Most people walking past Sri Sivan Temple on Geylang East Avenue have no idea it's over 170 years old. The gopuram and carved pillars look almost too polished for something this old, until you learn the temple's been rebuilt and moved four times, most recently getting a fresh consecration in 2025.

This guide covers what you actually need: when to go, how to get there, what to expect once you're inside, and a few good places to eat and sleep nearby.

Sri Sivan Temple is one of Singapore's oldest Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and dating back to the 1850s. Although it is now located in Geylang East, the temple has been relocated several times throughout its history before settling at its current site in 1993.

The temple features a blend of South and North Indian architecture and is home to Lord Shiva as well as several other Hindu deities, including Sri Vinayagar and Sri Vishalakshi Amman. Besides serving as a place of worship, Sri Sivan Temple also supports the community through educational programs, religious classes, and charitable initiatives, making it an important spiritual and cultural landmark in Singapore.

Six main prayer rituals take place here every day, giving visitors a genuine (not staged) look at Hindu religious practice.

The gopuram (entrance tower), intricately carved pillars, and marble-inlaid prayer hall are worth slowing down for. This is one of the more photogenic temples in Singapore if you appreciate detail-heavy design.

Maha Shivaratri and Vasantha Navratri bring the temple to life with a noticeably livelier, more colourful atmosphere than a regular weekday visit.

This twice-monthly fasting festival includes free vegetarian food served in the evening after prayers. This is a nice way to experience local generosity and community spirit firsthand.

With over a dozen deities represented across the grounds, it's worth pausing to notice details like the Navagraham (nine planetary deities) and Kalabairavar shrines, which aren't always the main focus at other temples.

Sri Sivan Temple is open daily, though with a midday break:

Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Evening: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Admission is completely free, though as with any active place of worship, donations are welcomed and appreciated. Daily prayer (pooja) timings within these hours include Ushathkaalam at 6:00 AM, Kaalasanthi Puja at 8:00 AM, Uchchikaalam Puja at 12:00 PM (12:30 PM on Saturdays), and evening prayers building up to the final Arthajaamam Puja before closing at 9:00 PM.

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Early mornings (around 6:00 - 8:00 AM) tend to be quieter and cooler, ideal if you want a peaceful, less crowded experience or good lighting for photography. Evenings, particularly around the 6:00 - 7:00 PM prayer window, are livelier and give a stronger sense of communal worship.

If you want to see the temple at its most vibrant, plan your trip around Maha Shivaratri (usually February or March) or Vasantha Navratri, when the temple draws larger crowds and extra decorations go up. Outside festival season, weekdays are generally calmer than weekends, when local devotees tend to visit in larger numbers.

The temple sits at 24 Geylang East Avenue 2, Singapore 389752, and is genuinely easy to reach without a car.

By MRT: The temple is roughly a 5 - 10 minute walk from both Aljunied MRT Station (East-West Line) and Paya Lebar MRT Station (East-West/Circle Line interchange, Exit C). Paya Lebar is the more convenient option if you're coming from the city centre or need interchange flexibility.

By bus: Dozens of public bus services run along Sims Avenue and Geylang Road. Key routes like Bus 80, 134, and 155 stop at the nearby Geylang Polyclinic or Geylang East Central bus stops, leaving you with just a brief 3-minute walk 

By car or taxi/ride-hailing: Street parking and nearby carparks are available, though during festivals, parking can get tight. 

A little preparation goes a long way at an active place of worship. Keep these in mind so your visit is respectful and hassle-free. 

Cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect, as you would at any active Hindu temple.

Before entering the prayer halls, there's a designated area to leave your shoes. 

Keep your voice low, especially during active prayer sessions.

The temple itself is fine to photograph, but it's respectful to check before capturing worshippers up close.

Avoid visiting before 12:00 PM or 9:00 PM, since the midday and nightly closures mean you could be rushed or turned away.

Don’t forget to bring some money if you'd like to make a donation or purchase offerings like flowers or fruit near the entrance.

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Once you've soaked in the temple's atmosphere, there's plenty within easy reach to fill out the rest of your day. Here are a few nearby spots worth adding to your itinerary: 

A Buddhist monastery sitting directly beside the temple (approximately 100 metres), offering an easy contrast in architecture and worship style within a two-minute walk. 

One of Singapore's most iconic wet markets and hawker hubs, known for Malay food stalls, spices, and textiles. It's a great next stop if you want to pair your temple visit with a taste of local Malay culture, with around 1.8 km or 25 minutes of walking from the Temple. 

Home to colourful Peranakan shophouses, the Intan museum, and famous laksa spots. Worth the short trip if you're interested in Singapore's Peranakan history and photogenic architecture. It is located about 3 km from Sri Sivan Temple. 

Local favourites including carrot cake, char kway teow, and Hokkien mee, all at hawker prices. It is located around 1.3 km from Sri Sivan Temple. 

If you want to base yourself near the temple, here are solid options across different budgets. 

Village Hotel Katong by Far East Hospitality is a 4-star hotel with a distinctive Peranakan design theme, located in the culturally rich Katong district. Features an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and easy access to Katong's famous laksa and heritage shophouses. 

Located just 5.5 km from the temple, the hotel is about a 10-minute drive away. Room rates start from S$245 and go up to S$438 per night.

About 900 metres from Paya Lebar MRT (Exit C), Aqueen Hotel Paya Lebar is a clean and comfortable hotel, well-reviewed for friendly 24-hour service. Room rates typically range from S$154 to S$347 per night. 

Located 3 km from the temple, Hotel Classic by Venue is a 3-star hotel with a “Very Good” rating from over 1,000 reviews. Room rates are around S$135 to S$145 per night. 

Hotel 81 Tristar is a 2-star hotel located only 2.1 km from Sri Sivan Temple. It features an outdoor pool, and is close to Geylang Serai Market, making it convenient for exploring local food. Room rates are around S$88 to S$148 per night. 

Four Chain View Hotel is only 750 metres or about 10-minute walk to Sri Sivan Temple, making it one of the closest budget options near the historic site. It offers simple and clean rooms, with rates starting from around S$85 to S$130 per night. 

CapsulePod@Aljunied is also located about 750 metres from the temple. Great choice for solo/backpacker travellers, offering capsule beds from around S$56 to S$117 per night. 

*Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change at any time depending on the season, availability, and the hotel's policies. 

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Book a flight to Singapore and explore Sri Sivan Temple. Arrange your hotel, car rental, airport transfer, and activity with Traveloka. Enjoy special deals, hotel discount of up to 25%, free hotel cancellation, and easy flight rescheduling. Terms and conditions apply. 

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