Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple
Kuan Yin Thong Hood Cho Temple
4
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
188 reviews
Excellent
62
Very good
91
Average
34
Poor
0
Terrible
1
badmintontim
Hastings, UK4,534 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
When we went we found the temple was very busy and the stall holders outside were selling the lotus flowers and joss sticks that the worshippers were buying to take in to the temple.
Very interesting temple and well worth a visit. Next door to the lovely Hindu temple.
Very interesting temple and well worth a visit. Next door to the lovely Hindu temple.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scorpiosingapore
Singapre1 contribution
I was extremely annoyed by the lousy attitudes of one of the two man standing behind the table in charge of giving out the interpretation lots to people at Guan Yin temple.
This happened when i passed the lot which i've prayed from guan yin- hoping that i could get the interpretation sheet from the person in charge of that particular section. But because i accidentally misplaced the tin of lots on the other side , that stupid man just shouted his heart out at me saying that I'm just like other China ppl, messing up the whole area! I was extremely irritated by his words but decided to let the matter rest since he's just an old fellow.
But to my astonishment, when I got home, I realised that my interpretation sheet wasn't the drawn lot number which I've gotten. I really think that the stupid man was out to create trouble for me. I am extremely unhappy with this experience and I must comment that ppl serving the public in such a sacred place-temple must not have such a bad attitude. Really think he should be fired so as to safeguard the interests of other ppl!
This happened when i passed the lot which i've prayed from guan yin- hoping that i could get the interpretation sheet from the person in charge of that particular section. But because i accidentally misplaced the tin of lots on the other side , that stupid man just shouted his heart out at me saying that I'm just like other China ppl, messing up the whole area! I was extremely irritated by his words but decided to let the matter rest since he's just an old fellow.
But to my astonishment, when I got home, I realised that my interpretation sheet wasn't the drawn lot number which I've gotten. I really think that the stupid man was out to create trouble for me. I am extremely unhappy with this experience and I must comment that ppl serving the public in such a sacred place-temple must not have such a bad attitude. Really think he should be fired so as to safeguard the interests of other ppl!
Written May 9, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sporean
Singapore, Singapore737 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
This is one of the most popular temple in Singapore and the one I visit frequently
No camera/photography is allowed in the temple
On festive days, devotees will be queuing up with big joss sticks (reckon its due to the hawkers selling them, people wants to pray with big joss sticks) and get into temple in batches to pray to The centre bodhisattva Avalokitesvara/ Goddess of Mercy /Guanshiyin Pusa (觀世音菩薩/觀自在菩薩)
so I don't recommend going over on festive days unless you want to capture the scenes of smoke + crowds (outside of temple)
bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is the Gold statue with 'thousand arms' and if u look closely, you will see many gold chains/crystals etc on the statue offered by devotees)
In Chinese, the meaning is the bodhisattva seeks the inner sound/cries of the beings and come to them and help them.
( 妙法蓮華經觀世音菩薩普門品 - 佛告無盡意菩薩：「善男子！若有無量百千萬億眾生受諸苦惱，聞是觀世音菩薩，一心稱名，觀世音菩薩即時觀其音聲，皆得解脫)
Behind Thousand-armed bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is Sakyamuni Buddha
To the left of bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is Tai Sui for the current year -< not very sure on this
To the right of is bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is Hua Tuo (Medicine Deity)
Devotees will offer $ by putting them into the coin bin. No pressure. The temple has been involved in many charity work. They help to maintain a community library at Chinatown, donate vehicles (i believe so)
Flowers/fruits are also offered. The flowers that can be reused will be cut off and put in a plastic bag. More for washing face etc.
Visitors to the temple will notice people throwing red crescents on floor and shaking the lots can.
There are 2 type of lots.
One is medicine lot,
the other is norma Qns lot.
If you need the medicine lot, you have to tell the helper about it and they will give you the medicine lot tin. Medicine lot don't seem to be easy because i don't think it mentioned take how many packets etc. up to individual to check with bodhisattva
Normally, devotees will kneel down and say their name, address, date of birth and their problems. it really depends on individual but for most people, they will throw the red crescent to get 'approval' to draw a lot.
