Thian Hock Keng Temple image

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Taoist temple

Historic temple built in the classic Chinese style of architecture with columns & dragon sculptures. People often mention temple, Singapore, visit, Chinese, Temple, history, architecture, beautiful, oldest, Thian,


Address

158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613

Website

www.thianhockkeng.com.sg

Contact

+65 6423 4616

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (2.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 7:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Sunday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 7:30 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: temple (80) Singapore (38) visit (24) Chinese (23) Temple (17) history (16) architecture (13) beautiful (12) oldest (11) Thian (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Priyanka R. 1 year ago on Google • 1072 reviews
    Worth a visit, this temple is a piece of Singapore history. This was built in the 1800s and the deity here is the Chinese God of sea. That’s what the kind gentleman inside the temple told us. It’s a beautiful temple with gorgeous tiled floors and a central courtyard that’s open to the sky. There are also courtyards outside with a well and a beauty structure to offer prayers and light the incense sticks in. Overall a nice place to check out in this area.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MOHAMMED ABDUL F. 8 months ago on Google
    Visited the remarkable Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore and wanted to share the experience! 🏯🙏 This iconic Chinese temple stands as a testament to cultural heritage and spirituality. The intricate architecture and ornate details are truly awe-inspiring. 🏮🏯 The best part? Entry is absolutely free, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the temple's beauty and serenity. 🚪🆓 Whether you're seeking a glimpse into history, appreciating the artistry, or simply finding a moment of tranquility, Thian Hock Keng Temple is a must-visit. 📸🇸🇬
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Neo C. 6 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    Thian Hock Keng Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples of the Hokkien people in Singapore. It was built in 1839 for the worship of Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess, who protected the early immigrants from the perils of the sea. The temple is a masterpiece of traditional southern Chinese architecture, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and decorations made from wood, stone, tiles, and porcelain. The temple also received a calligraphy plaque from the Qing Emperor Guang Xu in 1907, which is now displayed at the National Museum of Singapore1. The temple is located at 158 Telok Ayer Street, near the former shoreline of Telok Ayer Basin. It is open daily from 7.30am to 5.30pm, and admission is free. You can also visit the official website of the temple2 or the Roots website3 for more information and history. If you are interested in seeing the temple in person, you can also book a guided tour. Nanyin performance conducted during Guanyin Dan. throughout the year. #tianhockkeng #mustseesingapore #telokayer #sgblogger #cafemuseum
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sze Mei N. 1 year ago on Google
    An old Temple in Singapore. Attractive architecture. Free admission. Learn a lot Chinese culture and Heritage. Many tourists, a bit crowded around lunchtime. Music Box Museum (sdmisst fee) and Museum cafe are also there.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vincent K. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice vintage temple. Cny time need to book online else need to queue outside for available slots.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 lc w. 6 months ago on Google • 724 reviews
    Went there on Sunday morning n it was quiet n peaceful. The place was clean n well managed One thing surprised me was that this has a wishing well on the back yard. So far, the first n only one of many temples that i have visited. A memorable place, this is.

  • 4/5 Kelvin L. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting temple with a long history behind every single wall. Interesting fact is that there isn't a single nail in the construction of the temple!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CK T. 3 years ago on Google
    Another fine example of cultural and religious building preservation in Singapore.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan T. 1 year ago on Google
    A historic Chinese temple that is a must visit, not just for its historical value, but for its architecture and culture. The temple has two principal shrines -- Mazu (patron deity of the seafarers and migrants) and Guanyin (the bodhisattva of compassion). Guided tours are available although one can and should wander and take the time to admire the intricate architecture and the shrines to the many deities. A must visit and one where I bring all my friends from abroad who are visiting Singapore.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 U. X. 3 years ago on Google
    The oldest temple in Singapore. Worth visiting once.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ida E. 4 months ago on Google • 207 reviews
    Always wanted to visit Tian Fu temple after watching Ma Zu starring Liu Tao 😂. What an amazing place, oldest temple in Singapore. I can't even read the Chinese on wall carvings. Brings me back in time. From the inside of the entrance of the temple you can see the 2 dragons "supporting" the sterling law corporation building, must have good fengshui.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S L. 8 months ago on Google • 178 reviews
    One of Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple in heart of business district. It is built in 1839 by the Hokkien clan association in worship of Mazu(Goddess of the Sea). Built in southern Chinese architectural style, it has ornate columns with many Chinese art symbolic of the Taoist worshipping traditions of that era. The temple is free entry for everyone, however no photo taking is allowed within the deities inner court.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vadim S. 2 months ago on Google • 380 reviews New
    National monument of Singapore. Completed in 1842. Take a picture of the highly decorated ceiling and beams. The doors are guarded by stone lions and Door Gods. Don't miss.

