10 Things to do in Singapore and Malaysia as the Year Draws to a Close

10 Things to do in Singapore and Malaysia as the Year Draws to a Close

And so another year is almost over and a new one is about to begin. 

December is a time of celebration and spending time with family and friends. It is also a time of reflection and giving thanks. There is, of course, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day as we usher in 2025.

With plenty of Buddhist activities around Singapore and across the causeway to take part in, from camps for kids to Dhamma talks by venerable Buddhists, let this holiday season be a memorable and meaningful one for you!

(1) Venerable Thubten Chodron Dhamma Talk: Three Principal Aspects of the Path

Learn from the Venerable Thubten Chodron, monk and author.

Wondering how to establish a firm foundation for your Dhamma practice? In this talk, Ven. Chodron shares the advice in the text “Three Principal Aspects of the Path” by the great Tibetan scholar and practitioner Lama Tsongkhapa. The text focuses on cultivating renunciation, bodhicitta, and the wisdom of realising emptiness.

  • Participants are requested to consider wearing a mask out of courtesy toward Ven. Chodron.
  • Hard copies of the text will be made available during the talk itself. You may wish to first read it here

When: 5th December (Thursday) 7:30pm – 9pm

Venue: The Buddhist Library, 2 Lorong 24A, Geylang, Singapore 398526

Want to know more? You can find out here!

(2)  Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco 

Did you know that pagodas are related to Buddhism?

Pagodas are typically built as monuments within Buddhist temples and their design and structure can be traced back to that of the first stupa built in ancient India.

This exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum showcases a set of 84-hand-carved model pagodas that embody the diversity of iconic pagodas from different regions and historical periods. 

These were originally made in Shanghai and travelled thousands of miles away to San Francisco for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915. 

When: 31st May 2024 – 1st June 2025

Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555

Want to know more? You can find out here!

(3) Camp for Children: “Spread Love, Share Gratitude, Grow Kindness”

The Buddhist Library Sunday School is organising a two-day camp by Ven. Faxun, who has taught at various Buddhist centres in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. . 

The BLs Sunday School Teachers and Volunteers are planning a series of well-crafted and meaningful activities. It is aimed at children from primary grades three to six.

When: 13th – 14th December (Friday – Saturday)

Venue:  Sports Hub, Kallang at 8.45 am for Day 1. Remainder at The Buddhist Library, The Buddhist Library, 2 Lorong 24A, Geylang, Singapore 398526

Want to know more? Find out here!

(4) Seven-Day Zen Meditation Retreat

Sitting and walking meditation, chanting, Kong An practice, breathing, fasting.

By practising Zen meditation, we can find the correct direction for our lives and realise our true nature. We can live in wisdom and compassion.

When:  23-29th December (Monday to Sunday)

Venue: Pengerang International Zen Meditation Centre. Lot. 109 Telok Ramunia, 81620 Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia

Want to know more? You can find out here!

(5) Spring Cleaning

Come and join Poh Ming Tse Temple for Spring Cleaning! Take part in this working meditation and experience the joy of letting go and creating space for new things.

When: 22nd December (Friday), 10 am – 5 pm

Where: Poh Ming Tse Temple, Dunearn Road, Singapore 289613

Want to know more? You can find out here!

(6) Eight Precepts Retreat

The Eight Precepts is the code of ethics laid down by Buddha to aid lay Buddhists in their spiritual practice where they get to experience short-term monastic life. Other than being auspicious to observe the Eight Precepts, it also helps one to dilute out the bad kamma one has created.

When:  31st December (Tuesday), 7pm to 1st January (Wednesday) 8am

Venue: Kwan Yin Chan Lin Zen Meditation Centre No. 21 Lorong 25 Geylang, Singapore 388299

Want to know more? You can find out here!

(7) Youth Mindful Hiking Retreat

Join Youth Dhammafarers as they get hands-on applying mindfulness and learning the Dhamma through hiking with Āyasmā Aggacitta!

