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THIAN HOCK KENG TEMPLE
Thian Hock Keng, or the Temple of Heavenly Happiness, is the oldest and probably most interesting Chinese temple in Singapore. Built circa 1820, this Taoist-Buddhist temple was dedicated to to Ma Zu Po, the Mother of Heavenly Sages and the protector of sailors. You can find this colourful temple along Telok Ayer Street, in the middle of Chinatown.

The temple, formerly at the waterfront before Singapore embarked on its land reclamation, was where many sailors and early settlers came to offer thanks for a safe journey by sea. The temple boasts elaborately painted doors, as well as highly-decorated beams and gold-leafed panels.

TEMPLE OF 1,000 LIGHTS
The Temple of 1,000 Lights is the common name for the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple at 336, Race Course Road near Searngoon Road.

It gets its title from the hundreds of lights that surround a 15-metre tall sitting Buddha in the centre of the temple.

The temple and its bright colours was inspired by a Thai monk called Vutthisasara. It also houses a smaller Buddha in a reclining position -- the last pose of the enlightened one as he prepared to enter nirvana. Other artifacts include a wax model of Ghandhi, a figure of the Hindu elephant god Ganesh, and a huge Buddha footprint inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

KHONG MENG SAN PHOR KARK SEE TEMPLE
Covering 12 hectares, this temple at 88, Bright Hill Drive -- also known as the Bright Hill Temple -- is the largest temple in Singapore. A modern construction, this impressive temple features many fine Chinese statues, shrines and decorations. There is also a large turtle pool and a serene garden. Besides being a place of worship, the temple grounds also house a crematorium.

KUAN YIN TEMPLE
Situated on Waterloo Street, this temple dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, is filled with worshippers the whole day. A lively band of merchants will greet you on your way in, offering to sell you flowers as temple offerings, or to read your palm.

SIONG LIM TEMPLE
This large temple at 184E, Jalan Toa Payoh, was built in 1908 and is now classified a national monument. The temple, which commemorates Buddha's birth and death, has a highly decorated gateway, accessible only by bridge, which opens into a courtyard.

Inside the temple you will find huge incense burners and a beautifully carved Buddha imported from Thailand. The temple grounds also hold a monastery, a smaller temple and a rock garden.