Temples & religious sites
Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore
Sri Mariamman Temple
This is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, built in the Dravidian style with a tall, sculpture-covered gopuram gateway tower that stands out sharply against the shophouses of Chinatown. It's an active place of worship for the city's Tamil Hindu community, and travellers come mainly to see the tower's intricate figures and the colourful interior shrines. It's a gazetted National Monument, so the building itself carries some weight beyond being a photo stop.
Getting there
It sits on South Bridge Road in Chinatown, an easy walk from the Chinatown MRT station (exit directly onto the street) and roughly a 10-15 minute walk or short taxi ride from the Central Business District or Clarke Quay.
How much time to allow
Most visitors spend 20-30 minutes taking in the gopuram and the main hall; add extra time if a ceremony or festival is underway, as the temple gets noticeably busier and more colourful during those periods.
When to go
Mornings tend to be calmer for a quiet look around. Remember it's a working temple, not a museum, so dress modestly and expect to remove your shoes before entering.
Combine with
- Masjid Jamae (0.1km) — right next door, an easy pairing on foot.
- Thian Hock Keng (0.3km) — a short walk, giving a contrast of Chinese temple architecture.
- Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka (0.6km) and Capital Tower (0.6km) — both within a comfortable walking loop of Chinatown.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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