Must-see Monuments
(^6) of Religion
From tiny shrines set up in
restaurants to towering Hindu
temples and more, Singapore
is awash with buildings and
structures with a religious
purpose. Here are some of the
more noteworthy and historical
places of worship.
#1 Masjid Sultan
Malay for “Sultan Mosque”, this remarkable
structure is located in Kampong Glam, or the
Arab Quarter. It was built in 1928 on the site of a
much older mosque. The mosque offers services
as well as classes, religious and legal counselling.
sultanmosque.org.sg
#2 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
This Tang Dynasty-style temple was constructed
in 2002 to house the tooth relic of the historical
Buddha and serve as a Chinese Buddhist cultural
centre. It holds services regularly, and provides
educational opportunities and welfare services.
The complex also includes a museum with ancient
artefacts. btrts.org.sg
#3 Maghain Aboth Synagogue
Maghain Aboth is the oldest Jewish synagogue in
Southeast Asia (1878). Attached to the synagogue
on Waterloo Street is the Jacob Ballas Centre, built
in 2007, with a full-service kosher restaurant,
kosher market and a social hall for festive meals
and functions. singaporejews.com
#4 Sri Mariamman Temple
Built in 1827 for worship by immigrants from
South India, this is the island’s oldest Hindu temple.
The temple in the heart of Chinatown boasts an
ornamental tower entrance that’s a true Singapore
landmark. Services and major festivals are regularly
held at the temple. heb.gov.sg/temples
#5 Thian Hock Keng
The “Temple of Heavenly Happiness” on Telok Ayer
Street is the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore.
It was built between 1839 and 1842 and was
assembled without nails – a masterpiece of stone,
tiles and wood, dragons, phoenixes, carvings and
columns. thianhockkeng.com.sg
#6 Armenian Church
While it isn’t the largest Christian church in
Singapore, it was completed in 1835, making it
the oldest. It’s located in a charming and peaceful
setting near Fort Canning Park. Services are rarely
held here. armeniansinasia.org
Sri Mariamman
Temple
Masjid
Sultan
216 CITY GUIDE 2018
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