Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
4.5
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (BTRTM) was founded in 2002 by Venerable Shi Fazhao. It was registered by the Registrar of Societies in 20th February 2003, and as a charity under the Charities Act in 8th January 2004. The Temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha, which means 'The Compassionate One', and also called 'The Future Buddha'. (A)WEEKLY FREE GUIDED TOUR: BTRTM is pleased to offer a 1 1/2 - 2 hrs long guided tour of the Temple every Saturdays at 2pm. The tour will be conducted free-of-charge in English by the temple's Volunteers guides. Limited slots are available per weekly session. Confirmed registration is based on first-come-first-serve basis. (B)DISCOVERING BUDDHISM: Shakyanmuni Buddha had gained insight into the truth, perfected the qualities of wisdom and compassion over 2560 years ago. His teachings develops clarity in minds, enables abilities to end suffering and finds lasting happiness. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is carrying on the mission in offering "Discovering Buddhism' programme. 'Discovering Buddhism' is a specially designed programme for participants to gain experiential taste of Chinese Mahayana Buddhist etiquette, Basic Buddhist teachings and Basic Meditation within a day. This English taught programme is suitable for both tourists who wish to learn more about Buddhism and experienced learners who needs a refresher. Participants will benefit from the interactive and engaging teaching led by Venerable Wu Xiang and Venerable Ru Zhi who have more than a decade experience teaching Buddhism and Meditation in different cultural settings! [Chinese Mahayana Buddhist Etiquette] Buddhist etiquette is an important part of every Buddhist life. It expresses religious sentiments to the Buddha, the Teacher (Monk or Nun) and promotes gracefulness in social interactions. This is also a mean of training in mindfulness in every action one is taking. [Basic Buddhist teachings] Buddhism has been transmitted over the past centuries because of its timeless and enduring message to the spiritual needs of man in finding true peace, happiness, and well-being. In this part of the programme, learn about the basic essential knowledge of Buddhism. [Basic Meditation] Buddhist have been practicing meditation in cultivating calm, focused and positive states of mind. Introductory of technique will be taught to enable the participants to learn practical tips on how to achieve a clearer state of mind and focus better. Things to take note : * Avoid wearing hats, shorts or revealing tops * The organizer reserves the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such instances, registrants will be notified via their mobile phones.
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Outram
How to get there
- Telok Ayer • 6 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- TheLeongOhanaUnited States7,497 contributionsGreat Temple in ChinatownThis multi story temple was home to Buddha’s tooth but also many other relics. Multiple altars and tiny Buddha statues from floor to ceiling took up most of the first floor. Look out for the unusual donation “ATM machines”, a first for me. We took the elevator up to see the tooth relic. We had to remove our shoes before entering. On each side were raised platforms for praying. The altar was surrounded with gold and enclosed behind glass. No photos allowed inside. On the rooftop, accessible only by stairs, was a garden with a huge prayer wheel that one could spin and pray. The museum was small with a collection of more artifacts and relics of Buddha. A timeline of Buddha’s life was very interesting to follow.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- karenpammy2016San Francisco, California1,247 contributionsWorth a stop here for the Buddha Tooth Relic TempleIt is worth a detour here if you plan to visit Singapore's Chinatown area. You can combine it with visiting Sri Mariamman Temple-- it is only about a 3 block walk. Early morning may be better time as there is less people and it is not that hot yet. Stop and take a moment to look at the intricate details of the five floors from the front before entering. Make sure that you wear clothing to cover up to your knees and shoulders; although, I did notice that they were passing out shawls to cover up to those that came unprepared. Entering the temple, you will see the monks chanting. The intensity and repetition of their lines are pretty incredible. You need to just stop there for a few minutes and listen to the sounds. On the walls on the right side are engraved miniature Buddha . On the sides are miniature gold buddha statues displayed. There is a bathroom as you leave the Main Temple on the right side. The sacred Buddha tooth relic is supposed to held in a glass panel on the 3rd or 4th floor but there was not access up there on the day we visited. Either way, it was worth a stop here to admire this unique architecture and deep vermillon red buddhist temple in Singapore's Chinatown.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 November 2023
- EarthNatureGirlSicily, Italy151 contributionsWorth a visit and is freeJust right around the corner, about a 5-minute walk from my hotel so wanted to check it out. Loved the exterior architecture and inside is also beautiful. Unfortunately the day I went they were preparing for an event inside so we couldn’t go in the main part on the ground level. There are a couple different levels to explore so be sure to take the elevator up to see. Although the complex is open many hours, the relics inside are much more limited as far as viewing so check the hours first. Be sure to wear appropriate attire (eg: cover up) when entering…and no hats!Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 4 December 2023
- Dan LBunbury, Australia8,538 contributionsMuseum & Temple of WorshipI've seen the building described as a remarkable place of worship and a repository of Buddhist wisdom and relics. The Temple reflects Tang Dynasty architecture and inspired by the Buddhist Mandala. We were not able to access the upper floors on the day that we visited, throngs of worshippers and tourists. The ground floor is remarkable for the myriad of buddha images displayed and the reverence displayed by worshippers.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 December 2023
