Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, Singapore (must see)

Situated right in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown, this temple isn't shy to announce its presence. The local Chinese community treasures it, and once you see the lavish façade, you’ll understand why. Step inside and the drama continues, with an interior that matches the exterior’s grandeur note for note.

You’ll notice the lights glowing even at midnight because the temple never closes. What does close, however, is the dress code loophole. Shoulders must be covered for women, conservative dress or slacks advised for the lower part, and for men—sorry, no shorts or tank tops allowed. Strangely, shoes are completely fine, and you can take non-flash photos in selected areas, just not in the relic chamber and other sacred spots.

As you walk through, don’t be surprised if you hear a monk chanting into a microphone. It’s all part of the rhythm of daily worship. At the back, you’ll spot rows of Buddha statues linked to the astrological signs. Front and centre in the main hall is Maitreya—the future Buddha—represented by a wooden statue said to be nearly a thousand years old.

One whole floor is packed with statues, including Guan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Mercy, and Kindness. Head upstairs and you’ll find life-sized wax figures of temple leaders, both past and present. The level of detail is impressive—down to the wrinkles—and could give some wax museums a confidence crisis. From here, a balcony lets you peek through drapes into the enormous prayer hall below.

But the real treasure sits on the 4th floor: the Buddha Tooth Relic Stupa. This golden chamber reportedly houses a tooth of Gautama Buddha, found in Myanmar in 1980. You can’t get right up to it, but for a closer look, a helpful scale model stands nearby.

Before you step back outside, take a detour to the rooftop orchid garden. Hidden from most visitors, it’s calm, colourful, and home to a giant prayer wheel surrounded by 10,000 small Buddha images. It’s the perfect quiet moment before diving back into the vibrant streets of Chinatown.