Pay homage to the awakened one

Word to the wise: Book one of the tours of the museum and relic chamber that take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm. They're free and very enlightening.

This living cultural monument in the heart of Chinatown has the proud accolade of guarding what is reputedly the tooth relic of the sacred Buddha. Temples in Sri Lanka, Japan and China make the same claim, but, teeth aside—this bright, intricately designed building alone is worth a visit.

Influenced by the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala, the grand, five-storey temple houses the disputed tooth in a solid gold stupa on its fourth floor. There is also a chamber on the third level dedicated to other grizzly relics of Buddha such as bone, blood and brain.

Aside from these sacred artefacts, this complex also boasts a Buddhist culture museum dedicated to eminent Singaporean monks, a theatre for cultural performances, a shop and a reference library. Remember to dress conservatively before entering.