The interesting part is the red crescent where one will notice devotes throwing onto the floor. This is the only way to communicate with bodhisattva Avalokitesvara on asking for lots/some other Qns.
If its both 'closed' / they land on the flat surface, then its 'No/Cannot'
If its one open, one close, its "Approve/Ok/Can"
If its both open (land on curve sides), it can be interpreted as 'Laughing' for some devotees, some to rephrase Qns etc, really depend on what one interpret but its not approved
If now, i asked a Qn and i have 'laughing' crescent, i will rephrase my Qn again.
So normally, after getting an approval from bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, one will proceed to shake the can to get the first lot out.
After this lot is out, most will throw the crescent again to ask if this is the "correct" lot
If its approve, then they will use this lot to get a pink paper slip from the helper. The pink slip has the lot number and information. There are books by the side (English/Chinese) to refer to for the lot. The lot interpretation can be very complicated too for some. Also, the book mentioned that they don't encourage people to ask for lots interpretation / analysis from the roadside hawkers. Just refer to the book.
If one gets a bad lot, they don't bring it home or out of the temple. They will just burn it off at the front of the temple where people light up their joss sticks.
As there is mantra/sutra for most of the books, please try not to put them directly on the floor/carpet.
Personally I have great belief in Guan Shi Yin Pusa. You must be sincere and believe in Guan Yin Pusa. The lot is very accurate.
As a gentle reminder, please remember to watch your belongings in the temple.
There are pickpockets around especially during busy day.
For those interested to know and really understand more about Guan Yin Pusa, please read 妙法蓮華經 -觀世音菩薩普門品 ( The Lotus Sutra). The sutra introduce bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and ask devotees to believe in bodhisattva Avalokitesvara & to call bodhisattva Avalokitesvara name when in need of help etc
In the sutra, 南無觀世音菩薩 is how the merchant address the bodhisattva
I hope that this post will help foreigners understand what we are doing in the temple with that red/pink crescent and lot sticks
No camera/photography is allowed in the temple
On festive days, devotees will be queuing up with big joss sticks (reckon its due to the hawkers selling them, people wants to pray with big joss sticks) and get into temple in batches to pray to The centre bodhisattva Avalokitesvara/ Goddess of Mercy /Guanshiyin Pusa (觀世音菩薩/觀自在菩薩)
so I don't recommend going over on festive days unless you want to capture the scenes of smoke + crowds (outside of temple)
bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is the Gold statue with 'thousand arms' and if u look closely, you will see many gold chains/crystals etc on the statue offered by devotees)
In Chinese, the meaning is the bodhisattva seeks the inner sound/cries of the beings and come to them and help them.
( 妙法蓮華經觀世音菩薩普門品 - 佛告無盡意菩薩：「善男子！若有無量百千萬億眾生受諸苦惱，聞是觀世音菩薩，一心稱名，觀世音菩薩即時觀其音聲，皆得解脫)
Behind Thousand-armed bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is Sakyamuni Buddha
To the left of bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is Tai Sui for the current year -< not very sure on this
To the right of is bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is Hua Tuo (Medicine Deity)
Devotees will offer $ by putting them into the coin bin. No pressure. The temple has been involved in many charity work. They help to maintain a community library at Chinatown, donate vehicles (i believe so)
Flowers/fruits are also offered. The flowers that can be reused will be cut off and put in a plastic bag. More for washing face etc.
Visitors to the temple will notice people throwing red crescents on floor and shaking the lots can.
There are 2 type of lots.
One is medicine lot,
the other is norma Qns lot.
If you need the medicine lot, you have to tell the helper about it and they will give you the medicine lot tin. Medicine lot don't seem to be easy because i don't think it mentioned take how many packets etc. up to individual to check with bodhisattva
Normally, devotees will kneel down and say their name, address, date of birth and their problems. it really depends on individual but for most people, they will throw the red crescent to get 'approval' to draw a lot.
The interesting part is the red crescent where one will notice devotes throwing onto the floor. This is the only way to communicate with bodhisattva Avalokitesvara on asking for lots/some other Qns.
