Jan. 22, 2024

Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple

“There’s a Thai Temple in Keat Hong?!” my friend asked, almost in disbelief.

I’d been to CCK (Choa Chu Kang) but never knew there’s a Thai temple there.

I proudly brought up a Google page and passed it to him, glad that I managed to share yet another hidden gem with someone else.

We continued our chatter before he dropped me at Yio Chu Kang, before I started making my way there.

A mix of nervousness and anxiousness, it’s been a while since I’d been out and about much since the accident. It was in the recent months that I started connecting back with my religion again, or maybe inner peace.

Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple Keat Hong Singapore

I wasn’t exactly super religious, but I’d always felt that the teachings of Buddha are a good meta to follow. Or rather, I loosely refer to them as a moral guide or help if I’m feeling lost.

Located within a 5-minute walk away from South View MRT hides a temple that’s almost obscured by the multi-storey carpark. Tucked by the slope, around the wings of the HDB flats, one would have never known unless they ventured into the estate.

I saw the familiar roofs as I trotted down the crimson bricks, akin to the yellow brick road that brings me to a seemingly another world.

Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple Keat Hong Singapore

Despite being a “hidden” temple, I love how everything is considered “foreigner-friendly.” With guides in English, from directional and numbered stations and posts, to the number of joss sticks to offer, the simple instructions make it easy for beginners to join in. The monks are friendly, well-versed in English, and they’re more than happy to guide or help if you need.

Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple Keat Hong Singapore

I went through every post and station, mumbling my more matured prayers. Instead of wishing for windfalls, I’m leaning more towards the fruition of labor, success of hard work, and health.

Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple Keat Hong Singapore

It was really nice to see Pidta again, the last stop, where this particular deity was told to be my guardian in my life. Someone I spoke to in prayers and wore daily. I kneeled down, put my hands together, and uttered my prayers, thoughts, and some things I’d like to change.

And I always want to come back here again, as a better person.

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Details
Name: Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple
Address: 32B Hong San Ter, Singapore 688785
Opening Hours: 6:30 am–6:30 pm
(Website)