- WorknForVacationDenver, Colorado18 contributionsFirst Temple in SingaporeMade a visit here for 15th day of Chinese New Year. It was crowded, and there were a lot of tourists. Some of the staff was rude and I sort of got the vibe that it’s because they don’t like the tourists. Anyway, small garden on the top, a Buddhist museum on one level, and everything you’d expect at a temple. They offer wraps to wear over your shorts and shawls for over your shoulders if you didn’t dress for the temple. This wasn’t my favorite temple experience, I’ve been to many in Japan and Malaysia. However, I count myself lucky to have gotten to go on the 15th day and participate and pray for the family.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 February 2024
- MrMrsHappyRLiverpool, United Kingdom1,458 contributionsBrilliantAmazing temple. When we arrived they were actually doing a service which we felt privileged to see. The monks were lighting candles and doing a chant. There are some beautiful statues inside. You do NOT have to take your shoes off here, but they do require shoulders to be covered and you can borrow a shawl if neededVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 February 2024
- Brown_SamanthaKennewick, Washington1,781 contributionsWhat a presence in Singapore Chinatown - worth the visit and lingerWe visited this temple as part of our Singapore self guided walking tour of Chinatown. It is close to the MRT and Maxwell hawker center. When we visited it was all decorated for the recent Chinese lunar new year. Just beautiful and festive. Such a sight amongst modern apartment buildings, glad to see the history preserved. This is definitely worth the time to visit.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- Russell3939Castle Rock, Colorado1,026 contributionsWorth a visit if you are in the areaThe temple is much prettier from the inside than the outside. There are 4 levels to visit and a roof top. The 1st floor is definitely the best. What amazing sculptures and statues they have. They use so much color. The second floor is an aerial view of the first but is obstructed because of the curtains. The 3rd and 4th floor are like museum floors. The roof top had a garden and a large spinning drum(not sure of the name). Worth a visit if you are in the area.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 March 2024
- Kris T143 contributionsWell worth a visitI went to the temple twice, once for an overall view and then for an experience with meditation. I enjoyed both times. The museum and garden are great as well, I advise to take time for the visit. Be mindful with your clothing, although they do provide shawls if necessary. I had a tour guide and this really elevated my experience. Highly recommend a visit.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 18 April 2024
- WikumjRedhill, United Kingdom402 contributionsBest thing to see in Chinatown SingaporeOne of the unexpected highlights of our trip to Singapore. The central room is spectacular with its intricate gold decorations, but the real highlight is the museum on the third floor which has interesting exhibits that explain the life history of the Lord Buddha, very accessible and educational for non-buddhists. This is the best attraction to see in Singapore's Chinatown.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2024
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4.5
6,520 reviews
Excellent
3,597
Very good
2,335
Average
524
Poor
48
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16
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,335 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a Buddhist temple in the heart of Chinatown. I’ve visited this temple before and got to see the shrine where the relic is said to be stored. Sadly, the upper floors were closed off when I visited this time because of Covid. No photographs are permitted of the tooth relic shrine anyway, so it’s just as well that the temple is a beautiful building built in the Tang Dynasty Style. Along with the Chinatown area, this is probably the one thing that should be on any visit to the neighbourhood.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vuong N
Ottawa, Canada173 contributions
Jan 2020
Located right in the middle of Chinatown, the temple has an imposing present to the visitors. Close to Chinese New Year, the temple was busy with worshipers. The inside the temple is well decorated with religlious statues of Chinese and Indian deities and memorable plaques. .
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea B
Milton Keynes, UK1,976 contributions
Aug 2019
We enjoyed visiting the impressively sized Buddha Tooth Relic temple, which houses the apparent tooth of Buddha. The temple is in traditional Chinese architecture and despite it's large size is very elegant and incredibly peaceful too. I've only ever been to China on a brief layover so it was the first time I'd seen something on this scale.Â
Written 15 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karenpammy2016
San Francisco, CA1,247 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It is worth a detour here if you plan to visit Singapore's Chinatown area. You can combine it with visiting Sri Mariamman Temple-- it is only about a 3 block walk. Early morning may be better time as there is less people and it is not that hot yet. Stop and take a moment to look at the intricate details of the five floors from the front before entering. Make sure that you wear clothing to cover up to your knees and shoulders; although, I did notice that they were passing out shawls to cover up to those that came unprepared.
Entering the temple, you will see the monks chanting. The intensity and repetition of their lines are pretty incredible. You need to just stop there for a few minutes and listen to the sounds. On the walls on the right side are engraved miniature Buddha . On the sides are miniature gold buddha statues displayed.
There is a bathroom as you leave the Main Temple on the right side. The sacred Buddha tooth relic is supposed to held in a glass panel on the 3rd or 4th floor but there was not access up there on the day we visited.
Either way, it was worth a stop here to admire this unique architecture and deep vermillon red buddhist temple in Singapore's Chinatown.
Entering the temple, you will see the monks chanting. The intensity and repetition of their lines are pretty incredible. You need to just stop there for a few minutes and listen to the sounds. On the walls on the right side are engraved miniature Buddha . On the sides are miniature gold buddha statues displayed.
There is a bathroom as you leave the Main Temple on the right side. The sacred Buddha tooth relic is supposed to held in a glass panel on the 3rd or 4th floor but there was not access up there on the day we visited.
Either way, it was worth a stop here to admire this unique architecture and deep vermillon red buddhist temple in Singapore's Chinatown.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UnT
38 contributions
Feb 2020
It takes a day to visit the whole temple. The top most golden buddha temple is a must see where his original teeth and hair is kept . There is a meditation place where anyone can come and sit as long as they want till the closing time which is 7 pm.
you will feel relaxed and energized. What a wonderful feeling !
you will feel relaxed and energized. What a wonderful feeling !
Written 13 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David Keegan
Manchester, UK234 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Chinatown, Singapore, is unfortunately become something of an over exploited tourist trap. The food court is overpriced and pretty awful, seemingly relying on passing trade rather then return visitors. This temple, on the other hand, is rich in history with 4 floors of both shrines and museums. On the 5th floor, reached by stairs, is a very pretty and beautifully maintained garden with an enclosed prayer wheel room. The gardens are filled with a wonderful assortment of Orchids. This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the streets below. Incredibly the centre is free to visit.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeHappy65
London18 contributions
Nov 2019
A beautiful temple in Chinatown. Very east to get to. Open to visitors - please cover arms and legs if you visit here, they do provide coverings if required though. The temple is so elegant and peaceful, you feel very spiritual here. It's good to just stop and take it all in. Very impressed - this is a must visit make sure you visit all the floors.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred T
Reno, NV727 contributions
Feb 2020
There are two enterances. One allows access to all five floors, while the other is just to the ground floor. Take the elevator up to the top and work your way down floor by floor via the stairs (no waiting time that way). There are things to see on each floor; some allow photos; some not. Shoes are allowed in most places. Modest dress is required (saw some women forced to cover up). It is free. Would have liked more explainations on Buddhism.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael T
Formby, UK1,130 contributions
Jan 2020
Whist Chinatown was a bit of a let down, the Tooth Relic Temple certainly was not. I realise reading some of the other reviews that we should have spent more time there, but we were a bit jet lagged. Nevertheless we enjoyed the architecture and the interior decor and it certainly made the trip to Chinatown worthwhile.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy T
Gold Coast, Australia220 contributions
June 2022 • Couples
This spectacular temple was less than a minutes walk from our hotel and drew our attention. From the moment we stepped inside it was a very moving experience. The monks were chanting and it was mesmerising. The bottom level is the temple where you are free to walk the entire perimeter to observe. Lifts to the upper levels take you to the museum and artifacts with an extensive collection of Buddhist history and culture. The fourth floor is the Buddha's tooth. You must remove your shoes and no photos are permitted here. The rooftop garden houses a magnificent prayer wheel. We visited here several times over our week stay, every day was a different experience within the temple.
Written 13 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you need to remove shoes and socks? And can you borrow/hire cover ups? Thank you
Written 31 August 2024
I know that the temple opens at 7 am but at what time does the viewing of the Buddha Tooth relic become open ?
Written 7 February 2020
Hi
We were there about 10am and it was open then, but not sure if the whole complex is open at 7am or just the main temple for worshippers.
Written 10 February 2020
Do the cover up rules of no shorts apply to children? My children are 10 and 8. It’s fine if they do just want to make sure I’m prepared. Thank you
Written 7 August 2019
I don't think it applies to children. I was also OK to go in with shorts and a polo shirt. We found that many of the temples were very welcoming and friendly.
The only temple where I have had to wear long trousers was in Bangkok.
Written 9 August 2019
MRT from Orchard City Centre to Buddha Tooth Relic
What MRT colored line should we take?
What MRT Station to we get out at to be closest to Buddha Tooth Relic and Museum?
Written 25 June 2019
The Chinatown MRT station is just at the top end of Pagoda Street which is only a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. It's on the NE Line.
Written 25 June 2019
Can I visit this temple if I wear a headscarf??
I know in Sri Lanka you cannot.. wondering if it’s a similar issue here as I know you cannot wear caps
Written 8 June 2018
The temple provides sarongs & scarfs
Written 20 October 2018
Hi, I am visiting Singapore in 1st week of june, can some please suggest what all to cover in 1 day city tour to Singapore. We are going Sentosa for 3 days and then staying in merina bay sands for 2 days. One day we kept for shopping at orchard toad and 1day for city tour. Kindly suggest worth visiting places for city tour. Thanks
Written 20 May 2018
Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, China Town, Little India including Mustafa Centre.
Written 28 May 2018
hdvietnam3210
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
We are tourists (4 people), we plan to visit the temple on Vesak Day (29/05/2018), however it seems a bit late to arrive (about 6:30 pm). On that particular day, the Temple still closed at 7 pm or later?
Written 16 April 2018
it close around 6:00pm. Better go there earlier
Written 18 April 2018
emiliemargerit
Saint-Etienne, France
Bonjour, Je souhaiterais savoir si l'entrée est payante? et si oui quel est le prix par personne?
Merci d'avance
Emilie
Written 5 April 2018
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