Thian Hock Keng

Thian Hock Keng Temple (天福宫, Tian Fu Gong, Temple of Heavenly Happiness)

Thian Hock Keng is the oldest and most important Hokkien temple in Singapore. It is the temple of Ma Cho Po, the goddess of the sea and protector of all seamen.

After the British established a trading port in Singapore in 1819, early Chinese immigrants started to arrive, crossing the hazardous China Sea. A “joss house” was established in 1821 for them to pray and thank the Goddess for their safe passage.

Thian Hock Keng Temple was later built on the site in 1841 by the Hokkien community and it served as a temple, school and community center. Grateful immigrants, some of whom became successful businessmen, contributed to the construction. The philanthrophist Tan Tock Seng was a major donor.