Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

In shortBuddha Tooth Relic Temple is free to enter and open daily from 7am to 5pm, at 288 South Bridge Road. Checked October 2026.

Museums · free

Duration

1 hour

The take

A Tang-style temple with a relic chamber, a hall of 10,000 Buddhas and an orchid garden on the roof. It's a working temple, so dress modestly and take your shoes off in the halls.

Good to know

Free entry; donations welcome

The relic chamber has extra rules of its own

Rooftop orchid garden

Finding it: 288 South Bridge Road in Chinatown, next to Sri Mariamman Temple

Hours checked October 2026

#temple #free #culture

Before you go

What time does Buddha Tooth Relic Temple close?

The temple and its museum open from 7am to 5pm every day. The fourth-floor Sacred Light Hall, home to the relic, is described on the temple's own page as open 9am to 6pm, which does not match, so we'd aim to be upstairs well before 5pm. Maxwell, Telok Ayer and Chinatown stations are all close by.

Sources: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and MuseumChecked November 2026

What should I wear to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple?

Dress with respect: shorts, miniskirts, low-cut, off-the-shoulder, backless, spaghetti-strap and tube tops are all listed as inappropriate, and you may be refused entry if you're dressed that way. Pets and non-vegetarian food can't come in either, so finish that bak kut teh first. Toss a light shirt in your bag to cover up.

Sources: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Can I see the Buddha's tooth itself at the temple?

Not up close on an ordinary day. Only the Sangha enter the inner chamber, and visitors watch the daily services from the public viewing area on the fourth floor, where the curtain is raised after the blessing ceremony. For three days each at Chinese New Year and Vesak Day the relic is moved to a platform beside the viewing glass.

Sources: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum