In Singapore, there are many temples which are predominantly Buddhist, Taoist or Hindus. A Burmese Buddhist temple is very rare. In fact, many locals don’t even knew it existed. The Maha Sasana Ramsi Burmese Buddhist Temple was built in 1875. It is the first and only Burmese Buddhist temple built outside of Myanmar in traditional Burmese architectural style.
The exterior facade of the temple is heavily decorated with intricate wood carvings and gold.
Main Hall of Temple
The attention on detail on the exterior facade was extended into the temple hall. Impressive artwork can be seen around the main altar as well as the skirting on the ceiling.
Not only is its Burmese architecture a first, this temple also houses a Buddha statue that is made of white marble. This statue measuring 11 ft high and weighing 10 tonne, is the largest outside Myanmar!
While most temples have a donation box, this temple actually has a donation “tree”. After receiving blessing from the monk, if the believer wishes to donate, he/she can clip the dollar note to this “tree”.
Upper Hall of Temple
Reaching the 3rd floor of the temple, our attention were immediately drawn to a colourful painted wall. The painting illustrates the painstaking journey of transporting the white marble Buddha statue from Myanmar to Singapore.
Apart from the painting, more of the lesser seen Buddha statue (dressed in Burmese style) can be found here.
The serenity of the temple makes it a great place to rest and momentarily detach ourselves from the hustle and bustle of the world outside.
Attractions Near to the Temple
Situated next to the Maha Sasana Ramsi Burmese Buddhist Temple is 晚晴园 (Wan Qing Yuan), also known as Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. There, you can trace the footstep of Dr Sun, founding father of Republican China and have an insight of the revolution of China.
Next, stop by a nostalgic coffee shop for a cup of aromatic coffee and have a bite of their must-try Tau Sar Piah (prepare to queue)!
Finally, take a short (15 mins walk) walk to the Church of St. Alphonsus (more fondly called the Novena Church by locals), the only Redemptorist church in Singapore.