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Chinese
Temples
The Bright Hill
Temple
The Bright Hill Temple (as it is commonly
known) features fine examples of Chinese
decorations, statues and shrines. A large
turtle pool, peaceful gardens and the
constant hum of prayer add to the air of
tranquility.
Getting there
Take a taxi from Bishan MRT (N8),
Siong Lim Temple
Completed in 1908 and now a national
monument, this Buddhist temple commemorates
Buddha's birth and death. An elaborately
decorated gateway, accessible by a bridge,
opens into a courtyard where visitors can
see a beautifully carved Buddha imported
from Thailand.
Getting there
Walk along Jalan Toa Payoh from Toa Payoh
MRT (N).
Tan sin Chong Su
Temple
Facing the Singapore River, this
ancestral Hokkien temple is said to have
excellent 'feng shui' (luck or blessings).
Built in 1876, the temple is rich in
gilt-covered decorative carvings, moldings
and murals.
Getting there
Take a taxi from Raffles Place MRT (C1) or
Dhoby Ghaut MRTY (N1).
Temple of 1,000
Lights
The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
is
commonly known as the 'Temple of 1,000
Lights'. In the center of this sanctorum is
an array of lights encircling a 15- meter
high statue of Buddha. Be inspired by the
murals depicting Buddha's search for
enlightenment.
Getting there
Take SBS bus 64,65,106 or 111 from Orchard
Road.
Thian Hock Keng
Temple
The oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, the
Thian Hock Keng is also the island's most
important Hokkien temple. Sailors were said
to have given thanks at this Taoist-Buddhist
temple as early as 1821. Both the young and
elderly can be seen paying their respects to
Ma Zu Po (the Mother of Heavenly Sages) or
Confucius. Please note that the temple is
currently closed for renovation.
Getting there
A 15-minute walk towards Boon Tat Street
from Raffles Place MRT (C1).
Churches
Armenian
church
Singapore's oldest church is dedicated to
the first monk of the Armenian Church (St.
Gregory the Illuminator). Built in 1835 and
now a national monument, the church is
regarded as colonial architect George
Coleman's masterpiece.
Getting there
Walk toward Hill Street from city Hall MRT
(C2).
Cathedral of the
Good Shepherd
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,
little did people know that it would be the
center of an architectural design showdown
between colonial architect-greats. D. L.
Sweeney and J. T. Thomson. Thomson's design
was eventually chosen even though it was
considered more expensive than Sweeney's.
Charles Dyce, a third architect, added a
tower and spire to the design a year later.
The cathedral was gazetted as a national
monument on 28 June 1973.
Getting there
Walk towards Bras Basah Road from city Hall
MRT ( C 2).
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