SINGAPORE — Like many places in Tiong Bahru, Block 78, which straddles Moh Guan Terrace and Guan Chuan Street, embodies a part of Singapore’s history.

Built between 1939 and 1940, it houses the first air raid shelter in a public housing project.

The “horseshoe block” — nicknamed after its unique U-shape — and its wartime shelter are now part of the Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail, launched yesterday by the National Heritage Board (NHB).

Ten landmarks in the area — one of Singapore’s oldest housing estates dating back to the 1930s — have been selected as markers of the NHB’s 11th heritage trail, including the grave of Singapore pioneer Tan Tock Seng at Outram Road, the 93-year-old Monkey God Temple along Eng Hoon Street and Tiong Bahru Market, which dates back to 1945.

The trail will also offer insight into the area’s unique pre-war and post-war architecture.

Ms Thangamma Karthigesu, the NHB’s Director of Education and Outreach, said the research and selection process began at the end of the third quarter of last year.

Speaking at the trail’s launch ceremony, Senior Minister of State (Law and Education) and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC Indranee Rajah said: “The trail offers a unique insight into the history of this special neighbourhood, charting its milestones through the war and commemorating memorable sites that hold a significant place in the hearts of many.”

The new trail is also the first to have guided tours, offered once a month by volunteer Tiong Bahru residents. The tours cost S$2 per participant, with the proceeds going to the Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru Community Development Welfare Fund.

Residents and individuals familiar with the neighbourhood were all heartened by the trail’s launch.

Educator Wong Ching Yee, 45, who grew up in the area and was taking her children to visit the trail, said: “It’s a gift to Singaporeans, as it helps preserve the memories of our community.”

Mr Roney Tan, a representative of the Tan Tock Seng family and a former Tiong Bahru resident, believes the heritage trail can help create a sense of belonging. “It preserves the heritage of a place and serves as a reminder for the history that we all share. As such, I’m very honoured that Mr Tan Tock Seng’s grave is part of the heritage trail.”

Coming up later this year are trails for older estates like Toa Payoh and Tampines, and there are plans for trails in Woodlands, Tampines, Chinatown and Little India over the next five years.

“The plan is for NHB to eventually connect all these trails working with other agencies, communities and NGOs so that Singaporeans can walk from one area to the next and eventually learn more about Singapore’s various constituencies and communities through these trails,” Ms Thangamma said.

Existing heritage trails include areas such as Kampong Glam, Balestier, Jalan Besar, Bukit Timah, Queenstown and Ang Mo Kio.

Asked about suggestions to nominate Tiong Bahru as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ms Indranee said: “I understand that in order to be a UNESCO heritage side, you have to meet 10 criteria which are quite stringent. I don’t know at the current time whether Tiong Bahru actually meets those criteria, so further research has to be done. But if it does, it’d be a wonderful nomination.”