Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum

This $59m, five-storey Buddhist complex is a house of worship and a few museums rolled into one. Located on the third storey is the Buddhist Cultural Museum, that displays a selection of rare artefacts detailing the history of Buddhism and the different traditions practised in Asian countries. On the same floor, located at the rear of the hall, you’ll find the Sacred Buddha Relics Chamber. This houses what are regarded as the Brains, Blood, Muscle and Flesh Relics of Buddha. According to the religion’s beliefs, these items are supposedly Buddha’s body in eternal form. They generally come in three sizes – akin to a mustard seed, rice grain or kidney bean – and are usually in the colours of white (denoting bone), gold (flesh) and orangey-red (brain). A must-see is the 15-foot Maitreya Buddha that sits on the ground floor of the main hall. Prayers are conducted at 8am depending on a specific deity’s birthday.