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A Street-Smart Guide to Sri Mariamman Temple That Saves You the Googling
The first time I walked into Sri Mariamman Temple, it honestly felt a bit unreal—there was the smell of incense and clanging of bells everywhere.
I ended up standing by the entrance longer than I meant to, just watching people go through their rituals while others prayed quietly.
As Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, this place holds centuries of history, and every detail—down to the smallest carved deity on the towering gopuram—tells a story. Though my personal favorite was the statues of holy cows!
To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve put together a list of must-know tips and things to see at Sri Mariamman Temple—check it out!
Where is Sri Mariamman Temple?
Sri Mariamman Temple is in the Chinatown district, found along South Bridge Road. It is bordered by Pagoda Street to the north, Maxwell Food Center to the south, Telok Ayer Street to the east, and Neil Road to the west.
How to Get to Sri Mariamman Temple
By Bus: You can take Bus 61, 166, or 197 and alight at the bus stop opposite to Sri Mariamman Temple on South Bridge Road.
By MRT: Take the MRT to Chinatown Station (NE4/DT19) on the North-East Line or Downtown Line. From Exit A, it’s about a 3-minute walk to the temple.
By Taxi: Book a taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Grab. Enter “Sri Mariamman Temple” as your destination, and the driver will drop you off at the temple entrance on South Bridge Road.
By Private Car: Set your GPS to 244 South Bridge Road. Nearby parking is at Chinatown Complex or Maxwell Food Center. However, street parking is limited so arriving early is advisable.
Best Time to Go to Sri Mariamman Temple
The best time to visit Sri Mariamman Temple is on weekday mornings or early afternoon when it’s less crowded. It’s also best paired with the cooler months (June to September) to avoid the heat.
What to Do and See in Sri Mariamman Temple
Witness the intensity of the fire-walking festival
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The one absolute time you should visit the temple is during Theemithi—the fire-walking festival.
I still remember the silence that took over the crowd as each devotee stepped onto burning embers with no hesitation. You can feel the heat from where you stand, yet they walk across completely unharmed.
It’s not something done on a whim. Many spend weeks in prayer and preparation before taking part, all as an act of devotion to Goddess Draupadi, a figure with stories woven across different traditions.
Immerse yourself in sacred temple rituals
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Sri Mariamman Temple follows a bunch of daily rituals that fill the space with movement and devotion.
Before entering the temple, worshippers wash their hands and dab a bit of water on their heads as an act of purification. Some stop to ring the temple bells, a way of letting the gods know they’re there.
Inside, people line up with trays of fruit, garlands, and incense, placing them before the deities in prayer. You can even find priests blessing visitors with sacred ash for protection and health.
You’ll notice that there are coconuts being smashed on the ground too—a symbolic act of breaking the ego, reminding devotees to approach the divine with humility.
Marvel at the intricate details of Gopuram Tower
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Before even stepping inside the temple, you’ll be greeted by its towering gopuram—a massive, multi-tiered gateway covered in colourful statues. It’s impossible to miss.
Every inch is adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities, mythical creatures, and legendary figures, each telling a story.
Take a moment to really look. You’ll spot Lord Murugan with his spear, fierce lion-headed Narasimha, and even warriors mid-battle.
The details are stunning—expressions so lifelike that it almost feels like they’re watching you back.
The gopuram isn’t just for show either. In Hindu temples, these entrances are believed to be thresholds, guiding worshippers from the outside world into a spiritual space. That’s why people often pause and say a quick prayer before passing through.
Where to Eat and Drink Near the Sri Mariamman Temple
No Menu Restaurant
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Address: 23 Boon Tat Street
Phone: +65 6224 0091
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30AM to 3PM; 6PM to 11PM
- Saturday – 6PM to 11PM
- Sunday – Closed
Website: https://nomenu.sg/
No Menu Restaurant on Boon Tat Street is an authentic Italian spot run by the Forlino family from Piedmont. Their name comes from those old-school Italian trattorias where you just eat whatever the chef cooks that day.
They do have a menu, but the dishes are often the ones that aren’t listed. Fresh pasta is always a safe bet—I once had a Tagliolini Aglio Olio with prawns that was so good I almost ordered another round.
If you have a sweet tooth, ask about their Green Apple Cake, which is light and subtly sweet with just the right amount of tartness from fresh apples.
The place just feels like you’re eating at someone’s home, with family members popping in and out of the kitchen.
