Buddha Experience: Meditation, Monks & Food in Singapore - af9a79c70c768ee9b4820bf49b9a86e6
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Buddha Experience: Meditation, Monks & Food

  • 3.5 hours
  • Off The Beaten Track
  • Singapore
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Your local for this experience

Experience hosted by Elaine

  • Private Tour
  • Carbon Neutral

Go back to the origins of meditation and Buddhism with this relaxing & fascinating workshop. Get surrounded by monks and let's try to reach nirvana in a private meditation workshop in front of a Buddha relic. After we are done we'll recharge energy with a delicious Singapore style vegan lunch.

Destination
Singapore
Category
Off The Beaten Track
Duration
3.5 hours
Transport mode
Walking tour
Available languages
English, 中文
Included
  • Entrance tickets
  • Private guide
  • Meals

6 reasons to book this tour

  • Get fascinated by the Buddha's tooth relic
  • Change your life with private meditation guidance
  • The Buddha's life -Prince -> poor man -> The Enlightened One
  • Learn Buddha wisdom and discover meaning in your life
  • Wander through the stunning temple & halls
  • 5 course vegan lunch (Eat like a local!)

What you can expect

Buddha Experience: Meditation, Monks & Food in Singapore - af9a79c70c768ee9b4820bf49b9a86e6

Whether you are an avid meditator or you simply want to learn about meditation and its origins, this program is perfect for everyone.

Let me tell you all about Buddhism during our visit to The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. Here we will wander through quiet halls full of history and art. I'll tell you stories of The Buddha's life, and why he went from a prince holding high power and huge fortune to a poor man living in the forest. You will learn how he eventually discarded poverty & misery to become The Enlightened One. Bring his wisdom back home and see changes in your life.

Once we reach the Buddha Tooth Relic chamber, your private meditation workshop will begin. You'll learn about meditation techniques and then you'll begin your noble silence practice. You will meditate in the presence of The Buddha Tooth Relic, which is equivalent to meditating in the presence of The Buddha, who is the head monk of all the monks in the world.

This is an interactive workshop. Ask your meditation or Buddhism questions and have them answered, play quizzes and share your views with Elaine in the temple museum.

This experience cannot be found anywhere else as it is more spiritual than touristy. So why not take a little break from your trip and don't think about your worries?

Once the workshop is over, we will recharge energy with a delicious 5 course vegan lunch in the streets of Singapore. This is the perfect way to go back to the city after a bit of peace and quiet.

This very complete workshop will leave you satisfied both spiritually, physically and mentally. With tons of local insights, stories, lessons and food, you'll be ready to continue your journey through Singapore, and your life.

And if you have any special requests to know in-depth on The Buddha's philosophy and meditation, don't hesitate to let me know and I'll personalize this experience for you even more!

P.S.: The temple provides clean robes for free rental, you won't have to worry about what is the appropriate attire for this workshop. No restriction on footwear.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Elaine.

  1. Meeting point

    Meet at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - Singapore to start your journey

  2. Itinerary

    This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

  3. Start of Tour

    Meet at the main entrance of the temple
  4. Stop 1

    Wander through the Hundred Dragons and the Maitreya Halls
  5. Stop 2

    Learn about Buddhism and Buddha at the Buddhist Culture Museum
  6. Stop 3

    Visit The Sacred Light Hall
  7. Stop 4

    Relaxing meditation workshop
  8. Stop 5

    Enjoy a 5 course vegan lunch at local coffee shop
  9. Stop 6

    End of tour in Chinatown
  10. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

I can personalize this tour for you

  • Tell me your preferred date and group size
  • Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
  • Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Feel confident booking

    Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

  • Change of plans?

    Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

  • Loved by travelers worldwide

    Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

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Juliet
2 February 2025
Elaine was an incredible host for our Buddha Tooth Relic Temple visit. We learned so much about the origins of Buddha in the museum, followed by lessons in meditation and how to apply it to our life experience. This was followed by an authentic Chinese vegetarian meal in a busy local restaurant. Elaine was thoughtful, knowledgeable, kind, and a joy to be with. We will never forget this unique experience and the wisdom gained from Elaine and her guidance.Meditation, Monks & Food experience
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k9kmjbmcby
26 January 2025
Elaine is an exceptional hostess. My wife and I had the pleasure of spending time with her, and it was an experience we will cherish. Elaine’s gracious and welcoming nature made us feel instantly at home. Her expertise in meditation provided us with valuable insights and a deeply enriching experience that left us feeling calm and rejuvenated. On top of that, the food was absolutely fantastic! It was clear that Elaine put her heart and soul into every detail, ensuring we had an unforgettable time. We are so glad we seized the opportunity to meet her and share in her wisdom and warmth. Thank you, Elaine, for an amazing time—we can’t recommend her highly enough!
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Kerstin
12 June 2024
Thank you, Elaine, for your insights. My husband and I consider the temple visit with you one of our highlights visiting Singapore. Best wishes from Germany, KerstinAmazing experience. Absolutely recommend
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ztr8kyfc9c🇺🇸 United States
12 June 2024
This tour was such a unique experience. We’re so glad we did it! This was a perfect experience to show us a part of the local culture. Elaine was an exceptional guide. She was very helpful in making a last minute booking and even modified it to fit our schedule. We’re so glad we met her and took this tour!Wonderful, unique experience in Singapore
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Stephan🇩🇪 Germany
4 June 2024
Für alle, die Singapur auf eine ganz besondere und tiefgehende Weise erleben möchten, empfehle ich Elaine als Guide. Mit ihr hatten wir das einmalige Erlebnis, in die spirituelle Welt des Buddhismus einzutauchen. Elaine ist nicht nur überaus sympathisch, sondern verfügt auch über tiefes Wissen zu den religiösen und spirituellen Zusammenhängen. Ihre einfühlsame Art hat diesen Tag für uns unvergesslich gemacht. Wir hatten die Möglichkeit, in einem Tempel zu meditieren und an einer dortigen Zeremonie teilzunehmen. Diese Erfahrungen werden für immer in unserem Gedächtnis bleiben. Wir möchten uns noch einmal herzlich bei Elaine bedanken, dass sie uns diesen besonderen Tag ermöglicht hat. Wir können sie nur wärmstens weiterempfehlen, wenn ihr Singapur einmal auf eine ganz andere, spirituelle Weise erleben möchtet.Ein spirituelles Erlebnis in Singapur
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Kristina🇫🇮 Finland
7 April 2024
My daughter and I enjoyed an amazing afternoon with Elaine in the Tooth Relic Temple. She gave us a very good insight into the religion and the life of Buddha. It is such a great environment to learn about it. We did a meditation session in the garden of the temple and then also in the Tooth Relic room. It was really so special. Then we enjoyed an absolutely lovely dinner in the nearby vegan restaurant. I still remember the mushroom dish, it was heavenly! Altogether, the tour was fantastic and I do recommend it to anyone who is interested in Buddhism and the temple. Elaine is a wonderful person and her passion gives the experience such a lift. Temple experience
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Sarah🇫🇷 France
7 April 2024
I really recommend this special tour ELAINE if you are interested in meditation and vegan food. Great company and conversation I made a friend in SingaporeSpecial experience in SG
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Sheetal🇮🇳 India
25 March 2024
This tour seemed very different from all the others, and that was the first thing that intrigued me. The second thing was that Elaine was the only guide offering this tour. Made me believe, and rightly so, that she knew what she was taking us for. The entire experience was remarkable. Elaine is very skilled with the guided meditation, and her insights into the practices of Buddhism and the history of the temple made this tour an unforgettable part of our Singapore experience. This is one tour that we will definitely be recommending. We wish Elaine the very best! A meditation tour worth taking
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Gabriel🇨🇦 Canada
5 March 2024
