Singapore, being highly dependent on the tourist dollar, is always unveiling a new side to its existing city landscape – the construction of the two Integrated Resorts and the new shopping malls along Orchard as the most evident recently. Sometimes, with these new developments, doesn’t it seem we are losing more of our natural heritage?

Do you know that on a hilltop at Lorong How Sun (off Bartley Road), Singapore still possesses a gem of the nature? The 122-year-old Bodhi Tree (its scientific name being Ficus Religiosa) is just next to the Jing Long Si Temple.

I thought it would be good to have a look at the Bodhi Tree, and so off I went to find out more.

A word of reminder though, it would be better if you drive there or can take a cab. Taking a bus or MRT is possible, especially with the opening of the Bartley station (Circle Line), but I find it too arduous to walk up the slope under the scorching sun before reaching the temple.

Anyway, after some ‘exploring’ with the taxi driver on the way up the hill, I finally found my way to the temple. I was met by a group of devotees who proudly showed me to the Bodhi Tree. The majestic tree stood tall at the side of the temple, spreading its strong and sturdy branches with the tree clothed in leafy grandeur.

The Bodhi Tree has a deep significance to Buddhists. After Siddharta Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, meditated under the Bodhi Tree some 2,500 years ago, the tree then took on a  supreme symbol of inspiration for the attainment of Enlightenment.

This particular tree is believed to be one of the 12 Bodhi seeds which were brought here by the monk from Sri Lanka more than 100 years ago. Braving two world wars and the Japanese occupation of Singapore, This tree has seen more more history than many Singaporeans.

Still looking strong, it reaches proudly some 30 metres into the sky and the girth  of the trunk is estimated tobe an impressive 8.5 metres. According to the botany experts in Singapore, it is the most ancient and biggest Bodhi Tree in Singapore today.

MOre than a century old, the Bodhi Tree does not show any signs of age as its green and luxuriant leaves greeted all the devotees ( me included) with the occasional breeze. The rustling of the pink and green leaves, coupled with the serene atmosphere of the temple ushers in a tranquil setting for some quiet reflection.

Said one devotee De Lin: “It’s just like a kampong.” It’s good to know how amidst all the hustle and bustle of city life, there still lies a place as serene as the Jing Long Si Temple.

I considered myself lucky to have reached the temple at around 10.30am, as the weather was perfect to stand in awe of this natural gem.

Look at the greenery and you'll be wondering if you are looking at a tree that is 122 years old

Reaching for the sky - the tree stretches some 30 metres

I would encourage everyone who has not seen the tree before to make a trip to the temple. Seeing still images on your computer of it can never be comparable to the majesty of watching the ‘action’ of the tree under the sun – sometimes swaying with the rhythm of the zephyr. Speaking from experience of my trip, this ‘dance’ by the tree will leave you captivated, as how it did to me – I was too enthralled by it that I forgot my camera has the function to take a video and record the scene!

You’ll probably expect such tranquility and picturesque sight to stay. It’s thus sad to know that with redevelopment plans, the temple will be relocating to a permanent home in Tai Seng Avenue. Though the Bodhi tree will be retained and promised by the government to impose its preservation as part of the tender conditions for the redevelopment of the site, the future of the Bodhi Tree remains uncertain to the management and the devotees of the temple. It is a concern if the redevelopment will affect the Bodhi Tree since it shares a symbiotic relationship with the temple through its roots, which are intertwined with the building’s foundation.

When asked about the future of the tree, Francis from the temple’s management committee said, “With the sacred significance of the Bodhi Tree to devotees in Singapore and also that of other countries, we are concerned of the care given to the tree after private condominiums are built on the site.”

In addition, after having the Bodhi Tree beside the temple for the past 68 years, the separation of the two is said to be a painful one for everyone from the temple. When asked of how he felt of the separation, De Lin said, “It’s anguishing, especially when we have gotten used to having the Bodhi Tree with us. It’s just like another family member of ours. It will never be the same again after the separation.”

I left the temple, feeling a little gloomy about the future of the Bodhi Tree. As we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Singapore’s nationhood this year, I hope that the Bodhi Tree will be here to witness the next few 50 years of Singapore, allowing our younger generations to have a glimpse of the grandiose tree. For that, I wish.