In all my previous visits I had never heard of Haw Par Villa Singapore. It had not come up in any of those “Top things to do in Singapore” lists, nor in any recommendations I had been given. I came across it randomly and so decided I had to go.
It seemed like a quirky way to learn about Chinese folklore, mythology and cultural history, with a little bit of shock, gore and the macabre thrown in.
I’ve since visited for a second time after the park was changed a little and the new Hell’s Museum was built which changed things – but more on that later.
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What is Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is an outdoor park in Singapore that’s nothing like you’ve seen before. It’s packed with over 1,000 statues and scenes that brings Chinese mythology and moral teachings to life.
Built in 1937 by brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par – the minds behind Tiger Balm – the park was designed to share stories and values from Chinese culture with everyone who visits.
As such, sometimes in Singapore Haw Par Villa is called the Tiger Balm Gardens. It consists of over 1000 statues and 150 dioramas and displays dedicated to Chinese mythology and morality.
Many older Singaporeans who were brought up in the mid-twentieth century would recall coming here as kids and being shown the exhibits to teach them the morals of the time.
While the tales are mostly based on Buddhist folklore, there are touches of Confucianism and Taoism too.
We could liken these to the stories we heard of Pinnochio, but instead of our nose growing longer if we told lies, the consequences could be much more severe – and the stories much more gory.
Originally a private garden, it transformed over the years into a public attraction, embracing its role as a cultural and educational landmark.
Today, it remains a unique and significant site, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Chinese traditions and a glimpse into Singapore’s diverse cultural landscape.
There’s no sugar-coating here; the statues range from colourful deities to eerie scenes of the afterlife, all telling a story in their own unique way.
What to Expect at Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is full of surprises. The big draw is still the Ten Courts of Hell, where you’ll see graphic scenes of what awaits in the afterlife for those who break the rules.
On my first visit, these were free, but now they’re part of the Hell’s Museum, which digs even deeper into death and the afterlife, exploring different cultural takes on what comes next.
The Hell’s Museum offers a guided tour that takes you through different religious views on death and what happens afterwards.
We joined in and learned about how various faiths approach the end of life and what burial practices look like in Singapore today.
It was a fascinating looking into the diverse ways people make sense of mortality. And, of course, you still get to see the Ten Courts of Hell diorama – the star attraction for most visitors.
After death you are judged by each court in turn, and punished if required.
The gory displays of the Ten Courts of Hell depict the process undertaken between dying and reincarnation.
If you don’t get judged “good” by each court, there are some pretty terrible things that could happen before you can move on to your next life.
Disrespect your parents? Your heart will be cut out. Misuse of books? You will be sawn in two. Robbery? You’re arms and legs will get cut off. You get the idea!
Beyond the Hell’s Museum, you’ll find all sorts of mythological figures, legends, and historic tales brought to life in colourful displays.
One minute, you’re learning about ancient heroes; the next, you’re staring at a diorama of a crab with a human face.
I particularly liked another section related to the Monkey God. As a child in the 80’s, I was an avid watcher of the cult TV show “Monkey Magic”.
Until I saw the series of dioramas, I had no idea that it was an old Chinese story. I just assumed it had been made up for television.
All the characters were here – Monkey, Pigsy, Sandy, Tripitaka, and even the magic horse.
Between the many stories were statues of all sorts of animals. In fact, almost anything you can think of.
It was really surprising to find koalas, kangaroos, and emus of various sizes and colours in one area. New Zealand got a nod too with the kiwi also appearing.
Overall, my experience at Haw Par Villa was a unique one. The figures are all a bit creepy looking, and the stories are a bit gory, but it’s a great sign of the times the park was built in.
In my view, maybe we need to bring more of our (older) kids here and show them these old-style, perhaps even macabre, messages of morality.
Haw Par Villa is quirky, educational, and a little bit eerie – but in the best possible way. There’s no other place quite like it in Singapore, where you get to explore the strange and wonderful all in one spot!
Since my last visit there are now some new tours available:
- Journeys to Hell – a Friday evening twilight tour of Haw Par Villa and Hell’s Museum
- Leopard Spots & Tiger Tales: The Haw Par Villa Story – a 1-hour guided tour held daily at 11am
There are also a range of self-guided tour suggestions.
All the details can be found on the website here.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Give yourself at least two hours to wander through Haw Par Villa – you’ll want time to take it all in.
If you’re keen to avoid the heat (and trust me, you will be), aim for an early morning or late afternoon visit. The park is mostly outdoors, and it can get pretty warm during the day.
For families, a heads-up: some of the displays, especially in the Hell’s Museum, are quite graphic. Younger kids might find them a bit intense, so consider what’s right for your family.
The park’s a great spot for older kids and teens who are curious about history and culture, but be prepared for some unusual sights!
If you have little ones, you might want to skip the Ten Courts of Hell or plan to explain a few things along the way.
How to Get to Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is located at 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore and is super easy to reach from the city centre.
Just jump on the MRT’s Circle Line and get off at Haw Par Villa station – the park entrance is right there when you step out. No need for long walks or extra directions!
If you’re coming by bus, routes like 10, 30, 51, 143, and 188 will drop you close by. I did this on my second visit and the stop was just across the road.
For those who prefer a taxi or a ride-hailing service, just punch in “Haw Par Villa” and you’ll be on your way in no time.
Additional Information
Good news – entry to Haw Par Villa is free, so it’s a great budget-friendly stop!
The park itself is open Monday to Sunday: 9am – 8pm (last entry 7.30pm), so you’ve got plenty of time to explore.
However, if you’re planning on visiting the Hell’s Museum, there’s a small ticket fee for that part.
The Haw Par Villa price is $20SGD/ Adult, $10SGD/ Child (7-12) and It’s free for children aged 6 & under (although it’s not really recommended for children under 9 years old)
Opening hours are Tue – Sun: 10am – 6pm (last entry: 5pm). Hell’s Museum is closed Monday.
It’s a good idea to pick up your Haw Par Villa tickets in advance, especially if you are after the earlier time slots to avoid the heat.