I recently had the profound opportunity to participate in the Buddha Meditation Tour centered around the revered Buddha's Tooth Relic in Singapore, and it was truly an enlightening experience. From the moment I stepped into the serene ambiance of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, I was enveloped in a sense of tranquility and spiritual reverence. Elaine has deep knowledge and a calming presence, skillfully led us through the history and significance of the relic, weaving together tales of Buddhism's rich heritage and cultural legacy. This was also a unique interactive experiance. She gave you the time to discover and decipher artwork in the museum which really made you think about the hidden meanings behind the art. The meditation sessions offered during the tour provided a profound opportunity for introspection and mindfulness. Sitting in quiet contemplation amidst the intricate architecture and ornate decorations of the temple, I found myself delving deeper into my own spiritual journey, guided by the serene atmosphere and the wisdom of the teachings shared. The tour not only provided insight into the religious significance of the relic but also offered a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Singapore's multicultural heritage. Through engaging narratives and historical anecdotes. Furthermore, the tour was impeccably organized, not rushed at all. From the moment of booking to the conclusion of the tour, every aspect was thoughtfully curated to enhance the spiritual journey and foster a sense of connection with the profound teachings of Buddhism. I asked Elaine for a change in the time of meeting and she agreed without a hitch. The end of the tour is ended with a fantastic vegan meal which was delightful and had some of the best dishes in Chinatown. Elaine is a wonderful person getting to know her and have made a true friend. In conclusion, the Buddha Meditation Tour for the Buddha's Tooth Relic in Singapore is a transformative experience that offers not only a glimpse into Buddhist spirituality but also a profound opportunity for personal reflection and growth. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the spiritual traditions that have shaped our world.Unique Experience that I will Remember
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Nilay🇸🇬 Singapore
5 March 2024
My parents were visiting from India and are vegetarian. Elaine’s tour was insightful and kept them engaged for an entire afternoon. I would highly recommend it.Excellent tour for my older parents
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Tricia🇺🇸 United States
31 October 2022
Elaine worked with me to create a custom experience to help me learn more about Buddhist history and meditation. We met at a temple in Singapore and toured the beautiful museum there, then did some practical meditation where I learned some new helpful techniques. Elaine is knowledgeable and passionate about her topics. I highly recommend!Excellent experience!
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Jenny🇦🇺 Australia
31 August 2022
What a fabulous tour with Elaine! So passionate and knowledgeable. She totally engaged our group of 4 for the whole tour and gave us a greater understanding of Buddhism through her amazing teaching and storytelling. A real highlight of our Singaporean holiday! Thank you Elaine Amazing experience!
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Paul🇺🇸 United States
10 March 2020
The tour with Elaine far exceeded my expectations. Elaine clearly has a deep knowledge of Buddhism and meditation. It was a pleasure to interact with her. The tea and food experiences were wonderful. I am grateful that the "With Locals" app enabled us to connect. A great tour experience
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Michele
24 January 2020
I will confess, I was so exhausted that day that my companion did the first part of this experience without me, and I joined for the later half, including the most amazing vegan lunch. I spent the rest of the trip kicking myself for missing the first part of the experience. Elaine is very well-informed, charming, and enchanting. I would have loved to spend the rest of the day with her, or any other day, getting to know her and learning from her. I cannot more highly recommend. Thanks!Exceptional guide
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Uschi🇩🇪 Germany
3 January 2020
Elaine was an amazing guide with an extraordinary knowledge about the culture and meditation - she knew her way around like a champ. It was a life changing experience for me and I can only highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in freeing his mind and body. Thanks Elaine 🤗Super relaxing experience!!
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Joaquin🇪🇸 Spain
26 October 2019
We loved aboslutelly everything, we absolutelly recommend it to everyone interested to know more bout meditation and cultures.Wonderful experience great Elaine!
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Angie🇸🇬 Singapore
7 October 2019