Folks Collective
Media Credit: @folkscollective
Address: 22 Cross Street, #01-50/51/52/53 Exchange
Phone: +65 6536 6739
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11AM to 11PM
- Saturday – 11:30AM to 10:30PM
- Sunday – Closed
Website: http://www.folkscollective.com/
It might take you a second to realize there’s barely any signage, but you know you’ve found Folks Collective when you spot the yellow tuk-tuk out front.
Once inside, the combination of vintage decor and Thai market vibes makes it feel like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s beloved hideout.
Their menu consists of grilled skewers, wok-fried dishes, and rich curries, but the real game-changer? The Flower Crab and Prawn Sashimi. Served ice-cold with a dipping sauce that doesn’t hold back on heat, it’s a dish that sneaks up on you.
The oysters are just as fresh, and the skewers have a nice char that makes them impossible to stop at one.
There’s also a full bar, so whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer or a proper cocktail, you won’t leave thirsty.
Mouth Restaurant
Media Credit: @toroamtheworldeats
Address: 38 Maxwell Rd, #01-01/02 Airview Building, Floor 1
Phone: +65 6534 4233
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30AM to 3PM; 6PM to 10PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10AM to 4PM; 6PM to 10PM
Website: https://mouth.com.sg/
If you’ve spent any time in Chinatown, you’ve probably heard of Mouth Restaurant. It’s been around since 1988, and while the decor hasn’t changed much (think more old-school Cantonese banquet hall), the food is what reels people back in.
Most people go for dim sum, but the dinner menu has plenty worth ordering. The Baked Egg Yolk Bun definitely steals the show—soft on the outside and creamy on the inside.
The Abalone Sauce Braised Rice is also a good pick, filled with deep, slow-cooked flavors that make Cantonese food so satisfying.
They have vegetarian and halal-friendly options, plus private rooms for special occasions, but honestly? This place is best enjoyed as it is—a Chinatown staple that’s been feeding people for decades.
Where to Stay Near Sri Mariamman Temple
AMOY Hotel
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Address: 76 Telok Ayer Street
Phone: +65 6580 2888
Pricing: $$
Check-in time: 3PM
Check-out time: 12PM
Website: https://www.fareasthospitality.com/en/hotels/amoy?
At the Fuk Tak Chi Temple, you’d expect a historical site—not the entrance to a hotel. But AMOY Hotel somehow pulls this off, making the check-in completely different from the usual front desk routine.
With just 37 rooms, the setup feels more intimate than a typical high-rise. Instead of long hallways and uniform rooms, there are wooden staircases and shophouse-style interiors.
While the rooms aren’t massive, they have everything that actually matters—a comfortable bed, fast WiFi, and a free mini-bar.
Being in the city makes it easy to walk over to Lau Pa Sat for late-night hawker food, but once inside the hotel, the noise disappears.
Duxton Reserve Singapore
Media Credit: @duxtonreserve
Address: 83 Duxton Road
Phone: +65 6914 1428
Pricing: $$
Check-in time: 3PM
Check-out time: 12PM
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sinad-duxton-reserve-singapore-autograph-collection/overview/?
Duxton Reserve goes all in on the bold designs, with black and gold interiors and dim lighting that give it a bit of an old-world Shanghai vibe.
Designed by Anouska Hempel, the place has a dramatic style, with Chinese calligraphy wallpaper and polished ebony panels which add to the whole look.
No two rooms are the same, but if you’re after something more private and cocoon-like, I say go for the Opium Rooms. Instead of curtains, you’ll get sliding blackout panels, which makes for a more intimate setup.
And let’s talk about the food—breakfast comes with plenty of options for a relaxed start to the day. By evening, the bar turns into an intimate spot with cocktails that match the mood.
And while sitting in Tanjong Pagar, it gives people a chance to explore the city’s historic streets.
Jyu Capsule Hotel
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Address: 46 Smith Street, Level 2 & 3
Phone: +65 8033 1561
Pricing: $
Check-in time: 3PM
Check-out time: 11AM
Website: https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/reservation/8E5eFD#checkin=2024-10-14&checkout=2024-10-15
If you’ve ever looked at a typical capsule hotel and thought, This looks a little too coffin-like for me, Jyu Capsule Hotel might change your mind.
It takes the capsule concept and makes it feel more like a sleek, personal nook rather than just a mattress behind a curtain.
You actually get enough space to sit up, plus soft lighting, charging ports, and a pull-down shade that gives you privacy without making it feel stuffy.
It’s ideal for solo travelers who want a quiet, comfortable place to crash—without dealing with the usual hostel chaos. And if you need a break from exploring, the shared lounge is a solid spot to relax or get some work done.
Since you’re already in Chinatown, it’s ridiculously easy to grab a late-night bite at Maxwell Food Center.