When: 5-8th December

Venue: BSF Retreat Centre, Hulu Langat, on the eastern outskirts of Kuala Lumpur

Want to know more? You can find out here!

(8) 1000-Armed Chenrezig Retreat

Ven. Thubten Chodron explains and guides the practice of visualizing and meditating on the Chenrezig/ Guan Yin with a thousand arms and eyes reaching out to alleviate the sufferings of all beings.

When: 8th December (Sunday), 10am-4pm

Venue: Amitabha Buddhist Centre, 44 Lorong 25A Geylang

Want to know more? Find out here!

 (9) One Day Shurangama Mantra Retreat

Welcome the new year with peace, clarity, and purpose. Join Poh Ming Tse Temple for a one-day Shurangama Retreat on New Year’s Day. This special retreat offers an opportunity for us all to put aside worldly concerns, and to experience the power of immersing ourselves in meditation, chanting, and reflection in a community setting.

When: January 1st (Wednesday), 8.30am-5pm

Venue: Poh Ming Tse Temple, 438 Dunearn Rd, Singapore 289613

Want to know more? You can find out here!

(10) New Year Celebration

Join Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery for festivities, heartfelt prayers, and offerings to the Triple Gem. Let us aspire to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings together and usher in a new year filled with prosperity and abundant blessings for all.

When: 1st January (Wednesday), 6am to mid-afternoon

Venue: 88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117 

Want to know more? You can find out here!

6 Unique Vesak Experiences around Singapore You Can’t Miss in 2024

6 Unique Vesak Experiences around Singapore You Can’t Miss in 2024

Vesak isn’t just another public holiday – it’s a day where Buddhists come together to commemorate the Buddha and his teachings, reflecting on the path to enlightenment and spreading love and compassion to all beings. In Singapore, Buddhist centres and temples are celebrating Vesak day as early as May 12th, many with the common theme of universal love and peace. We’ve rounded up some truly unique experiences that are sure to make this Vesak 2024 one to remember. So, whether you’re seeking inner peace or simply looking for a fun-filled day out by yourself, with your friends, and family, we’ve got something for everyone this Vesak. 

Here are 6 Uniquely Memorable Vesak 2024 Experiences You Can’t-Miss:

Image credit: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Facebook page

1. Three Steps, One Bow Ceremony

Every year, hundreds of Buddhists of different ages would gather at Bright Hill Temple, a.k.a Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, for the “three steps, one bow” ceremony.

It is a timeless tradition where gratitude and repentance intertwine with the power of determination and perseverance. Originating from the strenuous pilgrimages of ancient Buddhist monks, this ceremony has evolved into a meditative practice where devotees circumambulate the temple, bowing once every three steps while chanting mantras or the Buddha’s name. Each bow carries profound reverence not just for the Buddha but also for the boundless wisdom embodied by countless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. 

Starting in the evening and concluding at dawn the next day, the ceremony’s duration mirrors the arduous journey towards enlightenment, highlighting the paramount importance of resolve in surmounting challenges. With the breaking dawn marking the ceremony’s culmination, it symbolises the dispelling of ignorance along the path to enlightenment.

Register online or onsite to secure your spot, as tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to two per person, while stocks last. 


When:  21 May 2024, 5.30pm –  22 May 2024, 7am
 

Address: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See
88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117
Starting point: Hall of Great Strength 

For more information: Click here

P.S: Can’t get your slot at KMSPKS? You can do the devotional practice at Bukit Gombak Stadium too! KYCL Zen meditation centre too is organising the 3-step, 1-bow ceremony, graced by Minister of Culture, Ms Low Yen Ling on the 21 May (Tues), 6.30pm.


Image Credit: KYCL Zen Meditation Centre, Mass meditation during Vesak day 2023

2. Mass Meditation Blessing For World Peace

As we navigate through turbulent times, Vesak events such as the Mass Meditation Blessing for World Peace organised by KYCL Zen Meditation Centre stand as beacons of hope and unity.