If its both 'closed' / they land on the flat surface, then its 'No/Cannot'
If its one open, one close, its "Approve/Ok/Can"
If its both open (land on curve sides), it can be interpreted as 'Laughing' for some devotees, some to rephrase Qns etc, really depend on what one interpret but its not approved
If now, i asked a Qn and i have 'laughing' crescent, i will rephrase my Qn again.
So normally, after getting an approval from bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, one will proceed to shake the can to get the first lot out.
After this lot is out, most will throw the crescent again to ask if this is the "correct" lot
If its approve, then they will use this lot to get a pink paper slip from the helper. The pink slip has the lot number and information. There are books by the side (English/Chinese) to refer to for the lot. The lot interpretation can be very complicated too for some. Also, the book mentioned that they don't encourage people to ask for lots interpretation / analysis from the roadside hawkers. Just refer to the book.
If one gets a bad lot, they don't bring it home or out of the temple. They will just burn it off at the front of the temple where people light up their joss sticks.
As there is mantra/sutra for most of the books, please try not to put them directly on the floor/carpet.
Personally I have great belief in Guan Shi Yin Pusa. You must be sincere and believe in Guan Yin Pusa. The lot is very accurate.
As a gentle reminder, please remember to watch your belongings in the temple.
There are pickpockets around especially during busy day.
For those interested to know and really understand more about Guan Yin Pusa, please read 妙法蓮華經 -觀世音菩薩普門品 ( The Lotus Sutra). The sutra introduce bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and ask devotees to believe in bodhisattva Avalokitesvara & to call bodhisattva Avalokitesvara name when in need of help etc
In the sutra, 南無觀世音菩薩 is how the merchant address the bodhisattva
I hope that this post will help foreigners understand what we are doing in the temple with that red/pink crescent and lot sticks
Written March 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C_TanSingapore
Singapore43 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
During the 1st and 15th of the lunar calendar date, this temple will be very crowded especially in the afternoon. So if you need to go there on these dates, try to visit the temple early the morning. Other than these dates, you may also visit this temple in the morning so that you can find a seat inside the temple and sit to reflect and observe.The temple open at 6am daily if i am not wrong. For foreigners, please take note that photographing is not allowed in the temple. As the temple is sometime becoming very crowded, the staff will clear the incense quickly even you just put your incense. It is fine so long you have done your prayer before placing the incense. The staff have to clear the incense fast so as to allow other worshippers to place their incense.
Written April 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
satoyuriko
singapore211 contributions
Mar 2012 • Solo
In order to understand the lives of most Singaporean Chinese, this is definitely the place to see. I even know of younger colleagues or friends who pray at this temple (most younger generation might see Taosim or Buddhism as a form of superstitious or an old fashion religion).
The temple is always crowded on 1st and 15th of the Chinese Lunar month, other special festivals (e.g. Vesak day), and definitely on the Chinese New Year eve (people believed that it's extremely lucky to be the one who offers the first joss stick at the strike of midnight).
You'll be able to buy some stuff for offerings to the Goddess of Mercy from the multiple stalls rigt outside the temple - from flowers to joss sticks. Don't forget to try the vegetarian food stalls or restaurants around the area as well as several shops which are selling religious products, crystals or Feng Shui products (might be good as souvenirs).
As for the locals - other than offering the joss sticks to Goddess of Mercy and telling Her your wishes, we tend to offer some money to the donation box (for upkeep of the temple and the kidney dialysis centre etc). In return, you can get some candy or flowers in a pack (bathing with these flowers will cleanse away bad luck and make you a more loveable person) at the offering table.
People who are in doubt of their future / lives / fortune will do a ritual of Kau Cim (get the jiaobei blocks and kau cim cylinder from the counter at the right side of the temple's inner hall) - first toss the jiaobei blocks (while reciting in your mind the question that you want to ask the Goddess e.g. "would i cross this hurdle safely?") - one of the block should face up while the other should ace down - this signifies that you can proceed to the next step. Holding the cylinder with the kau cim sticks, shake it till one of the sticks falls out of the cylinder. Thank the Goddes and proceed to the counter and notify the staff at the counter re: the number of your kau cim stick. Read up the interpretation from the Mandarin/ English interpretaton books near the counter or with a little money - proceed to one of the fortune stalls right outside the temple - the gentlemen will be able to interpret for you. Frankly I find it very accurate and I often visit the temple to do kau cim when I'm in doubt.
