Toa Payoh Heritage Trail – Of Community Institutions & Common Spaces

This is a self-guided trail.

The 1973 SEAP Games Village allowed athletes to stay in point blocks close to everyday amenities such as cinemas and hawker centres, which allowed them to experience a slice of Singapore life. Today, one of the blocks, Block 179, is better known for hosting games of checkers (known regionally as “dum”) at its void deck, which regularly brings together enthusiastic players and spectators alike.

The 1973 SEAP Games Village allowed athletes to stay in point blocks close to everyday amenities such as cinemas and hawker centres, which allowed them to experience a slice of Singapore life. Today, one of the blocks, Block 179, is better known for hosting games of checkers (known regionally as “dum”) at its void deck, which regularly brings together enthusiastic players and spectators alike.

The 1973 SEAP Games Village allowed athletes to stay in point blocks close to everyday amenities such as cinemas and hawker centres, which allowed them to experience a slice of Singapore life. Today, one of the blocks, Block 179, is better known for hosting games of checkers (known regionally as “dum”) at its void deck, which regularly brings together enthusiastic players and spectators alike.

Since the kampong past of Toa Payoh, the banyan tree where the Tree Shrine at Block 177 is located has been regarded as sacred. Today, the shrine is dedicated to the Taoist deities Tian Gong, Guan Yin, Datuk Kong and Tua Pek Kong.

Toa Payoh Sports Complex comprises Toa Payoh Stadium, Sports Hall, Sports Centre and Swimming Complex. The complex was constructed in time for the 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games. Over the decades, these sporting facilities have been well-used by athletes in competitions such as the National Schools’ Swimming Championships, as well as for community activities.

Established as a free Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic at Chung Shan Association in 1956, community members from all walks of life contributed funds to construct the current Chung Hwa Medical Institution building that opened in 1978. It has since expanded its research and development into various TCM fields and continues to provide low-cost treatments to patients from all backgrounds.

Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) was founded by seven clan associations and formally inaugurated in 1986. Having moved its headquarters to Toa Payoh in 1997, SFCCA promotes Singaporean Chinese culture through events, exhibitions and publications, and funds scholarships and bursaries for underprivileged students and inmates.

Through the decades, community institutions and common spaces have left an indelible mark in the memories of Toa Payoh residents and visitors. This trail brings you to the institutions and spaces that continue to play an active role in the sporting, cultural and social lives of residents and Singaporeans.

Explore the Suggested Short Trail Routes:

Of Public Housing & Shared Spaces, 1.5 hours on foot (4.5 km)
Of Faiths & Beliefs, 2 hours with public transport (6 km)

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