One of the oldest temples in Singapore, Wak Hai Cheng Bio is situated along Philip Street, which used to be just a short distance from the sea. As its name suggests, Wak Hai Cheng Bio, or "Temple of the Calm Sea built by the Guangdong People", was erected by the Teochews who migrated to Singapore in the early 19th century. One of the deities worshipped at the temple, the Heavenly Mother, or Tian Hou (天后), was honoured by the Teochews who believed that doing so would grant them safe passage across the sea.
