Vesak Day Singapore 2025: What’s Open, What’s Not, and What to Do This Long Weekend

A complete guide to what’s open, what to do, and how to make the most of Vesak Day 2025 in Singapore.

Vesak Day is coming up on Monday, May 12,2025, and in true Singapore fashion, that means a mix of sacred calm, citybuzz, and plenty of options for how to spend your long weekend. Whether you’re a Western expat, an Indian professional, or a home seeker casually browsing fora new place, here’s your ultimate guide to Vesak Day in Singapore 2025—fromwhat’s open to what’s worth doing.

1. What Is Vesak Day? A Quick Cultural Snapshot

2. What’s Open on Vesak Day Singapore 2025?

3. What to Do on Vesak Day in Singapore

4. How to Prepare Your Home for Vesak Day: Simple Interior Design Touches

5. Vesak Day Tips for Indian & Western Expats

6. Is Vesak Day a Good Time to House-Hunt?

7. What Happens After Vesak Day?

8. Ready to Turn This Long Weekend into Your Fresh Start?

What Is Vesak Day? A Quick Cultural Snapshot

Vesak Day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha—the founder of Buddhism. In Singapore, it’s a public holiday marked by rituals, acts of compassion, vegetarian offerings, and a sense of peace throughout the island. If you’re new to Singapore or not Buddhist, don’t worry—you’re welcome at most temples, and it’s a great time to experience the country’s cultural richness.


What’s Open on Vesak Day Singapore 2025?

Looking to shop, grab brunch, or go for a hike? Here’s a practical list of what’s open and close this Vesak Day

Category Status Notes
Malls & Supermarkets ✅ Open Major centres like ION Orchard, VivoCity, Great World, and NTUC outlets
Restaurants & Cafés ✅ Open East Coast brunch spots, Chinatown eateries, and cafes in Holland V
Temples ✅ Open Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Kong Meng San
Public Transport ✅ Open MRT & buses on holiday schedule
Banks & Offices ❌ Closed Including CPF, ICA, and most real estate agencies
Government Services ❌ Closed Plan appointments before or after the weekend

What to Do on Vesak Day in Singapore

1. Light a Candle at a Buddhist Temple

Temples are open, beautifully decorated, and filled with a calm energy that makes them worth visiting.
We recommend:

2. Try a Mindfulness or Yoga Session

Some temples and studios host free mindfulness events and open-air yoga. It’s a beautiful time to reset—especially if you’ve been navigating house-hunting stress.

3. Take a Nature Break

Craving silence and greenery? Try MacRitchie Reservoir, Labrador Park, or Southern Ridges. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for clearing your head.

4. View Homes Without Leaving Yours

While most agents are offline, Kucing lets you book viewings, browse listings, and compare property prices—anytime, holiday or not.

How to Prepare Your Home for Vesak Day: Simple Interior Design Touches

Even if you’re not observing Vesak Day religiously, creating a peaceful and intentional home environment can be a meaningful way to participate in the spirit of the holiday. Here are a few interior design tips to bring a little Vesak calm and clarity into your space:

1. Go Green with Indoor Plants

Add potted peace lilies, bamboo stalks, or money plants to corners and entryways. Not only do they purify the air—they invite a sense of life and growth into your home.

2. Create a Candle & Light Zone

Place white or soft yellow candles on your console, dining table, or by your window. For a symbolic gesture, light them at sundown to mark peace, mindfulness, or remembrance.

3. Design a Reflection Corner

Turn a quiet corner into a mini sanctuary. All you need is a floor cushion, incense burner, and perhaps a small statue or spiritual object that’s meaningful to you. This can become your go-to spot for quiet journaling, meditation, or evening tea.

4. Declutter with Purpose

Channel the spirit of Vesak by clearing out a drawer, shelf, or closet. Donate clothes or unused items—clearing space physically often clears space mentally.

5. Add Natural Textures

Swap out glossy decor with natural textures like linen runners, wooden trays, and woven baskets. These add warmth and humility—two qualities central to the Vesak mindset.

Vesak Day Tips for Indian & Western Expats

  • Bring the Family: Kids love the lanterns and cultural vibes at temples.
  • Go Vegetarian: Try Buddhist buffets in temples or Little India’s satvik food.
  • Reflect & Recharge: Join free workshops in wellness centres across Katong or Tiong Bahru.

Is Vesak Day a Good Time to House-Hunt?

Yes—and here’s why:

  • Less competition: Others are out of town or offline.
  • Fresh listings: Weekends and holidays often see resets.
  • Direct property browsing: With Kucing, you can skip the agency fees and manage it all from your phone.

What Happens After Vesak Day?

By Tuesday, May 13:

  • Offices and banks reopen.
  • Real estate agents go back online.
  • New listings usually get uploaded—so it’s worth setting alerts now.

Ready to Turn This Long Weekend into Your Fresh Start?

Whether you’re seeking peace at a temple or peace of mind in your next home, make the most of Vesak Day with Kucing.

Download the Kucing app to browse listings, compare prices, and book viewings anytime—holiday or not.

Turn property goals
into done deals

From listings to closing, Kucing simplifies every step with on-map price insights, deal tracking, and a smart viewing assistant — for buyers, sellers, and renters.

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