Burmese Buddhist Temple, Singapore

During our most recent trip to southeast Asia, we spent just a single night in Singapore — our schedule dictated by international flight arrangements. While looking out of the window of our hotel room, I noted this religious complex nearby, an island of green in the monolithic landscape of newish condominiums and apartments.

When we went out for supper, we did a detour to visit this complex. It is the Burmese Buddhist Temple (also known as Maha Sasanaramsi Burmese Buddhist Temple). The temple practices Theravāda Buddhism, the oldest surviving school of Buddhism which claims to preserve the most authentic teachings of the Buddha. It is the only temple of its kind in Singapore.

Research subsequent to our visit revealed that this temple was founded in 1875 by a Burmese immigrant named U Thar Hnin. This is not the original temple site, but rather represents a relocation of the temple to this property in 1988, with the building’s grand opening in 1991.

A prominent feature of the temple grounds is the statue of a sitting man holding a scroll.  It is U Kyaw Gaung, who was born in 1866 in Mandalay, Burma. He moved to Singapore as a young man and became a key trustee of this temple from 1907 onward. He is recognized for his Herculean efforts in bringing the temple’s famous white marble Buddha statue from Burma (where the marble was mined and carved) to Singapore. He passed away in 1935 at age 69.

The temple was beginning to shut down as daylight faded, and we did not venture into the temple, much to my regret. We missed seeing its famous white Buddha statue — the largest outside of Burma, which sits in the main hall. But I did find a picture of it to share with you.

The temple serves as a key spiritual and cultural hub for Singapore’s Burmese community. It’s open daily (typically 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM), free to enter, and welcomes visitors for prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. It promotes traditional Buddhist teachings.

The temple is located at 14 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327873, in the Novena area (near Balestier Road), making it easily accessible.

Of interest, right across the street from it is the Pentecostal Church of Singapore.  So you have a selection of religions at this site.