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
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
7,006 within 5 kms
Attractions
821 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- TheLeongOhanaUnited States7,505 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 October 8, 2023
- karenpammy2016San Francisco, California1,239 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 November 18, 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 December 4, 2023
- Dan LBunbury, Australia8,541 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 December 26, 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 February 24, 2024
- MrMrsHappyRLiverpool, United Kingdom1,439 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 February 29, 2024
- Brown_SamanthaKennewick, Washington1,730 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 March 12, 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 March 25, 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 April 18, 2024
- WikumjBromley, United Kingdom395 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 June 2, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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KylieIsTravelling
Perth, Australia4,099 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I took my time in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, and participated in the 100 coins ritual. In exchange for $10, you get 100 x 10c pieces to out in each of the Buddha offering jars throughout the temple, after you’ve made a wish to the Buddha.
It was exhilarating to be able to partake in this ritual.
The statues of all the various different Buddha’s and their positions is also fascinating - I didn’t realise initially there were so many.
You are required to wear shoes in this temple, and you still need to be adequately attired. Sarongs / shoulder coverings are provided and security does get very cross with tourists who breach these conditions.
Well worth the time to visit here, with entry by donation.
It was exhilarating to be able to partake in this ritual.
The statues of all the various different Buddha’s and their positions is also fascinating - I didn’t realise initially there were so many.
You are required to wear shoes in this temple, and you still need to be adequately attired. Sarongs / shoulder coverings are provided and security does get very cross with tourists who breach these conditions.
Well worth the time to visit here, with entry by donation.
Written January 2, 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.
BrooklynDodgers13
Henderson, NV749 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is quite beautiful. If you are a woman and wearing shorts, you will be expected to wear a sarong. There is a pile of them available on the back table for you to use. All persons entering the Temple are asked to remove their shoes👞. A rack is provided. The Temple is 4 stories tall with a Roof Garden as well. You may see congregants worshipping when you visit. It is important to respect their prayer time. The Gold Tooth is exhibited on the 4th floor. It is surrounded by gold and the floor has gold in it too. While you can photograph most areas, the gold tooth may not be photographed. There’s a Security Guard to make sure. And in Singapore 🇸🇬, you DON’T break the rules!!! I was told that the Temple cost $75 million dollars to build.
Written February 29, 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.
springbank
Greve, Denmark3,895 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
One of largest Buddhist temple in Singapore that houses thousands of Buddha statues. One of the must visit for tourists descending in Chinatown.
The most biggest artifacts here is The Buddha Tooth same as the place name Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This is the most commercial temple I've ever visited. It literally has ATM inside the temple. Good architecture, and interior, well maintained I guess because of the money the people spend there! Anyway richly designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art and history tell stories of culture over thousands of years old. Built in 2007.
The most biggest artifacts here is The Buddha Tooth same as the place name Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This is the most commercial temple I've ever visited. It literally has ATM inside the temple. Good architecture, and interior, well maintained I guess because of the money the people spend there! Anyway richly designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art and history tell stories of culture over thousands of years old. Built in 2007.
Written March 1, 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.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK185,662 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 March 10, 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 January 23, 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, UK1,978 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 July 15, 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, CA1,239 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 November 18, 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 January 13, 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, UK238 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 February 5, 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 October 2, 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.
Do you need to remove shoes and socks? And can you borrow/hire cover ups? Thank you
Written August 31, 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 February 7, 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 February 10, 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 August 7, 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 August 9, 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 June 25, 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 June 25, 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 June 8, 2018
The temple provides sarongs & scarfs
Written October 20, 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 May 20, 2018
Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, China Town, Little India including Mustafa Centre.
Written May 28, 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 April 16, 2018
it close around 6:00pm. Better go there earlier
Written April 18, 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 April 5, 2018
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