Set against the backdrop of Bukit Gombak Stadium on Sunday, May 19 from 6:30 to 9:30 AM, participants will embark on a journey of inner exploration and communal harmony. New to meditation? Fret not. The session will be guided by esteemed Zen Master Dae Bong and Venerable Chi Boon, with a combination of walking and sitting meditation. Through the practice of collective meditation, attendees can tap into the profound potential within themselves to effect positive change, echoing the timeless wisdom of Vesak to illuminate the path towards a more peaceful and compassionate world. 

Do register early to book your slot.

When: 19 May 2024, 6:30 – 9:30 AM

Venue: Bukit Gombak Stadium 

800 Bukit Batok West Ave. 5 
Singapore 659081

For more information: Click here


Image credit: Palelai Buddhist Temple Facebook page

3. Alms Giving (Pindapata)

Alms-giving is central to the Theravada tradition, where monks rely on lay devotees for daily sustenance and offer teachings in return. In Singapore, this tradition is uniquely upheld by Palelai Buddhist Temple monks, who continue the practice daily at various locations in the Eastern part of Singapore. Here, locals and visitors can partake in the sacred act of giving, fostering generosity, compassion, and spiritual connection. Especially during Vesak, this experience takes on added significance, providing a rare opportunity to engage with Buddhist teachings and the spirit of generosity firsthand. 

First time offering alms? Selecting items that fit easily into monks’ alms bowls is ideal. Common offerings include cooked rice, packet drinks, fruits, snack packs, and similar items. As monks in this tradition observe the precept of not possessing money, it’s important to avoid offering cash directly to them. Instead, express your generosity through tangible items or consider making monetary donations at the temple’s office. The lay committee will allocate these funds to support the monks’ daily sustenance as needed.

When: 22 May 2024 (Wed), 8.30 – 9.00am

Venue: Palelai Buddhist Temple
49 Bedok Walk, Singapore 469145

For more information: Click here


Image Credit: https://www.sbm.sg/mindfulblossoms

4. Mindfulness for Kids! 

This Vesak Day, Singapore Buddhist Mission and EtonHouse Nature Pre-School bring to you an inaugural Mindful Blossoms event , aiming to promote Mindfulness in children and families via an engaging fusion of play and learn.

The event will be held at EtonHouse Nature Pre-School, a campus nestled in lush nature with, who is passionate about promoting well-being in innovative outdoor spaces to promote learning in nature. Mindful Blossoms will be graced by Guest-of-Honour, Ms Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliment, who is passionate about promoting well-being in families. ​

When: 18 May 2024 (Sat), 8:45am to 12:00pm 

Venue: EtonHouse Nature Pre-School
718 Mountbatten Rd, Singapore 437738

Sign up here: https://www.sbm.sg/mindfulblossoms


Credits: Baby Blessing at Fo Guang Shan New Zealand

5. Baby Blessing

It is every parent’s wish that their children grow up healthy, wise, and blessed with merit. Fo Guang Shan in Singapore will host the Yulin Prayer Ceremony 【毓麟祈福】 on the weekend before Vesak Day, dedicated to blessing infants aged 5 years and below. 

The ceremony, with “Yu” symbolising nurturing and education and  “Lin” representing Qilin’er, aims to invoke blessings from Buddha and Bodhisattva for the well-being and protection of every newborn. Through this compassionate act, Fo Guang Shan extends its wishes for a bright and joyful future for all newborns under the loving guidance of enlightened beings.

When: 18 May (Sat), 9am (reporting time)

Venue: Fo Guang Shan
1 Punggol Place, Singapore 828844

More information about the Fo Guang Shan’s Vesak activities : Click here


Credits: Amitabha Buddhist Centre Facebook page

6. Fire Puja

Yamantaka Fire Puja is a revered ceremony of the ancient tradition within Tibetan Buddhism and is known for its transformative power. Held annually at the open space beside Aljunied MRT station, this event is a cornerstone of the Amitabha Buddhist Centre’s Vesak celebration. 

