By Benjamin Poon · Updated 2026-10-23 · 5 min readWhy do families choose a temple near home?
For older parents, distance matters. A temple in the same neighbourhood means a shorter trip on Qing Ming, on anniversaries, or simply on a quiet afternoon.
A temple setting also suits families who want prayers and chanting to be part of remembrance, rather than a park setting.
- Shorter journeys for elderly parents.
- Easier to visit often, not only on festivals.
- A familiar Buddhist setting.
- Family members nearby can share the visits.
Niche or ancestral tablet: what is the difference?
A niche (骨灰位, also called 福位) holds the urn of ashes. An ancestral tablet (神主牌) carries the name of the departed and is where the family offers respect; it does not hold ashes. Some families choose one, some choose both.
Our longer guide, niche vs ancestral tablet, explains this step by step.
Questions to ask before deciding
Benjamin is a consultant, not the temple. He tells you plainly what he can arrange himself and what you should confirm with the temple.
- Are niches, ancestral tablets, or both available at Lin San Temple right now?
- Are there prayer sessions on Qing Ming, Zhong Yuan or anniversaries, and can the family join?
- What are the visiting hours, and are there steps or lifts for elderly visitors?
- What is included, and what are the ongoing fees, if any?
- Can family members of other faiths visit and pay respects?
Getting there from nearby estates
The address is 27 Lorong 12 Geylang. The lanes in Geylang are narrow, so plan your drop-off point in advance, especially with elderly parents.
We have not listed bus or MRT routes, because the temple's own contact page does not give them and we only publish what we have checked. Ask Benjamin and he will share directions.
How Benjamin can help
- WhatsApp or call him, in Chinese or English, and say you are asking about Lin San Temple.
- He listens to what your family needs, including any wishes of your parents.
- He tells you what he can arrange and what to confirm with the temple.
- If useful, he arranges a time to visit together.
Preview only. These points will be confirmed with Benjamin before the site goes live:
- Benjamin to confirm which services he can arrange at Lin San Temple (niches, tablets, prayers).
Common questions
Where is Lin San Temple?
At 27 Lorong 12 Geylang, Singapore 399004, in the Geylang area.
Is this the temple's website?
No. This is Benjamin Poon's personal website. The temple's own site is linsan.sg.
Can I ask in Chinese?
Yes. Benjamin speaks Chinese and English, and older relatives are welcome to call him directly.
Are prices listed?
No. Ask Benjamin for current options; he will check them for you.