  • 5/5 sumant a. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joyce J. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 montakarn i. 1 year ago on Google
    Historical temple in the center of modern building. Nice!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jerry L. 1 year ago on Google
    It is the place of a Chinese temple, inside that have the free candle for prayer. Inside the temple has a place to pray.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wai Peng C. 3 years ago on Google
    It was closed when I pass by.. I saw the architecture from the exterior only. It was impressive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bernard M. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore; traditional southern Chinese architecural style and was assembled without nails; it is an architectural materpiece of stone, tiles and wood, with carvings of dragons and phoenixes, intricate sculptures and imposing columns.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Swaminathan I. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful Chinese temple on Telok Ayer street in Singapore . Beautiful architecture and serene environment
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 XW 3 years ago on Google
    Part of a historical culture in Singapore. A Chinese temple. Rich is cultural heritage. Choose the right time to visit though. It can get crowded.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Duminda N. 1 year ago on Google
    Thian Hock Keng is a rare and old historic Chinese temple in Singapore that encompasses Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Must visit this place and the temple is located on Telok Ayer Street. Near by MRT Telok Ayer(Blue).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Othellin M. 3 years ago on Google
    It’s probably the biggest temple in Singapore, as well as the local religious centre of taoism. With being located among the urban jungle, the building groups show theirs unique style of architecture. Even if you’re not the believer, this temple is still worth your visit and appropriate for the different cultures.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 The Roaring Olympian 3. 11 months ago on Google
    I made my visit in April 2023. This is an amazing Temple. Ornate decorations are on practically every surface, yet not in a way that would be gaudy. I was in awe at the sheer beauty of this Temple. Even the gates are decorated with depictions of dragons and what I believe are men shen (door gods). The temple was built by people from Fujian (Hokkien) and has received a plaque from Qing Emperor Guangxu, which hangs in the main hall. The other Temple to receive this honour, Yue Hai Qing Temple, was built by people from Chaozhou(Teochew) and is nearby. It is worth a visit to see the contrast between the two temples. Visitors should watch out for the high barriers at each of the entrances to various parts of the Temple. The elderly and children should be cautious when crossing over. No photos should be taken of the main hall or the various gods within out of respect. If you intend to pray, approach the reception in the main hall for assistance. It is very confusing even for a local like me and I had the help of my mother who, though more experienced in such traditions, was also confused. Better instructions could be provided in a written format and placed around the Temple. A great place to visit for the history and to receive blessings from Heaven, particularly the sea goddess Mazu.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Povilas G. 4 months ago on Google • 83 reviews
    Beautiful and serene. We went there on a Sunday evening, so it was also very quiet.

  • 4/5 SML 5 months ago on Google • 83 reviews
    Thian Hock Keng is an architectural masterpiece. It plays an important roll in Singapore’s history from the 1800s. The temple was built in traditional southern Fujian architectural style & adheres to the Chinese principle of axial symmetry. The construction of the temple was completed in 1840. Details of the temple’s history are recorded on stone steles inside the Entrance Hall. Free guided tours are held annually which introduces the 170-year-old temple’s history to the public. You can pick up brochures & activate a virtual tour at the temple for a self-guided tour. And select preferred language. It’s a beautiful, interesting & calming building. Exciting to enter & with helpful people around ready to help & inform. We visited on a public holiday, on a Monday. It was a queue outside & visitors were handed a package with food before entering. Incense burned & spread a pleasant fragrance in the air which enhanced the visit. It was beautifully decorated outside, the building has many interesting architectural details & the whole experience is both unusual & informative.

  • 5/5 Padmaraj U. 8 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    Oldeset taoist temple of singapore a must see part of chinese heritage. The beautiful interiors reflect the rich cultural heritage of chinese people

  • 5/5 Benjamin T. 5 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Great place to soak in the cultural history of downtown Singapore. Great that many locals still bring their children here to worship confucius before examinations.

  • 5/5 Graham O. 7 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    The Thian Hock Keng Temple is a Singaporean Taoist Temple dedicated to the Chinese Goddess of the Sea Mazu. Mazu is worshipped in much of Asia, including China, Taiwan, Japan, and of course Singapore.