The Fire Puja is revered as the king of all pujas due to its unparalleled potency in clearing obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Offering various substances through burning, each item holds specific significance, such as grains for strength, crepe grass for longevity, kusha grass for purification, and butter for wealth. These offerings symbolise different aspects of spiritual growth and success, making the Fire Puja a vital practice for devotees seeking blessings and guidance on their spiritual journey. 

This year, devotees and students of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche have the opportunity to honor and pay respects to this remarkable teacher at the Memorial Altar. It’s a time to reflect on and commemorate the profound teachings and legacy he has left behind for generations to come.

When: 19 May (Sun), 7pm

Venue: Aljunied MRT Open Ground

More information about the event: Click here


There are more than 50 Vesak Day activities happening across the island. To explore more, check out the Handful of Leaves’ Buddhist Directory, a Buddhist directory that features events, activities, communities and temples in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

This list is just a starting point for celebrating Vesak Day. The most sincere offering we can make to honour the Buddha is the dedication of our practice.

Consider:

  1. embracing the 5 or 8 precepts for a day,
  2. engage in meditation,
  3. and delve into the reading of the suttas (discourses)

And if you’re new to Buddhism, we invite you to explore the practical teachings that can be applied in your daily life by subscribing to our channels: 

Telegram: t.me/handfulofleaves

Instagram: instagram.com/handful_of_leaves

Facebook: fb.com/handfulofleaves.life

Happy Vesak day!

5 Must-Visit Local Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur & Petaling Jaya Malaysia

5 Must-Visit Local Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur & Petaling Jaya Malaysia

Are you a vegetarian or vegan visiting Petaling Jaya or Kuala Lumpur? You’re in luck! These cities are home to a thriving vegetarian and vegan food scene, offering a diverse array of delicious plant-based options. If you’re searching for mouthwatering meat-free meals serving local Malaysian dishes, here are 5+1 must-visit vegetarian/vegan restaurants to add to your itinerary.

1. Savor of Life: Vegan Options – Kuala Lumpur 

Credits: Savor Restaurant

Address: 38G, Jalan 28/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Savor is a newly opened vegan restaurant in 2023 at Desa Sri Hartamas. Savor offers a fusion of local Malaysian, Italian, Thai and American cuisine. I was a frequent customer of Savor when they were doing food deliveries before launching their restaurant and I wanted to spotlight their vegan local Malaysian dishes.

They managed to create local dishes that I never thought were possible to be delicious when made vegan. My personal favourites are the Nasi Kerabu with “chicken” percik, Tofu masak 3 rasa and salted egg yuba. 

Average dish prices range from RM32 to RM38.

2. Nature’s Recipe Cafe: Vegetarian & Vegan Options – Petaling Jaya

Credits: HappyCow

Address: 12, Jalan B/1E, Pjs 8, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Nature’s recipe cafe has been around in PJ for many years, they are well known by locals and residents for their hearty vegetarian Malaysian dishes such as their vegetarian sambal petai. Their dishes are affordable and perfect for those craving for home-cooked dishes like nasi kunyit, laksa, vegetarian bak kut teh, vegetarian dim sum and more. 

Average dish prices range from RM12.50 to RM18.

3. Chin Swee Vegeciting: Vegetarian Options – Petaling Jaya

Credits: Vegeciting.com

Address: Lot 609 E- Street, Lower Ground Floor, 1Utama Shopping Mall, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Chin Swee Vegeciting is an award winning vegetarian restaurant that is located in one of the popular shopping malls in Petaling Jaya, 1 Utama. They are the first vegetarian restaurant in Malaysia to be awarded the World Top Gourmet Award in 2019. They pride themselves on their ‘atas’ Chinese/Japanese fusion ‘zi char’ plant based dishes. They have branches in Genting Highlands and Publika (Kuala Lumpur). 

4. The Vegan Place: Vegan Options – Kuala Lumpur

Credits: Zafigo

Address: 4, Jalan 28/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan

If you’re looking for local vegan Malaysian dishes like vegetarian satay, nasi lemak, asam laksa, nasi goreng kampung and more, you should not miss out on The Vegan Place. If your company is not craving for local Malaysian cuisine but you are, they also serve pasta, burgers and Thai dishes. 

Average dish prices range from RM18 to RM28.

  1. The Ganga Cafe: Vegetarian Options – Kuala Lumpur
Credits: The City List

Address: 19, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, 59100, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur 

Although most banana leaf rice stores have vegetarian options, they are usually limited. If you’re looking for one that is completely vegetarian with a wider variety of vegetarian side dishes, you must not miss The Ganga Cafe. 

This is a popular spot among vegetarians craving for healthier options of banana leaf rice, biryani and chapati. This restaurant is also located near a Nyonya restaurant called Baba Low’s, although they are not a vegetarian Nyonya restaurant, their cendol is plant-based and worth trying. 

Average dish prices range from RM9 to RM28.

6. Young Sanna Mee: Not a vegetarian restaurant but has vegetarian options

Credits: Eat Drink Kl

Address: Various branches around Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, you can just google ‘Young Sanna Mee’ and find the one closest to you when you wish to visit. 

This place is not a vegetarian or vegan restaurant, however they have a few scrumptious vegetarian dishes that I frequently return for. Whenever I come back to KL, I’ll always make a trip to Young Sanna Mee with my family for their Vege sanna mee with either their pumpkin or spinach noodles. 

Their vege soup has a light yet flavourful soup that does not make you feel thirsty after drinking and the best part is the soup is refillable. The dish is hearty, warm and healthy. I haven’t come across this dish yet in Singapore hence it made its way to this list as a vegetarian-friendly ‘local dish’ to try in Malaysia.

Average dish prices range from RM18 to RM30

Whether you’re a vegetarian or vegan traveler, Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur have plenty of superb options for you. These five must-visit restaurants offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, ensuring you’ll find something delicious to satisfy your cravings while exploring these vibrant cities in Malaysia.

12 must-try, affordable vegetarian/vegan restaurants for Singapore 2024

12 must-try, affordable vegetarian/vegan restaurants for Singapore 2024

In 2023, 700k people pledged to try going vegan for a month. Will you join them in 2024? We are sharing a list of top vegan/vegetarian-friendly places to check out and support this effort to go meat-free in Singapore.

Long gone are the days when going ‘vegetarian/vegan’ meant eating miserably yellowish salad leaves for lunch. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Singapore, whether you are seeking something meat-free for health, animal compassion/welfare, religious reasons, or the environment. We have left out the kopitiams and hawkers as these change quite a bit!

Here is the list of 12 plant-based places to eat across Singapore.

1. Warung Ijo: Indonesian

Image from: HappyCow

I personally never thought I could eat Indonesian food ever since I became a vegetarian. Warung Ijo is a Godsent (Buddhasent?). Their highlights include Kalasan Chicken Rice, Nasi Lemak Rendang, and Tempe Goreng. The vegetarian food here is also alliums-free and vegan-friendly.

Warung Ijo, 601 MacPherson Rd, #01-61 Grantral Mall Tai Seng, Singapore 368242

2. Coco Veggie Nyonya Cuisine: Peranakan

Image from: A Billion Vege

Nyonya food typically has shrimp hidden in certain dishes making it tough for vegans/veges to find suitable dishes. Coco’s food provides an opportunity to enjoy the Peranakan side of life. Do try their Sambal Sauce with Petai Fried Rice, and Vegetarian Curry Monkey Head Mushrooms with Turmeric Rice.

Coco Veggie, Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd, #03 – 130A, Tel: (+65) 6261 0369

3. Daehwa: Korean

Image From: Oddle Eats

Korean food is well known for its seafood and beef, Daehwa shows that you can get tasty food without the meat! Indulge in their Kimchi soup, bulgogi mushroom stew, Army stew, and vegetable pancakes! Enjoy your meat-free K-Drama-esque getaway there!

daehwavegetarian.com #01-35 Galaxis Building, 1 Fusionopolis Place

4. Leaf Corner: Chinese

Image From: Food Advisor Singapore

Leaf Corner is tuck away at Tai Seng/ Sembawang/ Jurong West with awesome Chinese food. Do try their Monkey Head Mushroom, Yam Ring, KL Hokkien Mee (I always go for that despite looking at the menu for 10 minutes to try new things).

