sacred spaces, heritage, and visual storytelling, this temple is a must-visit. A beautiful experience in every way.”

★★★★★Koongru· 6 months ago“If you're ever in Singapore, you definitely have to check out the Tooth Relic temple! It's a bit funny because of the literal English name, but there's actually a really interesting story and history behind the tooth relic that you'll learn all about when you're there. The temple is actually 4 levels! The ground level houses the main Sanctum, which has a huge Buddha statue and smaller yakshas. Each one represents the 12 animal deities from Chinese mythology, and I found mine based on my birth year. The levels above are really cool! They've got a lot of memorabilia, historical artifacts, pictures, sculptures, and all sorts of interesting things. They've also got a really detailed story about the place and its history, so take your time exploring the history lane! The area around there is really cool – you've got tons of places to shop for trinkets, eat, drink, and just hang out. I really enjoyed our time there.”

★★★★★yoshita singh· 6 months ago“Thian Hock Keng Temple is a peaceful and beautiful heritage site with stunning traditional Chinese architecture. A must-visit in Chinatown for culture, history, and calm vibes.”

★★★★★Aditya Bhuyan· 7 months ago“This is the first time I have visited a Chinese temple. It is very beautiful. It has Chinease art painted and engraved all over. The premise is very well maintained. It is very large in size. You can enter inside with your shoes on.”

★★★★★JR FF· 7 months ago“Beautiful and well maintained slice of Singapore's cultural heritage. Thian Hock Keng Temple catered to the migrants of yesteryear, and still caters to their modern counterparts today, paying homage to the Guanyin of the Southern seas (Nanyang) for safe passage and fortune. Helpful and tastefully placed infographics and writeups were placed appropriately throughout as well.”

★★★arham chowdhury· 5 months ago“Thian Hock Keng, Singapore. It is a temple of Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess. One of the oldest and most important temple of the Hokkien people in the country. A functioning temple and a lovely piece of heritage amidst busy place, couldn't get inside not sure if it is open for visitors.”

★★★★★Shaun L· 8 months ago“Another ornate temple were then statues and artefacts inside were both beautiful and fascinating. A few restrictions on where you can not take photos so bear that in mind. Make sure you ring some of the bells for good luck.”

★★★★★Jackpot· 3 months ago“Sultan Mosque in Singapore is an iconic landmark and a must-visit for anyone interested in culture and architecture. The mosque’s golden domes and intricate details are truly breathtaking, reflecting rich Islamic heritage. The surrounding area, Kampong Glam, is vibrant with colorful streets, local shops, and cafes, making the visit even more enjoyable. The mosque is well-maintained, peaceful, and welcoming to visitors. Non-Muslims are allowed to visit outside prayer times, and there are informative displays that provide insight into its history and significance. Photography is allowed in designated areas, allowing you to capture its beauty. Overall, Sultan Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a cultural gem in Singapore, offering a deep sense of history and artistry. Highly recommended for travelers and culture enthusiasts alike.”

★★★★★TooGood· 6 months ago“Sultan Mosque, located in the heart of Arab Street, is one of Singapore’s most iconic and beautiful mosques. Its large golden dome and white exterior stand out beautifully, and the contrast with the colorful shophouses around it makes it very photogenic. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque. If your legs are exposed, such as when wearing shorts or a skirt, a covering skirt is provided free of charge at the entrance, so you can visit without worry. When I visited, the staff at the reception was Japanese and kindly assisted us in Japanese, which was very reassuring. They also explained the rules and background of the mosque in a friendly and easy-to-understand way, making it very welcoming to visitors. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and serene, quite different from the lively streets outside. It is a peaceful place worth visiting while exploring Arab Street.”

★★★★★Taha Zaidi· 3 months ago“This is the most well known mosque in Singapore and is located in the heart of its lovely Arab quarter. Dating back originally to 1826, it is built in a fusion of Indian and Arab architectural design and with a spacious interior. It is open for Muslim worshippers who wish to pray as well as for guided tours for non Muslims in multiple languages. I found the management very friendly and welcoming.”

★★★★★Daniel· 4 months ago“The staff there is extremely friendly and runs guided tours 4 times a day. All free of charge. They show you some areas that are not open to regular visit and explain you the basics of Islam and how they pray. Remember that the temple is closed to visits on friday and during lunch time.”

★★★★★Ravindra Indrajith· 2 months ago“​I visited the Sultan Mosque area during a short leg of my Singapore trip. Even though it was quite crowded on the weekend, the mosque remains an amazing historical landmark and a must-see. ​Highlights. ​Atmosphere: Despite the weekend rush, the area felt incredibly peaceful and respectful. ​Architecture: It is a stunning piece of history with a grand presence—perfect for those interested in Singapore’s cultural heritage. ​Timing: I didn't stay long, but the area is very accessible for a quick visit. ​ ​A beautiful, significant landmark that captures a vital part of Singapore’s history. Well worth stopping by, even if you are short on time!”