Singapore is a multi-racial, multi-religious country, with Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism being the most common religions. There are also active communities of other faiths including Judaism and others. There are many places of worship all over the island, and the best way to find the one most suitable for you is through visiting them yourself. Personal recommendations may also help you find your shortlist of options. However, listed below here are some of the biggest and most popular places of worship or most popular within the expatriate community.
Christian Churches:
- Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore: Provides information on the Catholic churches in Singapore, including those in popular expatriate areas (St Bernadette’s on Zion Road, St Ignacius at King’s Road, Holy Cross at , Holy Cross at Clementi, or Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on Queen Street).
- City Harvest Church:CHC is one of Singapore’s biggest evangelical churches with over 45,000 members. Occupying the Singapore Expo hall on weekends for worship and service, the Church has a number of celebrity followers as well, adding highly to its reputation. The church has two complexes, one at the East at Expo and the other in the West at Jurong West, but main services are held at the Expo. Service Timings Sat: 3.30 p.m. & 5.30 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m. & 12.30 p.m.
- Wesley Methodist Church:This is one of the oldest Methodist Churches in Singapore, centrally located in the Orchard area.
- Glory Presbyterian Church: This Church started in 1881 as an overseas mission from England. It has a long, colourful heritage and a devoted group of worshipers. As it is situated in Bukit Timah, many residents in Bukit Timah are members, which includes a sizable expatriate community.
- Church of Christ: Sunday services in English at 8 & 11, with Bible classes in English at 9:30. Evening assembly at 6pm, 347 Pasir Panjang Road, Tel: 6778 8259
- International Baptist Church Singapore: A multinational evangelical fellowship offering contemporary and traditional worship services, 81 King’s Rd, Tel: 6466 4911.
- Presbyterian Church: An English language church frequented by many expatriates with services every Sunday at 9 am and 6 pm, 3 Orchard Road, Tel: 6337 6681
- Saint George’s Church: St George’s offers traditional Anglican worship with three Sunday services and a mixed congregation popular with expatriates, Minden Road, Tel: 6473 2877.
- St Andrew’s Cathedral: One of Singapore’s most historic churches situated next to the Padang, Anglican community offers services in English and in Mandarin, 11 St. Andrew’s Road, Tel: 6337 6104.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Large, international community of Latter-Day Saints, 253 Bukit Timah Rd, Tel: 6735 5323
- The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS): A Protestant church which includes the educational, social, missionary and an ongoing ecumenical commitment, 70 Barker Road, Tel: 6478 4786.
Synagogues:
The Jewish Welfare Board maintains information on the Jewish community in Singapore. Today, there are just over 300 hundred local Jews. With expatriates and foreign workers, the Singapore Jewish community holds steady at approximately 1000. Despite the small numbers, both synagogues, Maghain Aboth and Chesed El, are active.
- Maghain Aboth Synagogue: The oldest synagogue in Singapore and all of Southeast Asia, it serves a small community of local Jews at 24 & 26 Waterloo Street, with thrice-daily services offered year-round.
- Chesed-El Synagogue: Located at Oxley Rise, it is the second synagogue built in Singapore with a total seating capacity of 370, offering Monday morning services and remaining open through the High Holidays.
Mosques:
Singapore’s large Muslim community supports numerous mosques across the island, many of which are dominated by the Malay community. One can easily find a mosque in their neighborhood, and detailed information about local mosques, Islamic education, and Halal certification can be found at Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura’s website.
- Sultan’s Mosque: The Sultan’s Mosque at 3 Muskat Street, is named after the first Sultan of Singapore, Sultan Hussein Shah. A focal point of worship for Muslims, its intricate design is also a pride of Singapore and a major attraction for tourists.
Temples:
A number of Hindu and Buddhist temples area also scattered throughout the island, some of which are famous for their outstanding architecture and historical importance.
- Thian Hock Keng Temple: Prized for its architecture, this is one of the oldest Buddhist Hokkien temples in Singapore. Once housing immigrant worshipers from China, it now serves the local population and is also a treasured asset of Singapore’s heritage and history, 158 Telok Ayer Street, Tel: 64234616.
- Sri Mariamman Temple: This is the oldest and most famous Hindu temple in Singapore and has been gazetted as a national monument in addition to its religious uses. Founded in 1827, it is now a popular tourist attraction, but it still holds a dear place in the hearts of local Hindus and is famous for wedding celebrations and festivals like Deepavali and Thaipusam, 244 South Bridge Road, in the downtown Chinatown district.