I bought this tour for my MIL visiting Singapore as a birthday gift. She is spiritual and vegan so the perfect match for this tour. It was one of the favourite highlights of her Singapore visit. Elaine was very insightful and shared great details of the history of Buddha and the temple. She shared her journey of meditation and provided good pointers to find the perfect balance. Followed by an amazing vegan lunch full of local favourites (too many to eat it all!). Elaine was a great connection and really made this day special. Highly recommend as something unique and different. Birthday Zen
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Marina🇺🇸 United States
20 September 2019
This was one of the best experiences I had in Singapore! Elaine is incredible! She gave me very thorough introduction to the history of Buddhism, and professionally showed to me how to approach meditation. I was so excited, that I decided to make meditation my routine. I feel enriched by learning about Buddhism, and I feel absolutely amazed how meditation can change your life! And those experiences happened only because of Elaine , dedicated professional and beautiful human being! Thank you Elaine! Sincerely, Marina Salman 09.13.19
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Kim🇸🇬 Singapore
8 September 2019
We had a most enjoyable experience with Elaine ! What a lovely lady she is and her knowledge was astounding . This is truest a tour to go on if you would like to know more about the temple, its etiquette and its history . After this we experienced true Chinatown and ate like the locals . A wonderful day .. enjoy ! And thanks again Elaine you were fantastic ! Buddha tooth relic tour and meditation
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Stewart🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
18 August 2019
Elaine is so passionate and keen to share information throughout and fully submerge you in the tour.
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sinezio🇧🇷 Brazil
7 May 2019
Elaine, was very helpful and passionate about what she does, it was 3 hours of much enrichment, ending with excellent vegetarian lunch, highly recommended. thank you,ElaineGreat
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Susanne🇩🇪 Germany
7 May 2019
This was definitely one of the highlights of our stay in Singapore. It is Elaine’s matter of the heart to give people an understanding of Buddha’s path, mindfulness and meditation. Even if you don't speak English fluently, you feel in good hands with Elaine, because she shares her knowledge with a lot of joy and patience and she touches hearts with her statements. To meditate in the outer chamber of the Sacred Light Hall was a deeply moving and unforgettable experience. The tour endet with a delicious vegan meal in a little non-touristic restaurant. My mum and I had a wonderful time. Thank you so much, Elaine!Highly recommended
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LeslieAnn🇺🇸 United States
31 March 2019
Elaine is full of knowledge and information. The visit to the Buddhist Relic temple was a fascinating experience, as was being able to meditate in its divine environment. And the vegan lunch...delicious and I am a carnivore. Meeting Elaine was the best part of this experience. I even joined her yoga class in the botanical gardens.Amazing morning
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Elizabeth🇺🇸 United States
17 March 2019
This was much more than a tour of the temple. This was also an introduction into meditation and Buddhism. Elaine is kind and open and can adjust the information according to your experience and prior knowledge. Afterwards we shared a delicious vegan lunch and continued our discussion. One of the highlights of my trip. Temple tour, meditation and lunch
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Peter🇬🇧 United Kingdom
16 January 2019
Just wanted to say and recommend Elaine as a guide to anyone visiting Singapore. Had a brilliant guided tour round the Buddha Tooth temple and a fantastic guided meditation in the heart of it. Then for a great vegan (I’m a meat eater and I loved it) relaxed lunch at a locals only cafe. Elaine is lovely just to sit and chat to about each other’s lives. 100% recommend . 👍Great guide Elaine!
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Joachim🇩🇪 Germany
6 May 2018
We really enjoyed the afternoon with Elaine. With lots of knowledge she brought us closer to Buddha´s path. After visiting a museum and meditating at a very unique place we had a wonderful vegetarian lunch and a great conversatiion with Elaine. Thank you for being such a wonderful person. Lovely experience with Elaine
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Helen🇳🇱 Netherlands
17 April 2018
