[2025 Singapore Attraction] Travel Guide for Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Updated May)

#mysgmemories Beyond meditation, Kong Meng Monastery also nurtures a sense of community. The Zen Café, an ingenious addition, provides a space for individuals to gather, engage in thoughtful conversations, and savor nourishing vegetarian cuisine. This integration of social interaction with spiritual exploration fosters a holistic approach to well-being, reminding us that enlightenment is not solely an individual pursuit but also a collective endeavor. As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and digitally connected, places like Zen Cafe Kong Meng Monastery stand as beacons of hope, reminding us of the significance of introspection and the eternal quest for inner peace.

Kong Meng San, or Bright Hill, is the home of the temple and monastery that has characterized the quiet enclave. It gets crowded during Qing Ming and other festivals, but visit any other time and you will step into a different dimension of total tranquility. Take a closer look at the intricate architectural touches and take time to appreciate the magnificence of this sprawling enclosure which I affectionately term The Buddhist Wonderland… #kongmengsan #brighthill #sinming #temple

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Singapore. It is one of the largest and most well-known Buddhist institutions in the country and is known for its charitable work and various cultural activities. The monastery serves as a spiritual and cultural center for the local Chinese Buddhist community and provides a range of facilities and services for the community, including a temple, a library, and residential quarters for monks and nuns. There is a canteen there serving a variety of healthy, delicious, and affordable vegetarian dishes, made using fresh ingredients and without the use of meat, eggs, or dairy products. The food is popular among both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, and many visitors come to the monastery specifically to enjoy its food. The vegetarian food canteen is open to the public and is a great place to experience a taste of traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. #singapore #temple #tripblazers

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Address: 88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117 Highlights: It's the largest Buddhist Temple in Singapore. I always visit this temple for offering and blessing. Peaceful and calm, great escape from the busy bustling city life. Beautiful surrounding, wooden carvings, a few nice hall buildings, a Pagoda, and many gigantic Buddhas. I was amazed by the high bronze Guan Yin Statue (goddess of love, mercy, compassion), which serves as an inspiration to all people and civilization to live in harmony through mutual respect and love. I like to sit at the beautiful Zen garden with the water stream, lotus flowers, pond, fishes and some cute little buddha statues. You can also see homegrown papaya trees, passion fruits and vegetables planted by the monks there. There is a second hand stores selling clothes, handbags, books, statues, bracelets etc. donated by people. You could get nice stuffs at really good price. I once found a McD Hello Kitty soft toy at $2! All proceeds go to charities, to help and maintain the temple. All the volunteers there were so helpful and friendly. They are the nicest and kindest people I have ever met. If you love to read, there is a library. Cafe and restaurant selling delicious vegetarian food at very affordable price. This is not only a place for spiritual or religious belief, but a great place full of cultural and architecture designs. Worth visit to detox the soul and mind. Rating: 5/5 #singapore #chinesetemple

Walking into this monastery feels like I am in Taiwan :). The Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery was built in early 20th century, to serve as a temple and to provide lodging for the monk. Located in Bishan, Singapore, this monastery is the largest Buddhist Temple in Singapore. I like the garden in this Temple, planted with many beautiful flowers and vegetables. The mini river and ponds also a nice place to rest our minds. This monastery also host several big events, such as the Dharma talk by Ajahn Brahm from Western Australia and Hair for Hope. I recommend walking around the monastery to enjoy the peaceful moments, enjoy the building architecture and take a vegetarian lunch at a small fee. Address: 88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117 How to get here: take the bus no.52, 162, 162M, 410 #localhistory #bishan #sg #singapore #monastery #sglocal #sgtrip

This is not on the usual tourist map for Singapore but worth the visit. It is an amazing Temple complex. There is so much to see here. Many buildings with places to worship or meditate. You can wander around the gardens. We visited on a Saturday and it was not very busy. There were some monks wandering around and some worshiping in the main hall. Beautiful place and well worth a visit. Enjoy the views of the nice and crafty architecture of the temple. The bohdi tree and statues of Guanyin are worth to take pictures as keepsake. Efforts has been put in to maintain the outlook of the temple. There is also a small coffee shop for refreshments. #maydaytrip #rediscoversg #urbanexplorer