The temple is always crowded on 1st and 15th of the Chinese Lunar month, other special festivals (e.g. Vesak day), and definitely on the Chinese New Year eve (people believed that it's extremely lucky to be the one who offers the first joss stick at the strike of midnight).
You'll be able to buy some stuff for offerings to the Goddess of Mercy from the multiple stalls rigt outside the temple - from flowers to joss sticks. Don't forget to try the vegetarian food stalls or restaurants around the area as well as several shops which are selling religious products, crystals or Feng Shui products (might be good as souvenirs).
As for the locals - other than offering the joss sticks to Goddess of Mercy and telling Her your wishes, we tend to offer some money to the donation box (for upkeep of the temple and the kidney dialysis centre etc). In return, you can get some candy or flowers in a pack (bathing with these flowers will cleanse away bad luck and make you a more loveable person) at the offering table.
People who are in doubt of their future / lives / fortune will do a ritual of Kau Cim (get the jiaobei blocks and kau cim cylinder from the counter at the right side of the temple's inner hall) - first toss the jiaobei blocks (while reciting in your mind the question that you want to ask the Goddess e.g. "would i cross this hurdle safely?") - one of the block should face up while the other should ace down - this signifies that you can proceed to the next step. Holding the cylinder with the kau cim sticks, shake it till one of the sticks falls out of the cylinder. Thank the Goddes and proceed to the counter and notify the staff at the counter re: the number of your kau cim stick. Read up the interpretation from the Mandarin/ English interpretaton books near the counter or with a little money - proceed to one of the fortune stalls right outside the temple - the gentlemen will be able to interpret for you. Frankly I find it very accurate and I often visit the temple to do kau cim when I'm in doubt.
Written March 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lim CT
Singapore, Singapore190 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
If you are in the vicinity of Waterloo Street, Bugis or Rochor area, do visit the famous Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. Entrance is free and it is opened daily from 6.00am to 6.00pm.
At the main central altar, Shakyamuni Buddha is seated behind Goddess Kuan Yin. They are flanked by Bodhidharma (chief of 6 Buddhists Patriach) and Hua Tuo (Chinese patron saint of medicine and healing).
Thousands of devotees turns up every day to seek blessings from Goddess Kuan Yin.
You need not buy joss sticks as devotees donate and place them in the big metal box located at each side of the entrance.
Offer 3 joss sticks as you seek blessings and place the 3 joss sticks into the big urn before you enter the prayer hall.
Note: Do not bring joss sticks into the prayer hall. Also, no photo taking is allowed inside the prayer hall. Do dress appropriately too.
If you intend to kneel and offer prayers on the red carpet, please remember to remove your footwear.
Donation is voluntary and one box each is placed on the left and right side of the altar. I understand that donations collected have been used to set up Kidney Dialysis Centre, help the underprivileged and provide bursary/scholarships to students from disadvantaged background.
After your prayers, you can collect and eat the free sweets (if available) and collect a small packet of flowers for good luck. Some devotees place the flowers in water and then bathe using the water with flowers to signify and to obtain a ‘shower of blessings’.
Many devotees come here to seek divination and guidance daily as the temple is well known for its highly accurate divination. You can refer to the divination book that will explain the divination that you have obtaining and the explanation is available in both English and Chinese languages.
If you are around Waterloo Street, Bugis or Rochor area, this is one temple that you should try to visit and one place where you can observe the locals and enjoy the Singapore atmosphere.
After your visit to the temple, you can pop by the adjacent Albert Centre Market and Food Center for some cheap and tasty local desserts and food (mainly Chinese stalls and a few Indian/Malay food stalls) on the ground floor. There are many shops selling very reasonably priced ‘dried food’ for cooking and ‘Chinese herbs’ on the 2nd floor of Albert Centre Market and take the lift (recommended) or staircase to get up there.
At the main central altar, Shakyamuni Buddha is seated behind Goddess Kuan Yin. They are flanked by Bodhidharma (chief of 6 Buddhists Patriach) and Hua Tuo (Chinese patron saint of medicine and healing).
Thousands of devotees turns up every day to seek blessings from Goddess Kuan Yin.
