Places of Worship

Waterloo Street is also known as “Harmony Street,” as it houses multiple places of worship for Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Jews.

Built in 1884, Kwan I'm Thong Hood Cho Temple is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Singapore. The Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, the female form of Avalokitesvara God with a thousand arms originated in India. This temple draws the largest crowd in all of Singapore during the first day of Chinese New Year. We will get a chance to see devotees shaking the divination wooden sticks inside a brass container. We will learn how does the one that falls down from the container predict their future.

The magnificently ornate Sri Krishnan Temple was constructed in 1870 in a South Indian Dravidian architecture style. The Temple is dedicated to Sri Krishnan, his consort Rukmini (Radha), and to the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The main festival associated with this temple is Janmashtami (also known as Krinashtami) celebrating Krishan’s birthday on the month of Ashtami. Devotees break their fast at midnight and bade the statue of baby Krishna with milk and honey.

Maghain-Avot Synagogue was founded in 1878 by the fathers of the Jewish Baghdadi community in Singapore. The synagogue is adjacent to the Jacob Ballas Centre where worshipers gather for social and educational events. A visit inside the synagogue will give visitors a chance to see the holy arc were the Torah Scrolls are kept, the main prayer hall and the female section above.

The Roman Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul was completed in 1870. Built by the Chinese Catholic Mission, it has a rich history serving the various Christian communities in Singapore. It was recently awarded URA’s (Urban Redevelopment Authorities) Architecture Heritage Award.

During our tour, we will learn about the history of these buildings and how they have evolved since their humble beginnings. We will also gain insight into the particular ceremonies, festivals, and deities associated with each building and how they relate to each other.

On our way we will stop at the Albert Mall Market and Hawker Centre and will also be able to enjoy the street’s specialty stores, see the local rickshaw pullers station “uncle trishaw,” and art murals created by the artist Yip Yew Chong.

Free for children under 6 years old with each accompanying adult.