Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Formerly known as Poh Tai Kok Temple, the Mahabodhi Monastery is a Mahayana Buddhist temple located at Upper Bukit Timah Area, specifically at Lorong Kilat road. It was officially opened in 1970 by the Chairman of Singapore Buddhist Federation. In 2004, the temple was re-registered as Mahabodhi Monastery with the Registry of Societies. The construction of the Relic Stupa of its Chairman, Venerable Song Nian was also initiated in the same year.
The building’s architecture symbolises important aspects of Mahayana Buddhism, as well as some Chinese elements incorporated in its archetype. The exterior wall at Mahabodhi Monastery is made with Onyx tiles that illuminate at night, symbolising Dharma’s illumination of lives from ignorance and suffering. The wall originated from the square patch patterns on a monk’s robe, which indirectly credited numerous people for their effort and time spent on the reconstruction process. The building has five floors, with each level thematically representing the five elements. Earth is represented at the lowest floor, followed by metal, water, wood and fire, with the top floor housing the stupa.
Despite its surrounding that reflects modern architecture, the monastery still conducts several traditional Dharma activities such as classes, Puja sessions, Dharma talk, and retreat. Visitors of Mahabodhi Monastery Singapore can enquire with the staff on available events or if there are any questions regarding the monastery or Mahayana Buddhism. No matter what your travel plans are, the monastery’s calm and relaxing ambience will be a welcomed refuge from the bustling city.
The building’s architecture symbolises important aspects of Mahayana Buddhism, as well as some Chinese elements incorporated in its archetype. The exterior wall at Mahabodhi Monastery is made with Onyx tiles that illuminate at night, symbolising Dharma’s illumination of lives from ignorance and suffering. The wall originated from the square patch patterns on a monk’s robe, which indirectly credited numerous people for their effort and time spent on the reconstruction process. The building has five floors, with each level thematically representing the five elements. Earth is represented at the lowest floor, followed by metal, water, wood and fire, with the top floor housing the stupa.
Despite its surrounding that reflects modern architecture, the monastery still conducts several traditional Dharma activities such as classes, Puja sessions, Dharma talk, and retreat. Visitors of Mahabodhi Monastery Singapore can enquire with the staff on available events or if there are any questions regarding the monastery or Mahayana Buddhism. No matter what your travel plans are, the monastery’s calm and relaxing ambience will be a welcomed refuge from the bustling city.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
This monastery is located nearby popular parks around Bukit Timah that are often visited by tourists. You can choose to stop by the nearby Bukit Batok Nature Park or explore some of the interesting nature trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. For an extensive flora and fauna experience, travellers can check out the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
There isn’t much that you can take home from the trip aside from plenty of minimalistic photos of the impressive urban architecture and concept around Mahabodhi Monastery.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
By car, you can take either the Upper Bukit Timah Road or Jalan Jurong Kechil to reach the monastery. There are also public buses available. You can get here by bus No. 67, 75, 170, 171, 173, 184, 852 or 961 to reach Bukit Timah Road or buses No. 61, 66, 77, 157, 173, 174, 174e, 970, 985, or 985w to reach Jalan Jurong Kechil. The monastery is a 5-minute walk away from the roads.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- It is best to call the office and enquire availability for tour sessions before deciding to come here should you wish to explore the interior of Mahabodhi Monastery and other levels.
- Check their official website for any upcoming or ongoing events. The monastery might be closed to public during private events.
- If you come here in a large group, do inform them beforehand to check if it is appropriate for a visit on that day.
- Do dress appropriately and modestly. A general rule is to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. Refrain from loud conversations. Do put your devices on silent mode.
- Do not eat or drink in the monastery unless at designated areas. Keep the religious site clean and ensure to dispose your trash in designated beans.
- Remember to take photographs whenever appropriate and respect prayer areas, other visitors, and other class attendees. or classes.
- It is recommended to do some background reading about Mahayana Buddhism prior to visiting the monastery. However, if you have any questions just feel free to ask the friendly staff that will be kind to assist visitors of the place.
- Feeling stressed? Find your Zen at the Level 3 Chan Meditation Hall, an area that is brilliantly decorated and made ideal for you to relax.
- Dubbed as one of the most coolest places to visit for photos and also for its impressive religious site concept, it is a must for you to check out the place even for a quick stop.
- Visitors of Mahabodhi Monastery can also make a contribution by donating an amount of money in order to support their cause and efforts.
Calm your senses with a tranquil visit to the Mahabodhi Monastery and bask in the architecture at this modern Buddhist centre of practice and culture.