Last week we met Elaine at the Tooth Relic Temple. She told us all about Buddha's life and led us through the beautiful museum. We had a lot of questions and she patiently answered them all. The meditation in the Temple was an amazing experience. We agreed with Elaine to meditate for an hour. You might think this is long, but to be inside this Temple felt so peaceful that you don't even notice you were meditating for an hour. After the meditation Elaine brought us to a small restaurant in Chinatown and we had a vegan lunch. We didn't know what to expect of vegan food, but really, this lunch was so delicious and tasteful! We talked a lot during lunch. We definitely recommand this program with Elaine! Dear Elaine, thank you so much for your lessons, knowledge, patience and kindness!Fantastic experience
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Lindsey🇬🇧 United Kingdom
14 January 2018
Elaine was a charming and enthusiastic host. We started with a vegan feast at a local restaurant, which was delicious (and we are both meat eaters). We then entered the Buddhist Tooth Relic Temple, where she gave us an insight into the Buddhist faith. We thoroughly enjoyed the two different meditations that she taught us. This was our first attempt at meditation, and hopefully not our last. A relaxing and informative experience.A relaxing and enjoyable experience.
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Jared🇺🇸 United States
4 October 2017
My experience with Elain was absolutely incredible. I learned a ton about Buddhism. Whatever aspect interests you, she is ready to answer your questions and cater to that interest. I walked away with my curiosity fully satiated. Furthermore, I had a unique experience when she gave me an introduction to meditation. The temple was absolutely stunning by the way. The vegan meal after the temple was absolutely delicious. She just figures out what you want, food shows up on the table, and you feast. Last, Elaine is an incredible person. She is very kind. She has a lot of insight. She really cares about sharing this tour with people, and I guarantee you she this will make your trip to Singapore. 11/10Informative, relaxing, and incredible
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Richard🇬🇧 United Kingdom
22 March 2017
Elaine is an engaging and charming host and very friendly. The trip round the museum was amazing and Elaine was so knowledgeable and explaining everything in a very interesting way. I enjoyed the tour very much and lunch where Elaine explained about veganism and about all the foods we were eating which were delicious. A really enjoyable experience and highly recommended.Fantastic tour with Elaine
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Eric🇸🇬 Singapore
11 November 2014
Stretching in the morning sun. This was a great experience. While I don’t do a lot of yoga, I thoroughly enjoyed myself while seeing how limber I could be. Singapore’s botanic garden made a beautiful backdrop for some early yoga and doing it in the morning allowed us to beat the Singapore heat too. Elaine was an excellent instructor. She happily explained what we were doing and for what purpose, which was helpful for someone like me who doesn’t have a lot of experience. She also seemed to be quite good at gauging my abilities and enabling me to get the most out the positions. She obviously truly enjoys what she does which also helped make it fun. After making our way into the park, we settled into one of the garden’s many gazebos which gave us shade and our own territory. We started by loosing up and progressively moved to more difficult tasks which required 70% effort, give or take. We also did some breathing exercises, self-massage and relaxation at the end of the experience. I had a good time and felt great for a couple of days. The stretch also was good for my back which can be cranky at times. This class was a great combination of exercise, relaxation and morning air.Yoga in Singapore Botanic Gardens

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Private & personalizedNo strangers, just you. Fully customize your trip to your needs.
With a local expertFrom historical facts to the most up-to-date health regulations.
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More about me

I am a true blue born-and-bred Singaporean, absolutely proud of my beloved country. I frequently bring my overseas friends to the various spots not found on travel maps, and also bring them on educational tours in Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. They left Singapore with a deeper appreciation of the history and culture of this tiny red dot and Asia.

WithLocals is a great platform combining my life passion as well as my love for my country within the same activity. My overseas' friends' touched & satisfied look when they leave my country is the experience I wish to share with the world through WithLocals.

I fell in love with The Buddha's teachings and travelled to Myanmar and Thailand repeatedly for deep practices, in mediation centers and in the forest. His teachings taught me to look at myself through a different lens. He taught me how to live with ease no matter the stress externally, how to feel the calm no matter how others are behaving. Come and join me, I will share his wisdom with you.

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