Leafcorner | 3 outlets!

  1. 5 Jalan Legundi, Sembawang Garden Arcade
  2. 11 Irving Place #02-01, Tai Seng
  3. 60 Jurong West Street 91 #01-09

5. Grove Cafe: Kopitiam/ Hong Kong Style

Image From: HappyCow

I can’t really pin down what Grove Cafe offers in terms of cuisine. It is nicely nested in the heartlands such as Paya Lebar / Canberra / Northshore / Buangkok and offers food ranging from Lu Rou Fan to Nasi Lemak (highly recommended) to your traditional breakfast toast & Chee Cheong Fan.

Grove | 3 outlets

  1. Singpost:10 Eunos Road 8 #01-151 | Singapore 408600
  2. SMU | Li Ka Shing Library, 01-21, Singapore, 178901
  3. 133 Canberra View #01-19

6. Zen Cafe: Cafe in a Temple

Image From: HappyCow

You can’t get any more closer to Zen, by dining at a temple. Located at level 1 of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery. This cafe serves coffee, tea, smoothie, cakes, and moments of peace. The temple has many spaces to chill and meditate at for greater peace.

Zen Cafe | 88 Bright Hill Rd, Level 1

7. Jingsi Books & Cafe: Taiwanese Teahouse Vibes

Image From: Food Advisor Singapore

Tzu Chi always strikes me as a Dhamma Centric Humanitarian Organisation that is always intentional about their activities. Check out their book cafes at Sims Avenue or Yishun! It is really a tea place to chill and contemplate about life. Don’t expect a huge variety of bites there!

Jingsi Books & Cafe | 2 Outlets

  1. Blk 134 Geylang East Avenue 1 #01-219, Singapore 380134
  2. 30A Yishun Central 1, Singapore 768796

8. Kind Bowl: Vietnamese

Image From: Food Advisor Singapore

Vietnamese Pho is typically cooked in meat broth so this is a great treat to go meat-free! Check out their Kind Pho or Eat the Rainbow dishes to enjoy some warm soupy food on cold rainy days!

Kind Bowl | 3 Outlets

  1. 71 Killiney Rd Singapore 239527
  2. Northpoint City, South Wing #B2-132
  3. myVillage @ Serangoon Gardens 1 Maju Avenue #B1-03

9. D’life: Tze Char Vegetarian

Image From: Food Advisor Singapore

From Orchard to Beauty World, D’life has grown to 4 outlets in Singapore. They offer a huge variety of food from Asian to Western (though I’d recommend their Asian food more!). Do try their KL Noodle, Bak Ku Teh, and Creamy Abalone Mushroom.

D’life | 4 Outlets

  1. Toa Payoh: 600 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #01-05, 319515, Singapore
  2. Jurong West: 428 Jurong West Ave 1 #01-256/ #02-256, 640428, Singapore
  3. Beauty World: 6 Chun Tin Road, 599593, Singapore
  4. Orchard: 277 Orchard Road #B2-04A/05 Singapore,, 238858, Singapore

10. MTR: Indian Food Awesomeness

Image From: MTR Website

MTR offers awesome South Indian food with very nice spices (you can of course choose non spicy too!). Try their Rava Idly or Masala Dosa. Queues can get long during lunch hours so do be prepared to develop patience there. It is worth the wait!

MTR | 440 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218134

11. Lotus Vegetarian: A Lingzhi Alternative

Their Abacus dish is mouthwatering!
Image: Google

We found that Ling Zhi vegetarian may be quite expensive on the wallet and found this to be a good cheaper alternative! For mala lovers, do give their mala ‘fish’ a try. It is numbing but tasty.

