Thian Hock Keng Temple

In the shadows of the modern towers of the financial district is Singapore's oldest Chinese temple. Built in 1839, Thian Hock Keng sits amid rows of preserved shophouses between the financial district and Chinatown.

The temple is laid out in traditional Chinese style, as a sequence of courtyards and altars. The deity on the main altar is Ma Zhu Po, the goddess of the seas. The temple was built by Hokkien sailors as a place for them to give thanks for a safe journey.

As with many Chinese temples, Thian Hock Keng is glorious in its details, from the carved granite columns supporting the roof pillars of the main altar to the colorfully painted roof rafters of the front gate. Paintings and carved stone are mixed throughout the temple.

To the right of the main altar is another courtyard with the customary shrine to the ancestors. To the left of the altar are the secondary shrines and a large pagoda that once housed the first Chinese school in Singapore.

Next to the temple is a small but very green park.

Getting There

The temple is on Telok Ayer Street, off Cross Street. Its an easy walk from either the Chinatown or Raffles Place subway stations. Across Cross Street is Far East Square, a pleasant collection restaurants and pubs where you can cool off on any walking tour.