  • 4/5 travellight 4 years ago on Google
    One of the most famous Chinese temples to visit in Singapore. It holds many events or ceremonies every month. Located in city center very near China town and Amoy Street Food Centre And Maxwell Hawker Centre are just few minutes in walking distance. Toilet in the temple is pretty clean as well. Make sure you don’t miss to visit this significant place!!! Especially if you have chinese culture background:)

  • 5/5 Alan T. 4 years ago on Google
    Built more than 200 years ago, it started as a joss temple. Later it was converted to a temple with donations from a philanthropist Tan Tock Seng. The temple is unique as there are no nails in the main structure. It was built from bricks and wood jointed together. The temple had been renovated. Though not big but the architecture is beautiful. Definitely worth a visit to see the historical building.

  • 5/5 Samudrika G. 4 years ago on Google
    One of an oldest temple im Singapore. You can find it very easily if you try google maps. Must visit place in China Town. There is a wishing well too.. Architecture of this temple is so beautiful.

  • 5/5 Lloyd W. 4 years ago on Google
    The temple gives you a feel of old Singapore before it became a bustling metropolitan city. It is a tranquil spot in an otherwise hectic city.

  • 5/5 tschuli t. 1 year ago on Google
    You are able to see an authentic temple for free. It's not big, but worth a visit.

  • 4/5 pravin s. 1 year ago on Google
    Old Chinese Temple, one of the oldest heritage in Singapore

  • 5/5 Gabriele G. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice temple. Pictures not allowed in the central part, but ok around it. There is a wishing well with bells, where you can make your own .... wishes.

  • 5/5 lee b. 1 year ago on Google
    Thian Hock Keng Temple is a place to worship the goddess who protects fishermen at sea. In Singapore, there are many places of worship built in many nooks and crannies. And among them the most famous temple

  • 5/5 Vladimír B. 1 year ago on Google
    It is among the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore. The temple is decorated with details. It is registered as a national monument. This temple is part of the history of Singapore. Incense sticks can be ignited. Nice place to hang out.

  • 5/5 熊北極 10 months ago on Google
    Can get really busy when tour coaches starts rolling in. Kindly give your due respect when visiting and kindly not take photographs of the deities and/or use flash photography.

  • 5/5 Dave C. 1 year ago on Google
    Very friendly reception and free guided tour explaining the temples history and rituals. Recomend you take the tour. You can take photos of anything except the alters and daities.

  • 5/5 Patrick L. 1 year ago on Google
    UNESCO Heritage Site Built in the 1840s, this temple exhibits unique architectural characteristics reminiscent of southern china with a mix of european heritage (porcelain tiles, Scottish wrought iron gate, etc) Ma Zu (southern China Goddess of the Seas) have presided over the temple since the beginning with other deities also housed in difference parts of the temple. Little known to many, there is a mural wall at the back of the temple depicting the lives of early Chinese immigrants in Singapore A must visit for first time visitors to Singapore

  • 5/5 Willi Adrian P. 1 year ago on Google
    If you’re in Singapore 🇸🇬 and you love Temples, must visit Thian Hock Keng Temple. Such a beautiful place and experience. Love it 😍.

  • 5/5 Hari N M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place and well understood with a guide accompanying you and giving a walk through of the worship methods which is quite similar to Hindu belief

  • 5/5 E U. 5 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    One of My favourite Temples in Singapore! Beautiful design of Cut & Paste Shard Art, 剪黏.. and you should check out the behind wall of the temple!! there is a wonderful wall art done by Singapore artist.

  • 4/5 Joey K. 3 years ago on Google
    History place

  • 4/5 jay l. 3 years ago on Google
    One of Singapore memory lane.

  • 5/5 Bill C. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a truly special temple, do yourself a favor, spend a minimum of an hour immersing yourself in the history and tranquility. I have returned several times to the temple and the park next door.

  • 4/5 Cat T. 3 years ago on Google
    Stately temple which is also peaceful.

  • 5/5 Jan L. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the oldest temple around. Love the peace n tranquility ambience. Very short walk from telok ayer MRT exit A.

  • 5/5 Bipin K. 3 years ago on Google
    Very peaceful and serene..

  • 5/5 Richard C. 3 years ago on Google
    Historically values well maintained.