Lotus | 103 Irrawaddy Rd, #02-07 Royal Square@Novena, Singapore 329566

12. Lian Xin 莲芯膳坊: Hidden Nomz in a temple

Affordable ‘wanton mee’ with Kopi.
Image: Google

Located RIGHT next to Maxwell Mrt & at the basement of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, this hidden gem provides awesome breakfast and lunch at an affordable price. It is ‘cai fan’ (pick your veges) style and there is plenty of seating after lunch hours. There is a nice Guan Yin statue there to pay respect too before and after your meal.

With a couple of uncle and aunties chilling there after lunch, the place is serene and great for work-from-cafe vibes. However, they close earlier than cafes! Do check!

Lian Xin | 288 South Bridge Rd, B1 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Singapore 058840


Any places we have missed that are yummy and affordable? Do drop it on our Telegram’s comment section!

The ultimate guide to Vesak Day 2023 in Singapore: 9 things to do this long weekend!

The ultimate guide to Vesak Day 2023 in Singapore: 9 things to do this long weekend!

Vesak Day, or Buddha Day, is a sacred day for millions of Buddhists worldwide. It commemorates the day that Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away. It gives us an opportunity for quiet reflection on Buddha’s teachings and the values of compassion, wisdom, and kindness.

It has evolved over time and brings different meanings to different people!

If you are trying to plan out your Vesak Day weekend in 2023 to bask in the spirit of Vesak, check out these 9 things you can do!

1. Plan your calendar for your temple-hopping!

Torii Gate, Japan

Find an excuse to head out for the long weekend by visiting the many temples that are open. Use our directory to navigate the many online and offline activities. Who knows?

You might find yourself in the middle of a concert or a peaceful chanting session.

Your Vesak directory is right here, featuring over 60 activities of different Buddhist traditions from 1 June 2023- 4th June 2023!

2. Three steps, One bow

Vesak 3-steps-1-bow Practice 31 May 2015 – Ramblings of a Monk
Photo Credit: KMSPKS

The three-step, one-bow ceremony is an expression of devotion and serves to lessen mental defilements or build virtue as one goes through the activity. This practice, which symbolically reminds us of the difficult but rewarding journey to enlightenment, has been passed down and has evolved into the 3-Step, 1-Bow we know today.

Get your details here

3. Check out some Food carnivals!

brown bread on black table
Unsplash

While tuning in to some peaceful Buddhist teaching (food for the heart), why not check out food for the body?

Check out food fairs organised by Buddhist Fellowship near Newton or spicy tteokbokki and takoyaki at KMSPKS’s Vesak Carnival

4. Help fill the stomachs of the needy

person slicing on the wooden board
Unsplash

In the spirit of Buddha’s compassion shown to many beings, why not give back by volunteering at a Soup kitchen? You can choose to volunteer with Willing Hearts in multiple time slots and different tasks. 

Hone your chopping and cooking skills here!

5. Find a quiet space to experience peace

Marina Barrage - Visit Singapore Official Site
Credits: Visit Singapore Website

Visit nature places with your insect repellant to reconnect with nature by taking in the good vibes. Plug into the sound of nature to meditate or try one of the meditation audio guides! Check out our article on forest bathing!

We highly recommend botanic gardens, marina barrage, or a nearby park!

6. Clean up our ocean

We often think that giving means the gift of money. This Vesak, we invite you to rethink the idea of generosity! Volunteer with Youth Corps Singapore to help clean our beaches. Releasing wildlife harms the ecosystem, why not help marine life by cleaning our beaches? #seastheday

Giving starts here!

7. Go vegetarian!

vegetable salad
Green Yum! Cred: Unsplash

In the spirit of non-harming, why not go vegetarian? The possibilities are endless with vegetarian food. Check out our very own vegetarian affordable food guide!

FYI! Circuit Road Hawker Centre has one of the highest concentrations of vegetarian hawkers.

8. Watch a movie related to Buddhism

Buddha Netflix show - OnNetflix.ca
Netflix: Buddha (2013)

Netflix lover? Watch this live-action TV series about the Buddha. I was personally hooked on it!