Opening hours
| Monday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Calm your senses with a tranquil visit to the Mahabodhi Monastery and bask in the architecture at this modern Buddhist centre of practice and culture.
Opening hours
| Monday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Formerly known as Poh Tai Kok Temple, the Mahabodhi Monastery is a Mahayana Buddhist temple located at Upper Bukit Timah Area, specifically at Lorong Kilat road. It was officially opened in 1970 by the Chairman of Singapore Buddhist Federation. In 2004, the temple was re-registered as Mahabodhi Monastery with the Registry of Societies. The construction of the Relic Stupa of its Chairman, Venerable Song Nian was also initiated in the same year.
The building’s architecture symbolises important aspects of Mahayana Buddhism, as well as some Chinese elements incorporated in its archetype. The exterior wall at Mahabodhi Monastery is made with Onyx tiles that illuminate at night, symbolising Dharma’s illumination of lives from ignorance and suffering. The wall originated from the square patch patterns on a monk’s robe, which indirectly credited numerous people for their effort and time spent on the reconstruction process. The building has five floors, with each level thematically representing the five elements. Earth is represented at the lowest floor, followed by metal, water, wood and fire, with the top floor housing the stupa.
Despite its surrounding that reflects modern architecture, the monastery still conducts several traditional Dharma activities such as classes, Puja sessions, Dharma talk, and retreat. Visitors of Mahabodhi Monastery Singapore can enquire with the staff on available events or if there are any questions regarding the monastery or Mahayana Buddhism. No matter what your travel plans are, the monastery’s calm and relaxing ambience will be a welcomed refuge from the bustling city.
The building’s architecture symbolises important aspects of Mahayana Buddhism, as well as some Chinese elements incorporated in its archetype. The exterior wall at Mahabodhi Monastery is made with Onyx tiles that illuminate at night, symbolising Dharma’s illumination of lives from ignorance and suffering. The wall originated from the square patch patterns on a monk’s robe, which indirectly credited numerous people for their effort and time spent on the reconstruction process. The building has five floors, with each level thematically representing the five elements. Earth is represented at the lowest floor, followed by metal, water, wood and fire, with the top floor housing the stupa.
Despite its surrounding that reflects modern architecture, the monastery still conducts several traditional Dharma activities such as classes, Puja sessions, Dharma talk, and retreat. Visitors of Mahabodhi Monastery Singapore can enquire with the staff on available events or if there are any questions regarding the monastery or Mahayana Buddhism. No matter what your travel plans are, the monastery’s calm and relaxing ambience will be a welcomed refuge from the bustling city.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
This monastery is located nearby popular parks around Bukit Timah that are often visited by tourists. You can choose to stop by the nearby Bukit Batok Nature Park or explore some of the interesting nature trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. For an extensive flora and fauna experience, travellers can check out the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
There isn’t much that you can take home from the trip aside from plenty of minimalistic photos of the impressive urban architecture and concept around Mahabodhi Monastery.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
By car, you can take either the Upper Bukit Timah Road or Jalan Jurong Kechil to reach the monastery. There are also public buses available. You can get here by bus No. 67, 75, 170, 171, 173, 184, 852 or 961 to reach Bukit Timah Road or buses No. 61, 66, 77, 157, 173, 174, 174e, 970, 985, or 985w to reach Jalan Jurong Kechil. The monastery is a 5-minute walk away from the roads.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- It is best to call the office and enquire availability for tour sessions before deciding to come here should you wish to explore the interior of Mahabodhi Monastery and other levels.
- Check their official website for any upcoming or ongoing events. The monastery might be closed to public during private events.
- If you come here in a large group, do inform them beforehand to check if it is appropriate for a visit on that day.
- Do dress appropriately and modestly. A general rule is to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. Refrain from loud conversations. Do put your devices on silent mode.
- Do not eat or drink in the monastery unless at designated areas. Keep the religious site clean and ensure to dispose your trash in designated beans.
- Remember to take photographs whenever appropriate and respect prayer areas, other visitors, and other class attendees. or classes.
- It is recommended to do some background reading about Mahayana Buddhism prior to visiting the monastery. However, if you have any questions just feel free to ask the friendly staff that will be kind to assist visitors of the place.
- Feeling stressed? Find your Zen at the Level 3 Chan Meditation Hall, an area that is brilliantly decorated and made ideal for you to relax.
- Dubbed as one of the most coolest places to visit for photos and also for its impressive religious site concept, it is a must for you to check out the place even for a quick stop.
- Visitors of Mahabodhi Monastery can also make a contribution by donating an amount of money in order to support their cause and efforts.
