The 10 Most Beautiful Buddhist Temples in Singapore - Uncovering philosophies

As one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Singapore, the Burmese Buddhist Temple in Novena is a must-visit highlight for all culture buffs touring Lion City. Its main attribute is, of course, the 11-foot-tall white marble sculpture of Lord Buddha, which reportedly weighs a whopping 10 tons. Crafted in Mandalay, Burma, as far back as 1918, the sculpture is the biggest white marble representation of Lord Buddha in any country other than Myanmar. As the oldest Theravada Buddhist institution in Singapore, the venue also holds the honour of having a Bodhi tree sapling derived from the sacred Bo tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.

As one of the most visually pleasing Buddhist temples in the country, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is also one of the most frequented tourist hotspots in the city. Housed within a Tang Dynasty-style structure, the temple is located in Chinatown. Containing sacred tooth relics of Lord Buddha, the institution is a multi-storey structure of unparalleled beauty. The temple also houses a museum in addition to a rooftop garden, book shop and a library.

Located down Waterloo Street, the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple is another Chinese-style temple, which attracts large numbers of devotees come the Chinese New Year. Pilgrims who visit the temple to pray before Guanyin believe the act will bring them good fortune. The old temple has occupied Waterloo Street since it was first built in 1884.

Revered as the country's most expansive Buddhist temple compound, the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery lies in Bishan. Sprawled across 75,470m2, the temple houses one of the biggest bronze sculptures of Lord Buddha in all of Asia. Weighing an impressive 55 tons, the 13.8-metre-tall statue is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Situated in Toa Payoh the Siong Lim Temple, which is also known as the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, is another ancient temple, which dates back to 1902. Built to resemble the Xi Chang Shi temple in Fujian province, the temple's architectural features showcase southern Chinese characteristics. Home to a seven-floor pagoda, the venue also contains a rock garden, Chinese courtyard and prayer halls.

Home to one of the largest temple bells in Lion City, Hai Inn Temple down Bricksland Road was constructed way back in 1928 and is considered a leading institution for female pilgrims of the Buddhist faith. Conducting Buddhism lessons and meditation sessions, the multi-storeyed complex is a popular institution among active Buddhists. Visitors based at the V Hotel Lavender or any other Lavender MRT hotel will have easy access to the site as well as others around the area.

Having opened its doors to the public back in 1925, the Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple is one of the few Theravada-order temples in the country. Housing several meditation spaces, a museum and a dhamma classroom, the institution is perhaps best known for its golden roof and ancient stupa.

Situated in Telok Ayer Street, the Thian Hock Keng Temple was built in 1842 and is among the most ancient Hokkien temples in the country. Built without the use of a single nail, the Mahayana-order temple also delves into Confucianism and Taoism.

Another Mahayana temple in Singapore, Poh Ern Shih Temple is a traditional Chinese-style temple with an eco-friendly design and layout. Hosting meditation lessons and discussions on Buddhist discourse, the temple was constructed in 1954.

Perhaps best known for the stunning statue of the Buddhist deity for Mercy and Compassion, Guanyin, contained within its grounds, Foo Hai Ch’an Monastery is also home to a 3.3-metre-tall sculpture of Lord Buddha.