One of the largest Buddhist Monasteries of Singapore in present times, the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (KMSPKS) originally started out as a remote temple which intended to propagate the Dharma and provide lodging for monks who came to Singapore without any arrangements. Venerable Zhuan Dao expressed his desire to construct such a temple in 1920, and a year later, the construction of the monastery commenced as the first traditional Chinese forest monastery in Singapore. The temple, located at 88 Bright Hill Road at Bishan, progressed steadily to become one of the most well known international Buddhist hub. Its founder Venerable Zhuan Dao expired in 1943 and in 1947, Venerable Hong Choon became the monastery's abbot. He continued the work of his predecessor and expanded the monastery to make it large one. He also started the monthly Great Compassion Prayer and preached the Dharma for the betterment of many. His followers also donated a large sum of money to build Evergreen Bright Hill Home in 1980.

Venerable Hong Choon passed away in 1990 and was succeeded by Venerable Yen Pei (1991), Venerable Long Gen (1994), Venerable Sui Kim and finally Venerable Kwang Sheng (2004).


Inside

• Hall of Great Compasion : Also known as the The Mahakaruna, the hall is dedicated to the great compassionate virtues of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva or Guanyin. An image of Guanyin Bodhisattva with 1000 arms and eyes is right in the centre of the hall. It is flanked by Samantabhadra (Pu Xian) Bodhisattva with an elephant on the right. The bodhisattva is symbolic of perfected diligent practice of all Bodhisattvas and Buddhas and his elephant stands for the steadfastness and strength in the Bodhisattva's practice of the six perfections. Also standing close to Guanyin are Skana Bodhisattva and Sangharama Bodhisattva, both of whom are Dharma protectors. To the left, is an image of Manjushri bodhisattva.
  
  
• Hall of Great Strength : The hall is dedicated to the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. Above His image, a higher sign reads, "The Precious (or Treasure) Hall of Great Magnificence or 'Great Strength' or 'Great Hero'." A lower sign reads "Teacher of Men and Gods". A glass stupa in front of the image of Buddha preserves some of His relics gifted to the temple by a well known temple of Sri Lanka. The Image of Buddha is surrounded by an image of Amitabha Buddha (behind), young Arahant Venerable Ananda (right) and an elder Arahant, Maha Kashyapa (left). The image of Amitabha Buddha has Avalokiteshvara or Guanyin Bodhisattva on the left and Mahasthamaprapta or Dashizi Bodhisattva on the right. Along with Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva and the Maha Kashyapa form the trio called "The 3 Saints of the Western Paradise (Pureland)."
  
  
• Hall of Amrta Vinaya (Precepts) : This is the hall where monks and nuns receive their precepts, guidelines for leading a peaceful life while spreading happiness in teh society.
  
• Venerable Hong Choon Memorial Hall : This four-storeyed building was built in honour of Venerable Hong Choon and resembles a huge ship. Within, there is kitchen, dining hall, a meditation hall, Hall of No-Form and offices for Dharma propagation and activities. The Hall of No Form has one of the largest and most spectacular bronze image of Buddha rising to a height of 13.8 metres and weighing 55 tons.
  
  
• Bell And Drum Tower : As per the name, this building has a bell and a drum. Everyday, in the morning, the bell is rung followed by the drum, each 108 times. In the evening, the process is repeated, nonetheless in opposite sequence. The sound of the bell and drum, it is believed, wards off troubles and adds to the wisdom.
  
  
• Pagoda of 10,000 Thousand Buddha : The roof of the pagoda has a golden stupa that is symbolic of the Buddha's sharp piercing wisdom. Within, there is one of the largest bronze image of Medicine Buddha in Southeast Asia. Also seen are the thousands of small Buddha images.
  
  
• Dharma Hall : The two storey structure has a lecture hall on the ground floor with a Burmese-styled Buddha image and a library on the upper floor housing Buddhist scriptures and literatures.
  
  
• Sairira Stupa : This one is dedicated to the founder abbot of the temple Venerable Zhuan Dao. Devotees walk clockwise around the stupa to pay their respect to the revered founder.
  
  
• Statue of Guanyin : The statue stands the Dharma Hall and the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas.
  
  
• Bodhi Tree : The sapling of this tree was brought from the sacred Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The latter was itself brought as a spaling from the sacred Bodhi Tree of Bodh Gaya, India. It was under the sacred Bodhi tree of Bodh Gaya that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
  
  

The Central Region & Bishan
One amongst the five regions of Singapore, the Central Region comprises an area of 130.5 sqkm. Out of this, Bishan covers an area of 3 sq km and is one of its Urban planning areas. The name Bishan originates from the large Cantonese burial ground, peck san ting (in pinyin is bi shan ting), which earlier covered the area.


Other Buddhist Attractions

• Sasanaransi Buddhist Temple : This temple is situated next to the Sun Yat Sen Villa near Toa Payoh New Town and is also known as the Burmese Buddhist Temple. The temple was founded by a Burmese expatriate for the convenience of the overseas Burmese Buddhist community. His partner from Burma bought a 10 ton block of marble. Out of this block, a 3.3m-tall Buddha image was carved which now adorns the main hall of the temple. The third storey of the temple has a golden standing image of Buddha as well as murals that depict the events from the life of Buddha. The temple is open daily from 6.30 pm to 9 pm.
  
  
• Siong Lim Temple : The temple, located in Toa Payoh New Town, has an interesting story behind. A Hokkien businessman and his son, once had the same dream, that of a golden light shining from the west. Together, they went to the western shore to find the significance of their dream, and before sundown saw a ship that carried Hokkien monks and nun. They were heading towards China after a pilgrimage to India. The businessman promised to build a temple if the monks and the nuns agreed to stay back. They did and thus was laid the foundation of the Sion Lion Temple. The temple has a Dharma Hall, a main prayer hall, and drum and bell towers. The temple has an image of Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy.