What to do and see in Bukit Merah, Singapore: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites

Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore

Wat Ananda Metyarama is the oldest and first Thai Buddhist temple in Singapore following Theravada Buddhism. Built in 1920 and located along Jalan Bukit Merah Road situated on top of a small hill it is my holy place to pray, make merits, retreat and meditate to enlighten my spirits and free myself of stress and problems in the presence of Lord Buddha. The temple is distinguishable along Jalan Bukit Merah road on an elevated small hill with its Golden Pagoda and Red pointed roofs. An elegant traditional Thai temple staircase made of red tiles where two Green Naga Serpents are guarding both sides of the stairs. Different colors of crystals also adorn the stairs. There are 2 ways to enter the temple - via the stairs or via the vehicle driveway. If you don't have a car via the stairs is recommended and it's also a very holistic experience entering this way by foot. Half-way through the stairs you would see 2 Golden Angels or Thepphanom praying and facing towards the gate stairs. They also serve a guardians and protector of the temple. As you reach the gate you would see a beautiful mural depicting the life of Lord Buddha. And as you made your way up to your left you could see 3 Buddha statues: A small Grey stone Japanese Buddha, a leaning and seating White Chinese Lady Buddha. You have to go to the driveway for vehicles before you enter the main temple. Because of the current pandemic, QR code check-in is a must and temperature checks are required upon you enter. Once cleared the attendant will put a small dot sticker in your top clothes. A Golden Chinese Buddha is placed right at the center of the main entrance and on its sides are the incense for offerings and small fire lamps to lit them up. Behind is the entrance to the main altar both left and right. The monks are seating at the right entrance to give prayers and receive offerings. On your left is the entrance in the main alter. Before entering you must leave your footwear just before the steps. The main temple is very beautiful showcasing traditional Thai temple altars. The floor is wood with a huge red carpet at the centers. The walls including the ceiling depict murals of Buddha and his path to enlightenment. At the center lies the huge Golden statue of seating Lord Buddha as well as a couple of smaller standing statues mostly in Gold as well in standing and praying positions. There are also 2 Lotus flower lamp holders place on each side in front of the altar. Offering of flowers, candles and other gifts are placed in front just below the altar. There is an offering box as well on the left side below the altar and you could get free water as well. Safe distancing markers are placed in the floors where you could kneel and pray. If you would like to receive blessings from the monk as well as make offerings you could get a red packets place near the doors and offer to the monk by placing on the Golden plate. The monk will then provide his blessings and prayers to you. You need to fall in line in case several worshipers are there. In front of the main temple between the doors is a statue of the its founding monk. If you would like to make flower offerings, buy souvenirs or make offering there is a small store just to the left of the main entrance. I usually buy 2 Jasmine garlands one for offering and the other one to bring back home. To the right of the temple grounds lies the statue of seating Golden Four Faced Buddha with each representing different good merits for Health & Family, Good luck, Business and Education. Enclosed in Glass with Ornate Decor and surrounded by golden coloured grilled fences. 1 Lady Buddha and 1 more Buddha statues are placed in their own altars just further right of the Four faced Buddha. The temple grounds is also a columbarium and a monastery too. Truly, I felt very blessed and lucky to be able to visit, pray, make merits, reflect and meditate on this Holy Ground.