#springitinerary The monastery was initially constructed on land donated by Chinese businessman Tay Woo Seng. Under the leadership of its second abbot, Venerable Hong Choon, who served from 1943 to 1990, the monastery underwent substantial expansion. During his tenure, the complex grew to include multiple prayer halls, the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, and other significant structures, transforming it into a prominent center for Buddhist practice in Singapore. #travel #couplestrip

#springitinerary Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery also known as Bright Hill Temple, is Singapore’s largest Mahayana Buddhist temple, located at 88 Bright Hill Road in Bishan. Established in 1921 by Venerable Zhuan Dao, the monastery was founded to propagate Buddhism and provide lodging for monks. It has since evolved into a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in Singapore. #travel #couplestrip

#singaporeguide During Vesak Day at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, visitors can enjoy delicious meals and meaningful activities while celebrating this special occasion. The monastery offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, including comforting bowls of noodles and tasty desserts, ice cream and drinks, some are free, and some are at affordable prices. In the spirit of generosity, local food stalls and vendors set up around the temple premises, these meals are not only delicious but also prepared with care and kindness, reflecting the Buddhist values of compassion and sharing. Another meaningful activity is sutra copying, where devotees handwrite Buddhist scriptures as a form of meditation and devotion. This practice allows people to reflect on the teachings of Buddha, cultivate mindfulness, and find inner peace. Many believe that copying sutras brings spiritual blessings and deepens one's understanding of Buddhist philosophy. With free food, affordable meals, and enriching traditions like sutra copying, Vesak Day at Kong Meng San Monastery is a truly special experience that nourishes both the body and the soul.

Vesak Day is one of the most significant Buddhist celebrations, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. At Kong Meng San Monastery in Singapore, the day is marked by spiritual activities and meaningful traditions. As Singapore's largest Mahayana Buddhist temple, it serves as a key venue for Vesak Day festivities. The monastery is adorned with lanterns and flags, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Devotees light candles and oil lamps, symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment. Vesak Day is also a time for acts of generosity. The monastery hosts charity events, including donation drives and free activities for children such as balloon giveaways, magic shows, and arts and crafts, promoting kindness and compassion. It’s a day that unites people in a spirit of peace and goodwill. Address: 88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117. Nearest MRT: Bright Hill Admission is free.

#singaporetrip So I traded Singapore’s skyscrapers for something way more peaceful—the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, and wow, this place is like a spiritual theme park (minus the rollercoasters, plus all the zen). First Impressions: The second I walked through the giant Four Heavenly Kings gate, the city noise disappeared. Incense smoke curled through the air, mixing with the faint sound of chanting. The main hall’s golden Buddha statue literally glowed—no filter needed. ✨ Unexpected Moment: I was trying to look contemplative near the Buddhist Culture Museum when a squad of temple cats materialized. One flopped over for belly rubs like "Enlightenment can wait." (I obliged.) Hidden Gem: Behind the main complex, there’s a quiet garden with a mini waterfall and stone bridges. Perfect for: • Pretending you’re in a kung fu movie 🎋 • Actually meditating (if you’re disciplined, unlike me) Foodie Detour: The monastery’s vegetarian canteen serves insanely good mock meat dishes—think "char siu" bao and laksa so rich you won’t miss the shrimp. Pro tip: Go before noon—the aunties don’t play when they run out of food. 🥢 Quick Itinerary: ⏰ 9AM: Arrive early, beat the heat & crowds ⏰ 10AM: Explore the grand halls (look up—the roof dragons are epic) ⏰ 11:30AM: Tea break at the canteen (try the herbal drinks!) ⏰ 1PM: Stroll the columbarium (surprisingly peaceful, with ocean-view niches) Don’t Miss: The Giant Ksitigarbha statue near the parking lot—it’s literally 10x taller than you and radiates big "protector of souls" energy. Final Thought: This place is Buddhism meets Wes Anderson—vibrant, orderly, and quietly magical. And yes, I left with 37 cat photos and zero regrets. Who’s up for a temple run? (The spiritual kind, not the mobile game 😉) Drop your fave quiet spots below! 👇 #SingaporeSecretSpots

