Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide

Discover the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore with this visitor guide covering 2026 hours, dress codes, and why it’s free to enter.

When I first visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore, the air conditioning hit me before the gold did. It feels less like an ancient site and more like a pristine, living museum of devotion. The chanting creates a rhythm that cuts through the Chinatown noise outside, making it distinctively calm. It is imposing, red-lacquered, and remarkably polished for a temple in this chaotic district.

Quick overview

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is free to enter for all visitors. The main gates typically open at 7:00 AM daily, but the museum floors upstairs open later at 9:00 AM. You do not need a ticket, but you must dress modestly or you will be turned away.

How much does the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple cost?

Admission is completely free. There are no paid tiers or premium access areas for tourists. Donations are welcome but never pressured.

Is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple free to enter?

Yes, the entire complex is free. This includes the main hall, the museum on the upper floors, and the rooftop garden. You can access the relic chamber viewing area without paying a cent.

What time does the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple open?

The temple operates different hours for the worship hall and the museum levels.

• Main Temple Gates: 07:00 – 17:00 daily.
• Museum & Stupa Chamber: 09:00 – 17:00 daily.

Warning: While some older guides mention a 7:00 PM closure, 5:00 PM is the current safe bet for the museum. Arrive by 4:00 PM to ensure you see the upper levels before they close. I checked these opening hours manually in January 2026.

Do I need to book Buddha Tooth Relic Temple tickets in advance?

No, booking is not required or even possible for general entry. You simply walk in. During major Buddhist holidays like Vesak Day, queues can form, but usually, entry is immediate.

History of the temple

This is not an ancient building. It was built in 2007, costing S$75 million. The architecture mimics the Tang Dynasty style, distinct from the Southern Chinese style common in Singapore. It was constructed specifically to house the tooth relic found in Myanmar in 1980. It’s as good a place as any to start exploring Singapore’s Chinese heritage before moving on to the likes of Haw Par Villa.

Inside: What to see

• The Hundred Dragon Hall: This is the ground floor main hall. It features a massive Maitreya Buddha statue and hundreds of smaller golden Buddhas lining the walls.
• Buddhist Culture Museum: Located on the third floor. It holds an impressive collection of artifacts, including statues and embroidery.
• Sacred Light Hall: On the fourth floor, this houses the tooth relic in a 3,500 kg gold stupa. You cannot enter the inner chamber, but you can view it from behind glass.
• Rooftop Garden: A quiet orchid garden with a large prayer wheel. It offers a rare patch of silence in Chinatown.

What’s included with your ticket?

Since entry is free, your admission grants you access to:

• Entry to the main prayer hall on the ground floor.
• Access to the Buddhist Culture Museum (3rd floor).
• Viewing access to the Sacred Light Hall (4th floor).
• Access to the rooftop garden and prayer wheel.

Things to do near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Chinatown Heritage Centre (50m, 1 min walk)

Currently closed for maintenance until 13 January 2026. A shophouse museum recreating 1950s life.

Sri Mariamman Temple (200m, 3 min walk)

Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, known for its ornate gopuram (tower). Entry is free, but they often charge a small fee for taking photos inside.

Singapore City Gallery (350m, 5 min walk)

Located in the URA Centre, this gallery explains how Singapore was built. It features a massive scale model of the island.

Maxwell Food Centre (100m, 2 min walk)

A famous hawker centre directly opposite the temple. It is the place to try Tian Tian Chicken Rice.

Red Dot Design Museum (600m, 10 min walk)

A sleek museum showcasing contemporary design winners. It sits along the Marina Bay waterfront promenade.

Practical tips

• Strict Dress Code: You must cover your shoulders and knees. Wraps are sometimes provided at the door, but do not rely on them.
• Photography: Allowed in most areas but strictly forbidden in the relic chamber on the 4th floor.
• Shoes Off: You must remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum of the relic chamber.
• Elevators: There are lifts to the upper floors, making the temple accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Crowds: Weekends are busy. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter atmosphere.

FAQs

More Singapore travel

Other Singapore travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• Braving the Singapore Flyer with food poisoning.
• Why Singapore Zoo is the best zoo in the world.
• Personal recommendations for a short break in Singapore.
• Why Singapore is a perfect introduction to Asia.
• A practical guide to visiting the Changi Museum and Chapel.