  • 5/5 김용경 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's very colorful and cool. The distinct difference from Korea is worth seeing. The building is also nice. You can see it even if you go in time. (Original) 아주 화려하고 멋있어요. 한국과 확연히 다른 점이 구경할만하네요. 건물도 멋있어요. 예불시간에 맞춰가셔도 구경할 수 있어요.

  • 5/5 Exiel A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice temple, as soon as you enter, you feel peace inside. You must come to know it, I recommend it. (Original) Muy bonito templo, en cuanto entras, sientes paz en su interior. Debes pasar a conocerlo, te lo recomiendo.

  • 5/5 Imran A. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Hokkien Chinese temple in Singapore's Chinatown district. Beautifully restored and maintained, the temple traces its origins to the 1820s when Telok Ayer Street was adjacent to the shoreline. The temple is one of several historic places of worship located on Telok Ayer Street, including a mosque; Islamic shrine and Methodist church. The temple is a must see and cannot be missed if in Singapore.

  • 4/5 Ak 3 years ago on Google
    Very noticeable Asian construction

  • 5/5 vivien L. 3 years ago on Google
    Thian Hock keng temple is old mazu temple at Singapore. I always go there when free .

  • 4/5 Naganathan K. 3 years ago on Google
    Chinese Temple

  • 4/5 Muhammad H. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to take photos infront of, better at night when there's less traffic. You can bring your motorcycle, bicycle or car and park it right in front to take picture.

  • 5/5 Steven S. 4 years ago on Google
    I would say that this is a must when visiting Singapore. The temple was established on this site in 1839. There are a group of buildings surrounding a courtyard: an entrance hall, a main hall, and a rear hall. It is worth the visit to see the intricate carvings and the beautiful statues. There were a lot of local people in the temple worshiping while we visited, so it helped us to see and learn about a culture that we knew very little about. It was a wonderful experience.

  • 3/5 Carlson C. 3 years ago on Google
    Lost it charm.. Over renovation

  • 5/5 Melissa E. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely slice of culture and history here in Singapore. It is especially festive during CNY celebrations.

  • 5/5 Sia L. 3 years ago on Google
    Definitely worth a visit. Really enjoy looking at the beautiful of the building architecture, the the temple is so well maintained. Take a look up at the ceiling and beam you will see many beautiful carvings.

  • 4/5 Kinmiang G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Tianfu Palace is very beautiful in appearance and has a long history in the ancient temple. The incense is very strong. Many tourists go to punch in and there are many foods nearby! (Original) 天福宫外观很美,历史很久的古庙,香火很旺,很多游客去打卡,附近也很多美食!

  • 5/5 Anne Hui N. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing heritage temple located at Central area

  • 5/5 SS T. 3 years ago on Google
    It brighter and more colorful then it was years ago. It has less traditional temple goers but now with different type of visitors . Still a place worth visiting

  • 5/5 CK C. 2 years ago on Google
    This National Monument is the oldest Taoist temple in Singapore.

  • 5/5 Kaveen E. 4 years ago on Google
    Depicts history of singapore. right in the middle of the city. A religious place to visit. One of the iconic paces to visit.

  • 5/5 Francis S. 4 years ago on Google
    Rich cultural for hokkien settlers

  • 4/5 Anne E. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Be on the lookout (Original) Var på befaring

  • 5/5 David D. 4 years ago on Google
    🌻

  • 5/5 RAGHU K. 3 years ago on Google
    🤩

  • 5/5 Kendrick W. 2 years ago on Google
    Singapore oldest temple. Worth a visit if you are around the area. There is so much heritage in this monument. Good to come when there isn’t much tourists.

  • 5/5 John a. 3 years ago on Google
    Terrific history and a fully working Temple. All the beauty of the architecture, colors, and incense scents, but a place that still retains a unique spiritual sense.

  • 5/5 Lai Jun R. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice architecture

  • 4/5 Yeeteng N. 3 years ago on Google
    This temple is quiet and quite beautiful

  • 5/5 Yingying 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful temple located in CBD. There is cheap vegetarian food at the basement of the temple, so do check them out. Outside the temple, there are also vending machines so you can grab a drink there. Overall good experience, do check the temple out if you are nearby!

  • 5/5 Mikael L. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful old temple with stunning detailed architecture

  • 4/5 Calvin F. 3 years ago on Google
    For praying

  • 5/5 roger b. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice temple with beautiful painting at the back


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