Temple Run: Singapore Sling Day 3

It was already my 3rd time in Singapore so I asked myself what exactly was I  looking for.

I wanted more than just a Facebook photo update with the Marina Bay Sands on the background. I wanted an experience beyond the usual travel haunt of course! I have done the typical tourist itinerary and yet I haven’t had the feel of what it’s like to soak in, much more simmer in its renowned diversity. What melting pot? I wanted to have a sense of how it’s like to thrive harmoniously amidst cultural differences and I wanted to find out in just a couple of days (while in a very brief stay.) Does an unbeaten path exist in Southeast Asia’s most modern metropolis?

Temple Run it is! I decided that the best way to do it is by examining what is arguably the most powerful force in peoples’ lives: Religion. It is where all ethics, morality and preferred lifestyle are derived after all. Religious practice is the core aspect of human culture and it is best characterized in their temples and the followers’ behavior. There are Buddhist, Christian, Taoist, Islam and Hindu temples, brought about by a very rich ethnic mix all flourishing hand-in-hand with Singapore’s progressive façade.

While sitting on a train on the way to Marymount Station, I thought about my own religion, tolerance, interfaith pluralism and shared spirituality. How do I look at Christianity? I thought about Ms. Gloria Diaz' question in a recent Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant: Can you be a good Catholic and believe in the Reproductive Health Bill? No wonder she won Ms. Universe.

As for me, religion is a gift and a tool. It is very personal and it’s between me and God. However, I still find ceremonies, rituals and traditional practices beautiful. Each religion is similar to a chosen, preferred trail in order to climb the peak of the same mountain. And at its zenith is goodness, compassion and becoming a better being.

While on board the MRT, I heard the voice prompt in at least 4 different languages. I’m on the right track, I thought. J

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

88 Bright Hill Drive, Singapore 574117

The universe must have conspired to help us locate this temple

sleep well, sleep well.

Also known as the Bright Hill Temple, we got lost more than twice trying to locate this monastery. And trust me to find our way to the crematorium hall and its 2 columbarium when we finally got there. Gate No.5. How’s that for an entrance!

We found it finally but entered thru gate number 5: the Crematorium gate

When we reached the Hall of No Form at the 4th floor of its main temple, we saw the largest indoor Bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Magnificent!

It was made in Taiwan but assembled in Singapore

Peace and Harmony

"We light candles so we can brighten other peoples' lives..." A random devotee gave me and my friends LED hyacinth candles at one of the temples. I guess all the trouble was worth it.

only LED lights inside the temple

Peace be with all of us!

“This extensive monastery and temple comprises 11 sections, adorned with intricate architectural designs, elaborate Chinese decorations, breath-taking statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva, turtle pool and gardens and shrines.”

How to get there: 

(from Five Stones Hostel)Take the MRT North-South line (red) at Raffles Station and alight at Bishan MRT Station (NS17/CC15). This is after Bradell Station. From there, take bus no. 410 (white plate) or bus no. 52 from the bus interchange.

Or instead of taking the bus, take Circle line (yellow) alight at Marymount Station (CC16). Walking 21 mins from Exit A to here.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Address:244 S Bridge Rd, Singapore 058793

The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style.

One of the oldest Hindu temples

Thian Hock Keng Temple 

(Temple of Heavenly Happiness)

Address:158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613

Thian Hock Keng temple is Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple and possibly its most picturesque also.

true to your heart, you must be true to your heart.

brighter

the guardians

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum

Address: 288 S Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: It is claimed that the relic of Buddha from which it gains its name was found in 1980 in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar.

one of Singapore's most picturesque

the devine is in the details

opulence

abundance

How to get there: 

(For all Chinatown temples) When taking the MRT, alight at the Chinatown Station and exit at the Pagoda Street.

St. Andrew's Cathedral

It is the country's largest Anglican cathedral. It is located near City Hall MRT Interchange in the Downtown Core, within the Central Area in Singapore's central business district.

7th heaven

at the gates