“Natthi Satang Thamang Atthi, if a person has no money, they can be a person with Dharma.” The first step in, I thought there would be nothing? But it was quite big. There is an elevator to go up to see the top. There is a place to pay homage and ask for blessings from the faithful who come to visit. Mostly, there are many Chinese people in Singapore who come to ask for blessings during the holidays. Importantly, there is a free food pavilion every day. #triptakesyoutoflyandaskfornewyearblessings #takesyoutovisittemples #WatKongMengSan #ChinesetempleinSingapore #locationofWatKongMengSanSingapore #pleasefollow #travelingdhammabhikkhu #pleasepleaseprosper

#hiddengems Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery in Singapore has recently undergone an impressive renovation, and the results are breathtaking! One of the standout features is the Hall of Great Compassion, a stunning new timber pavilion. This pavilion seamlessly blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern, eco-friendly building techniques. Another notable addition is the Auspicious Dragon Pond, a serene pond adorned with waterfalls. Symbolizing auspicious power, profound wisdom, and great strength, this new pond was made possible through donations and contributions from generous devotees. The monastery also now boasts a library, adding to its appeal as a place of learning and reflection. The library is a tranquil space where visitors can immerse themselves in Buddhist literature and other insightful reads.

#SingaporeAttractions Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery is one of the most historical and culturally rich Buddhist temples in Singapore. Located on Kong Meng San in Singapore, it is a sacred place that combines Buddhist traditions, modern architecture and tranquil natural landscapes. This temple is not only a spiritual sustenance for Buddhists, but also an important place for tourists to understand Singapore's Buddhist culture and spiritual beliefs. The history and cultural background of the temple The Guangmingshan Pujue Zen Temple was built in 1920 by overseas Chinese Buddhists. As an important Buddhist temple in Singapore, it has witnessed the inheritance and development of Singapore's Buddhist culture. The name of the temple, "Pu Jue", means broad enlightenment, representing the vision of popularizing Buddhism and spreading wisdom. After nearly a hundred years of development, Guangmingshan Pujue Temple has not only become a holy place for Buddhist practice, but also an important platform for cultural exchange and social services. This temple is one of the core elements of Singapore’s Buddhist community. It not only provides a place for believers to worship and practice, but is also dedicated to promoting the Buddhist spirit and teachings of compassion. It is not only a religious place, but also a carrier of culture and history. Magnificent architecture and tranquil surroundings The architectural style of Guangmingshan Pujue Temple combines traditional Chinese Buddhist temple elements with modern design. The main hall, tower, Buddha statues and courtyards in the temple all demonstrate the exquisiteness and solemnity of Buddhist architecture. Especially the Main Hall in the temple, with its majestic architectural style and sacred atmosphere, attracts many tourists and believers to come and worship. The temple's setting is extremely peaceful, surrounded by lush gardens and greenery, providing a tranquil ambience perfect for meditation, contemplation and spiritual practice. Walking in the courtyard of the temple, it seems as if you can temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and feel the peace and comfort of the soul. Buddhist Activities and Cultural Experiences Guangmingshan Pujue Temple is not only a holy place dedicated to the Buddha, but also a cultural center for hosting Buddhist activities, lectures and ceremonies. The temple regularly holds various Buddhist celebrations and ceremonies, such as prayer activities for important festivals such as the Spring Festival and the Ullambana Festival. In addition, the temple will invite Buddhist masters and scholars to hold lectures and cultural exchanges, aiming to spread Buddhism and promote compassion and wisdom. For tourists, Guangmingshan Pujue Temple is not only a place to learn about Buddhist culture and history, but also a spiritual pure land. Here, you can participate in the temple's Buddhist courses and listen to Buddhist teachings, or you can meditate in a quiet environment and feel the profound connotation of Buddhist teachings. Visit and Transportation Guangmingshan Pujue Temple is open to the public. Visitors can freely visit the temple and feel the profoundness and solemnity of Buddhist culture. The temple is very convenient to reach and is located on Dunearn Road in Singapore, not far from the city center of Singapore. Visitors can choose to take the MRT to nearby Braddell Station or Toa Payoh Station and then take a bus or walk to the destination. Conclusion Guangmingshan Pujue Zen Temple is one of the most representative Buddhist temples in Singapore. It not only provides a place for Buddhists to practice and worship Buddha, but also provides tourists with an opportunity to understand Buddhist culture and purify their souls. Whether you are seeking spiritual tranquility or want to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and culture, this temple can bring you profound inspiration and experience.