Alternatively, watch a short < 30 mins documentary about the late famous zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh. Be inspired on Vesak!

9. Kickstart your meditation habit

woman sitting on cliff overlooking mountains during daytime
Unsplash

Always trying to start the ‘meditation habit’ that every productive/mental health guru has been talking about? 

Why not join HOL’s free meditation challenge for 30 days? Who knows you might just start a new meditation habit that lasts!

The ultimate guide to Vesak Day 2022 in Singapore: 9 things to do this long weekend!

The ultimate guide to Vesak Day 2022 in Singapore: 9 things to do this long weekend!

Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Day, is a sacred day to millions of Buddhists worldwide. It commemorates the day that Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away. It gives us an opportunity for quiet reflection on Buddha’s teachings and the values of compassion, wisdom, and kindness.

It has evolved over time and brings different meanings to different people!

After 2 years of muted celebrations due to the pandemic, this year’s May 15 will see practitioners gathering and celebrating it in different ways. If you are trying to plan out your Vesak Day weekend to bask in the spirit of Vesak, check out these 10 things you can do!

1. Plan your calendar for your temple-hopping!

Torii Gate, Japan

Find an excuse to head out for the long weekend by visiting the many temples that are open. Use our directory to navigate the many online and offline activities. Who knows?

You might find yourself in the middle of a concert or peaceful chanting session.

Your directory is right here!

2. Three steps, One bow

Vesak 3-steps-1-bow Practice 31 May 2015 – Ramblings of a Monk
Photo Credit: KMSPKS

The three-step, one-bow ceremony is an expression of devotion and serves to lessen mental defilements or build virtue as one goes through the activity. This practice, which symbolically reminds us of the difficult but rewarding journey to enlightenment, has been passed down and has evolved into the 3-Step, 1-Bow we know today.

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3. Check out some Food carnivals!

brown bread on black table
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While tuning in to some peaceful Buddhist teaching (food for the heart), why not check out food for the body?

Check out food fairs organised by Buddhist Fellowship near newton or spicy tteokbokki and takoyaki at KMSPKS’s Vesak Carnival

4. Help fill the stomachs of the needy

person slicing on the wooden board
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In the spirit of Buddha’s compassion shown to many beings, why not give back by volunteering at a Soup kitchen? There are multiple time slots and different tasks you can choose to volunteer with Willing Hearts. 

Hone your chopping and cooking skills here!

5. Find a quiet space to experience peace

Marina Barrage - Visit Singapore Official Site
Credits: Visit Singapore Website

Visit nature places with your insect repellant to reconnect with nature by taking in the good vibes. Plug into the sound of nature to meditate or try one of the meditation audio guides!

We highly recommend botanic gardens, marina barrage, or a nearby park!

6. Be a Buddy to seniors

Supporting seniors in going digital for life - Infocomm Media Development  Authority
Credit: IMDA

We often think that giving means the gift of money. This Vesak, we invite you to rethink the idea of generosity! Volunteer with YouthCorp SG & Healthhub to strengthen the digital literacy of our seniors by empowering them and reducing the waiting time at the polyclinics. 

Giving starts here!

7. Go vegetarian!

vegetable salad
Green Yum! Cred: Unsplash

In the spirit of non-harming, why not go vegetarian? The possibilities are endless with vegetarian food. Check out this sleek guide to vegetarian food places in Singapore!

FYI! Circuit Road Hawker Centre has one of the highest concentrations of vegetarian hawkers.

8. Watch a movie related to Buddhism

Buddha Netflix show - OnNetflix.ca
Netflix: Buddha (2013)

Netflix lover? Watch this live-action TV series about the Buddha. I was personally hooked on it!

Alternatively, watch a short < 30 mins documentary about the late famous zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh. Be inspired on Vesak!

9. Kick start your meditation habit

woman sitting on cliff overlooking mountains during daytime
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Always trying to start the ‘meditation habit’ that every productive/mental health guru has been talking about? 

Why not join HOL’s free meditation challenge for 30 days? Who knows you might just start a new meditation habit that last!