The refreshed Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail covers 40 heritage sites and features 10 heritage markers.
About Ang Mo Kio
In its early days, Ang Mo Kio was more commonly known as Kow Tiow Kio (“nine bridges” in Hokkien), as one would have to cross nine bridges across tributary streams of the Kallang River to get from present-day Lorong Chuan to Upper Thomson Road. The town has since evolved into a quintessential Singaporean heartland with its various neighbourhoods, parks, hearty hawker fare, and vintage dragon playground along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3. Today, the memories and spirit of Ang Mo Kio’s kampong past still permeate the bustling, modern town it has become.
The Refreshed Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail
First launched in 2011, the Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail is part of ongoing efforts by National Heritage Board (NHB) to document and promote distinct histories and memories of different areas in which Singaporeans live, work and play; deepening our understanding of the Singapore story. The NHB’s refreshed Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail tells new stories of the town’s history and heritage. Fresh research and community interviews have allowed the refreshed trail to delve deeper into Ang Mo Kio’s transformation from an area of plantations and farming land to a thriving residential and commercial hub; reveal lesser-known facts about its landmarks; and uncover more tales of the men and women who live and work there. Here's taking a closer look at what you can look forward to at the refreshed Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail:
New Markers & New Sites
The refreshed Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail covers 40 heritage sites and features 10 heritage markers. These include 13 new sites, as well as two new markers at the Church of Christ the King – the only Catholic church in Ang Mo Kio – and Liuxun Sanhemiao, a joint temple formed by three temples – Sam Ann Fu, Longxuyan Jinshuiguan, and Hong San Chin Huat Temple Association – which originated from the former Lak Xun Village in Yio Chu Kang.
These new markers join a list of sites that are a part of Ang Mo Kio’s unique story, including the 21-hectare Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West, the largest town garden project by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) at the time of its completion in 1983; Ang Mo Kio Town Council, the first such council in Singapore which was established in 1986; and Block 259, also known as the “Clover Block'', the first and only block of circular HDB flats.
[New Marker] Church of Christ the King
The refreshed trail takes visitors on a journey to explore hidden gems in Ang Mo Kio, revealing new stories and information about the town’s landmarks. One such institution is the Church of Christ the King, the first and only Catholic church in Ang Mo Kio. Officially opened on 26 September 1982, the church houses two significant religious objects: an icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help on its facade, and a statue of Christ the King sculpted in 1956 in Kerala, India on its front balcony.
[New Marker] Liuxun Sanhemiao
Constructed in 2011, the Ang Mo Kio Joint Temple unites the heritage of three temples from former villages in Ang Mo Kio: Gao Lin Gong, Kim Eang Tong and Leng San Giam. With the redevelopment of Ang Mo Kio in the 1970s, the three temples came together to establish a joint temple to secure the lease for the site it currently stands on. Intricate carvings on the building’s pillars and facade were handcrafted by artisans in China, and a carved wooden stand within the Gao Lin Gong temple was commissioned in 1888 to mark the temple’s founding. It is one of two joint temples in Ang Mo Kio that houses temples from former kampongs in the area, the other being the aforementioned Liuxun Sanhemiao.
[New Site] Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club
Photo Credits: National Heritage Board
In more recent decades, a spot well-loved by many is the Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club, which serves as a gathering spot for bird keepers and enthusiasts from all over Singapore. Known as the country’s largest bird singing and display arena, the club was originally established by three zebra dove enthusiasts residing in Ang Mo Kio. In 1987, they applied to erect poles to expand the club’s capacity for more bird enthusiasts to join them. Presently, the venue can accommodate more than 1,000 cages and regularly hosts bird singing competitions. Among the club’s founders is Mr Teng Leng Foo, who also operates a traditional bird cage making business at Block 159, located next to the arena.
Three New Thematic Routes
The trail also features three newly curatedself-guided thematic routes exploring different aspects of Ang Mo Kio’s heritage, i.e., (1) iconic landmarks and sites of the new town, (2) hidden heartland narratives, artefacts and installations, and (3) the picturesque outskirts of Ang Mo Kio.
Iconic Landmarks (1.5 hours with public transport, 5.5 km)
This route showcases the iconic buildings and sites of Ang Mo Kio new town – the seventh housing town built by HDB – which range from distinctive blocks to landscaped parks.
Hidden Heartland Gems (1 hour and 45 minutes with public transport, 7.5 km)
This route explores often overlooked gems in Ang Mo Kio, and relates interesting facts about them and lesser-known community stories.
Scenic Fringes (2.5 hours with public transport, 12 km)
This scenic route explores the outskirts of Ang Mo Kio, revealing another side of the new town and its surroundings.
The Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail’s companion guide and map (the map will be available in four official languages) can be downloaded from NHB’s heritage portal. Printed copies of the guide and map in English will also be available in limited quantities at various locations including the Asian Civilisations Museum, Cheng San-Seletar Community Club, Teck Ghee Community Club, Kebun Baru Community Club, Yio Chu Kang Community Club, and NHB headquarters at Stamford Court. A video of highlights of the Ang Mo Kio Heritage Trail can also be viewed here.