#singaporetrip The Buddhist temple complex in Bishan, Singapore, is sometimes referred to as Bright Hill Temple. Located in Singapore, it's the biggest monastery. A large statue of the Buddha is located in the meditation hall. A place full of tranquility to get away from the buzz from the modern city life. An interesting place that has mixture of both old and new architecture buildings, attendants in the temple premises are friendly.

#singaporetrip The Buddhist temple complex in Bishan, Singapore, is sometimes referred to as Bright Hill Temple. Located in Singapore, it's the biggest monastery. A large statue of the Buddha is located in the meditation hall. You can have lunch in the canteen if you visit during the first half of the day, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A place full of tranquility to get away from the buzz from the modern city life. An interesting place that has mixture of both old and new architecture buildings, attendants in the temple premises are friendly.

The Zen Cafe at Kong Meng San Monastery offers a tranquil ambiance, perfect for a calming experience. While their vegetarian bentos might be average, the vegan fruit cake steals the show with its delightful taste. The coffee is decent, although not exceptional. What truly stands out is the serene atmosphere that envelops you, making it an envy-inducing, calming haven to unwind and relax. At the café, you'll also find antique teapots, cups, and vases available for purchase. Address: 88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117 Located in Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery #singapore

🙏🌸 As soon as you enter the Pujue Temple, you will see many beautiful flowers and green trees, as well as the temple’s architecture and decorations, and appreciate the beautiful natural scenery and cultural art! 🌳🍚 I can also enjoy cheap vegetarian food such as vegetarian rice and vegetarian soup. These vegetarian dishes are provided by the temple and are very delicious, healthy and very affordable at just S$3! 🍽️🥢 While enjoying delicious food, you can also experience a quiet life and a Zen environment. You can participate in Zen courses, learn the techniques of Zen and meditation, and experience meditation and tranquility more deeply. 🙏 Let go of all your worries and enjoy meditation and tranquility! 😌🙏 Everyone felt very peaceful and calm. The atmosphere here allows me to let go of all my worries and stress and rediscover my inner peace and tranquility! 🌟 Rating: ★★★★★ Address: 88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117 Transportation: Take a bus from downtown to Guangmingshan Pujue Temple Station and walk for about 10 minutes #Pujue Zen Temple #meditation #tranquility #cheap vegetarian food #Singapore attractions

#wecreate Kong Meng Monastery has a rich history deeply intertwined with Singapore's Buddhist community. Over the years, the monastery has undergone expansions and renovations, transforming it into the magnificent complex it is today. Its architectural style blends traditional Chinese temple design with modern influences, creating a harmonious and visually striking ambiance. The intricate woodwork, colorful roof tiles, and ornate sculptures reflect the monastery's cultural heritage, providing visitors with a glimpse into the timeless traditions of Buddhism. Surrounding Kong Meng Monastery are beautifully landscaped gardens, collectively known as the Gardens of Enlightenment. These meticulously manicured outdoor spaces provide a tranquil environment for meditation, reflection, and communing with nature. Symbolic features such as lotus ponds, prayer wheels, and Bodhi trees further enhance the spiritual ambiance. Visitors can take leisurely strolls, practice mindfulness amidst the natural beauty, or engage in walking meditation, immersing themselves in the serenity and wisdom that the gardens offer. Address: 88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117 Ambiance/Facilities: 10/10 Rating: 5/5