Maghain Aboth Synagogue

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Singapore's small Jewish community congregates regularly at the Maghain Aboth Synagogue, which conducts regular services and observances of Jewish festivals. Getting There: A short walk from Bugis MRT Station (EW12). Click here to view MRT route map.

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

A national monument, this Buddhist temple was completed in 1908 and commemorates Buddha's birth and death. The temple has an elaborately decorated gateway, reached by a bridge, which opens into a courtyard. Getting There: A short walk from Toa Payoh MRT Station (NS19). Click here to view MRT route map.

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Spread over a hillside, this complex of Buddhist temples is one of the largest places of worship in Singapore. The buildings feature fine examples of Chinese decorations, statues and shrines. Getting There: Take bus number 410 (white plate) from the Bishan Interchange or take a taxi from Bishan MRT Station (NS17). Click here to view MRT route map.

Jamae Chulia Mosque

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Ironically, one of Singapore’s most established mosques is located in the heart of Chinatown! Built in 1826 by the Chulias (Tamil Muslims from the famous Chola Kingdom of Tamil Nadu along the Coromandel Coast of Southern India), Getting There: Take MRT to City Hall Station (EW13 / NS25), then take SBS Transit bus 103, 166 or 197 or SMRT Bus 61 from North Bridge Road. Alternatively take the NEL MRT to Chinatown Station - Exit - South Bridge Road / Pagoda Street side, then walk to Jamae Chulia Mosque via Pagoda Street. Click here to view MRT route map.

Hajjah Fatimah Mosque

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Built in 1846, the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque is named after a Malacca-born Malay who married a wealthy Bugis Sultan. Although it exhibits a combination of architectural influences, it has a decidedly British flavour. Getting There: Take the MRT to Lavender Station (EW11) and walk toward Beach Road. Click here to view MRT route map.

Central Sikh Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

The chief place of worship for Singapore’s 15,000 Sikhs, the Central Sikh Temple was built to commemorate the 518th anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru. The temple boasts a skilful blend of modern and traditional architecture. Getting There: Take MRT from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (NS24) to Boon Keng MRT Station (NE9) and follow the sign boards pointing to the temple. Click here to view MRT route map.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Veeramakaliamman Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

uilt as early as 1855 by Bengali labourers, this magnificent temple was constructed for the worship of Goddess Kali, the consort of Lord Shiva. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is thought to be the first temple in Singapore to venerate her. Getting there: Take the MRT to NE7 Little India and head toward Serangoon Road. The temple is a short walk from the station. Click here to view MRT route map.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

This Taoist temple, erected in 1821 by seamen grateful for safe passage, stands where Singapore's waterfront used to be before reclamation. Getting There: A short walk from Raffles Place (EW14/NS26) or Tanjong Pagar (EW15) MRT Station. Click here to view MRT route map.

Thekchen Choling

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Founded by Singapore-born Lama Thubten Namdrol Dorje in 2001, Thekchen Choling Singapore is a Tibetan Buddhist Temple that encompasses both the Tibetan & Chinese tradition. Getting There: Bus Services: 2, 7, 12, 32, 33, 51, 61, 63, 80, 107, 133, 145, 197, 21, NR7, 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 125, 130, 139, 147 10mins walk fom Lavendar MRT. Click here to view MRT route map.

Armenian Church

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

The Armenian Church in Hill Street is credited with being the oldest church in Singapore. Built in 1835 and designed by colonial architect, George Coleman, the church is regarded as Coleman’s masterpiece and is dedicated to St Gregory the Illuminator. Getting There: Take the MRT to City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25) and walk in the direction of Hill Street. Click here to view MRT route map.

The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

The oldest Catholic church in Singapore, the Cathedral is also the revered home of the present Archbishop. But when the church's foundation stone was initially laid in 1843, few people expected that it would give rise to an architectural design showdown between colonial architect-greats, D.L. Sweeney and J.T. Thomson. Getting There: Take the MRT to City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25) and walk along Bras Basah Road. Click here to view MRT route map.

Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

First established in 1889 in a rented shophouse in Boon Tat Street, the Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church has played a significant role in the birth of Methodism in Singapore through English and American missionaries who preached in Chinatown. Getting There: A short walk from Tanjong Pagar (EW15) MRT Station. Click here to view MRT route map.

Tan Si Chong Su Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

This ancestral Hokkien temple, which is also a community centre for the Tan clan in Singapore, is said to have excellent "feng shui" (luck or blessings). The decorations of the temple, built in 1876, are very well preserved, particularly the altars with their ancestral tablets. Getting There: Take a taxi from Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26) or Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (NS24). Click here to view MRT route map.

Sultan Mosque

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

With its massive golden dome and huge prayer hall, the Sultan Mosque is one of Singapore's most imposing religious buildings, and the focal point of Muslims in Singapore. The mosque, designed by Denis Santry, was built in 1928. Getting There: Take the MRT to Bugis MRT Station (EW12) then walk towards North Bridge Road in the direction of the Golden Landmark Hotel. Click here to view MRT route map.

St Joseph's Church

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

In 1825, Father Francisco da Silva e Maia founded the Portuguese Mission on the site where St. Joseph's Church now stands. The church lays claim to being the first place of Catholic worship in Singapore. Getting There: A short walk from Bugis MRT Station (EW12) or take SBS Transit bus 7, 81, 130, 133, 145, 197. Click here to view MRT route map.

St Andrew's Cathedral

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

St Andrew’s Cathedral is a distinctive and elegant institution in the heart of the civic district. Designed by Colonel Ronald MacPherson in 1856, it replaced the original church which was destroyed by two lightning strikes in 1852. Getting There: Take the MRT to City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25) and then exit in the direction of St Andrew's Cathedral. The cathedral is directly above the station. Click here to view MRT route map.

Sri Thandayuthapani Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1983, the unique feature of this Southern Indian temple is the roof with 48 engraved glass panels which are angled to catch the rising and setting sun. The temple traditionally sees the culmination of the Thaipusam procession as well as the Navarathiri Festival. Getting There: A short walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (NS24) towards Penang Road/Clemenceau Avenue. Click here to view MRT route map.

Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Built in the mid-19th century, the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple was re-built and consecrated in 2003. Some interesting features include the Rajagopuram entrance tower which features the Chola style of architecture. Getting There: Take the MRT to Bugis Station (EW12) and take SBS Transit bus 12 from opposite Bugis Junction. Alight opposite Roxy Square. Click here to view MRT route map.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Singapore's oldest Hindu temple is an impressive structure in Chinatown. Dating back to 1827, the brick bones of the present building were built around 1843. Later additions have included a profusion of deities carved all over its walls, bell-decked doors and frescoes on the ceilings. Getting There: Take the MRT to City Hall Station (EW13/NS25), then take SBS Transit bus 103, 166 or 197 or SMRT Bus 61 from North Bridge Road. Click here to view MRT route map.

Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

A 15-metre high statue of Buddha, surrounded by a seemingly endless chain of lights, is the focal point of this simple but impressive building. At the base of the statue is a fresco depicting important events in Buddha's life. Open: 8am to 4.45pm (daily). Getting There: Take a taxi from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (NS24) or take SBS Transit bus 64, 65, 106 or 111 from Orchard Road. Click here to view MRT route map.

Abdul Gaffoor Mosque

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:05:55 +0800

Tucked away from the bustle of Little India, this mosque was completed in 1910 and recently restored. The main entrance of this mosque boasts an elaborate pediment, the center of which is a sundial. Getting There: Take the MRT to Bugis Station (EW12) and head for Rochor Road/Jalan Besar. Click here to view MRT route map.