You need not buy joss sticks as devotees donate and place them in the big metal box located at each side of the entrance.
Offer 3 joss sticks as you seek blessings and place the 3 joss sticks into the big urn before you enter the prayer hall.
Note: Do not bring joss sticks into the prayer hall. Also, no photo taking is allowed inside the prayer hall. Do dress appropriately too.
If you intend to kneel and offer prayers on the red carpet, please remember to remove your footwear.
Donation is voluntary and one box each is placed on the left and right side of the altar. I understand that donations collected have been used to set up Kidney Dialysis Centre, help the underprivileged and provide bursary/scholarships to students from disadvantaged background.
After your prayers, you can collect and eat the free sweets (if available) and collect a small packet of flowers for good luck. Some devotees place the flowers in water and then bathe using the water with flowers to signify and to obtain a ‘shower of blessings’.
Many devotees come here to seek divination and guidance daily as the temple is well known for its highly accurate divination. You can refer to the divination book that will explain the divination that you have obtaining and the explanation is available in both English and Chinese languages.
If you are around Waterloo Street, Bugis or Rochor area, this is one temple that you should try to visit and one place where you can observe the locals and enjoy the Singapore atmosphere.
After your visit to the temple, you can pop by the adjacent Albert Centre Market and Food Center for some cheap and tasty local desserts and food (mainly Chinese stalls and a few Indian/Malay food stalls) on the ground floor. There are many shops selling very reasonably priced ‘dried food’ for cooking and ‘Chinese herbs’ on the 2nd floor of Albert Centre Market and take the lift (recommended) or staircase to get up there.
Written November 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Your Travel Buddy SG
Singapore, Singapore32,179 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
A famous place of worship for Singaporeans. Been to this temple when I was much younger and it continues to be a very revered temple in Singapore.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrTChongSG
Singapore River, Singapore54 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
Kwan imm thong hood cho temple is an extraordinary temple. I say this because I found out it does a considerable amount of philanthropic works for the community. A sight to behold from the balcony of a nearby hotel room, at night.
Written June 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael_Teoh
Singapore, Singapore422 contributions
Mar 2017
This is one of the most old and famous temple in Singapore .During festive days, devotees will be long queuing up with joss sticks to pray.
Written April 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dancer1955
Melbourne, Australia59 contributions
This temple I think was one of the best temples I have seen so far. Besides the beautiful structure of this temple it gives you a sense of peace and tranquility. There are people praying everywhere and flower stalls out front which you purchase and take inside the temple and pray then put them into a vase. These flowers are the lotus flower which is a very striking flower. I walked with calmness and peace through looking at this temple. Go see for yourself a great site not to miss!
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LEONG S
Singapore, Singapore
i want to have a photo of this temple before it was rebuilt. Thanks
Written July 18, 2020
Can anyone tell me how to get there by mrt? I understand that by taking the mrt to get off at the Bugis station, can anyone tell me which exit that I should take and how to get there after exit from Bugis station? Is there any shortcuts to get to the temple?
Thank you very much in advance!
Written August 8, 2018
Take Exit E... only about 5 mins walk (approximately 400m).
1. Head towards Victoria Street
2. About 50m turn right toward Queen Street.
3. Another 110m turn left onto Queen Street.
4. About 150m turn right onto Bencoolen Link.
5. About 110m turn left onto Waterloo Street.
6. You will reach within 6m.
Written August 10, 2018
A relative of mine recommend me to stay in Kuan Yin temple during my visit to Singapore from 23rd to 26th October 2017.
Heard of facilities for staying overnight in Kuan Yin temple,it that true?
Kindly revert.
Hiew
016 992 3154
016 395 4036
Written August 22, 2017
The temple do not provide lodging facilities. It opens at 6.30am and closes at 5.30pm. There are different ranges of accomodation available surrounding the area. Bugis MRT is nearby.
Written August 22, 2017
How to go to thia templw by mrt? What is the nearest station? Tks :)
Written December 28, 2016
From exit C, kindly cross the road and walk through the Bugis street village until you see the Albert Court Food Centre on your left. Turn left and walk till you Indian temple. This temple beside that Indian temple
Written April 28, 2016
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