Free: All time
Thian Hock Keng is one of the oldest and most important Hokkien Temple in Singapore. The temple was built in traditional southern Chinese architectural style. The entire structure was assembled without nails. However, curiously, the gates are Scottish and the tiles Dutch. Built in 1839, the temple was once the favorite landing point of Chinese sailors, before land reclamation pushed the sea far down the road. Meant as the main temple for Ma Zu (Goddess of the Sea), Thian Hock Keng Temple’s stature of importance can be seen from the plaque inscribed with the words “Bo Jing Nan Ming” (Gentle Waves over the South Seas) which was presented by the Qing Dynasty Emperor Guang Xu in 1907.
Address: 158 Telok Ayer St.
Opening hours: Daily 7:30am – 5:30pm
Directions: Metro Line 12 to Telok Ayer Station
Phone: +65 6423 4626
Website: www.thianhockkeng.com.sg
Photo credit: Jnzl’s Public Domain Photos (Flickr CC), Dickson Phua (Flickr CC)
