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Relics, Roof Gardens, and Reverence: Top Things to Do in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore
I’ve got a few Buddhist friends who jet in from across the globe just to visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. It’s not hard to see why. This iconic temple is one of the most popular in the city and, if you ask me, easily among the most stunning!
While my friends are here for prayer and worship, I often pop by to marvel at its intricate architecture and rich history. You don’t need to be Buddhist to appreciate the wealth of culture and heritage this place offers.
If you’re planning to visit, you’re in for a treat. To make the most of your trip, I’ve put together the top things to see and do at the temple!
Things to Know
Address: 288 South Bridge Road
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Contact Details: +65 6220 0220
Admission Fee: Free
How to Get There
By Train: Take the MRT towards Chinatown MRT Station and alight there. Take Exit A and walk towards Pagoda Street. Walk a little further down South Bridge Road, where the temple is situated.
You also have the option to take the MRT towards Tanjong Pagar Station. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the temple.
By Bus: Several bus routes conveniently serve the area around the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, making it easy to plan your visit. Common choices include buses 33, 80, 143, 147, and 166.
Be sure to confirm your bus route and stop in advance, as many along South Bridge Road are just a quick stroll from the temple’s entrance.
By Car: The temple has its own parking lot. If that’s full, the nearest car park is at 15 Smith Street.
Things to Do
Marvel at the beautiful Hundred Dragons and Universal Wisdom Halls
Media from namwanfuji
The temple, even from the outside, is very ornate, so don’t expect any less when you step inside. Two of the most popular places of interest inside are the Hundred Dragons Hall and the Universal Wisdom Hall.
These two halls feature beautifully hand-carved statues, ornaments, and religious relics that date back to the Tang period.
The Hundred Dragons Hall, in particular, will amaze you with its high ceilings (at 27 feet tall!), made specifically to house the 15-foot tall Buddha Maitreya statue. The Universal Wisdom Hall mainly features embroideries and a statue seated on a lotus throne.
Explore the mezzanine
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As you enter the mezzanine level, you’ll be greeted by the South Seas Freedom Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, peacefully seated in the Dharma Hall, where many Buddhist ceremonies are held.
The Eminent Sangha Museum on either side showcases revered monks from around the world—a fascinating collection of wisdom and history.
At the back, the Ancestral Memorial Hall offers a quiet space with a compassionate Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha statue and surrounding ancestral tablets, perfect for a bit of reflection.
Take a peek at the temple’s most precious Buddhist artefacts
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The temple isn’t just a sacred space for worship. It’s also home to a treasure trove of Buddhist artefacts open for public viewing. If you love museums, the collection at Aranya Hall is a must-see.
The artefacts include religious relics, statues of various sizes, scrolls, significant religious texts, and more. It’s a fascinating journey through the history of Buddhism and its profound influence on the lives of locals over centuries.
Relax and enjoy the peace of the rooftop garden
From gillberg24
Just before you think you’ve seen enough from the temple, there’s actually a hidden gem that locals visit but not many tourists know about: the serene rooftop garden.
Tucked away on the 5th floor, this peaceful spot boasts a beautiful mix of lotuses and orchids (yes, Singapore’s national flower makes an appearance!). It’s a quiet retreat, offering a breather from the lively buzz of Chinatown below.
And no worries about accessibility. There’s wheelchair access to the upper floors. Just give the friendly museum staff a shout, and they’ll sort you out!
Explore the pavilions and Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda
From tmwilliamsphotography
Head up to the roof from one of the four corner staircases on the fourth floor, and you’ll stumble upon a small pavilion home to one of the Five Buddhas of the Cardinal Points.
But the real showstopper is right in the centre: the majestic Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, complete with the towering Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel.
There are more pavilions to explore here, such as the Cardinal Point Buddhas and the Buddha Tooth Orchids. Take your time exploring them, especially if you visit close to the evening when temperatures drop!
