Haw Par Villa – Singapore’s Oldest Theme Park

Of all the places I’ve visited in Singapore, Haw Par Villa has to be one of the strangest.

Despite several previous trips to Singapore, I had never even heard of it. It hadn’t appeared on any of those “top things to do in Singapore” lists I’d seen, and no one had recommended it to me.

Then I came across it randomly and knew I had to go.

Haw Par Villa Singapore is the country’s oldest theme park, built in 1937 by the family behind Tiger Balm.

Instead of rollercoasters and thrill rides, you’ll find more than 1,000 sculptures and dioramas depicting Chinese folklore, mythology, morality and some rather gruesome consequences for bad behaviour.

I’ve now visited twice. My first visit was before the Ten Courts of Hell became part of the new Hell’s Museum, and I returned after the museum opened in 2021.

Important update for 2026: Haw Par Villa is currently partially closed for essential maintenance and repair works. Hell’s Museum and the Ten Courts of Hell remain open. Check the current status before visiting.

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What is Haw Par Villa?

Haw Par Villa is a cultural theme park filled with colourful – and sometimes downright bizarre – scenes from Chinese folklore, mythology and traditional moral teachings.

It dates back to 1937, when businessman Aw Boon Haw, one of the brothers behind Tiger Balm, created the gardens around a villa he had built for his younger brother, Aw Boon Par.

Originally known as Tiger Balm Gardens, the grounds were filled with statues and dioramas illustrating stories and values from Chinese culture.

For many Singaporeans who grew up in the mid-twentieth century, a childhood trip here wasn’t simply about looking at colourful statues. Some of the displays were designed to teach lessons about how you should behave – and what might happen if you didn’t!

Think of the cautionary stories we grew up with, but considerably more graphic.

Instead of your nose growing longer because you told a lie, you might be shown people being sawn in half or having body parts removed.

The stories draw on Chinese religious and philosophical traditions, including Buddhism, Taoism and Confucian ideas, along with well-known legends and folk tales.

Once you understand why all those strange statues are there, the park starts to make a lot more sense.

Hell’s Museum and the Ten Courts of Hell

The most famous attraction at Haw Par Villa is undoubtedly the Ten Courts of Hell – and it’s not for the squeamish.

On my first visit, the Ten Courts were part of the free Haw Par Villa experience. They’re now incorporated into Hell’s Museum, which opened in 2021 and requires a separate ticket.

I returned after the museum opened, and it’s now a much broader experience than simply walking through gruesome dioramas.

Hell’s Museum explores how different cultures and religions view death and the afterlife.

There are also displays about funeral and burial practices, including how Singapore has dealt with its dead as the city has developed and space has become increasingly limited.

We joined a guided tour, and I found this part surprisingly fascinating. It’s certainly an unusual topic for a museum, but it gave much more context to what we were about to see.

The Ten Courts of Hell

Then you reach the bit Haw Par Villa is famous for.

The Ten Courts of Hell depict what can happen after death according to traditional Chinese beliefs about judgement, punishment and eventual reincarnation.

And they don’t hold back.

Disrespect your parents and you could have your heart cut out. Misuse books and you might be sawn in two. Commit robbery and limbs could be removed.

You get the idea.

The figures are graphic and gruesome, but that’s precisely why generations of Singaporean children remembered them.

These displays weren’t created simply as horror entertainment. They illustrated moral lessons about how people were expected to behave and the consequences of doing the wrong thing.

Even after two visits, I still don’t know what’s worse – being grilled or having your heart cut out.

What Else Can You See at Haw Par Villa?

While the Ten Courts of Hell get most of the attention, there’s a lot more to Haw Par Villa.

Around the park are hundreds of statues and dioramas depicting Chinese legends, folklore, historical stories and moral lessons.

And then there are things that simply leave you wondering what on earth you’re looking at.

That’s part of the fun.

Monkey Magic at Haw Par Villa

One section I particularly enjoyed featured the Monkey King.

As a child in the 1980s, I was an avid watcher of the cult TV show Monkey Magic, so I immediately recognised some familiar faces.

What I hadn’t realised was that the characters weren’t invented for television. They’re based on Journey to the West, a classic Chinese novel dating back to the 16th century.

There they all were – Monkey, Pigsy, Sandy and Tripitaka, along with the magic horse.

Seeing characters I remembered from childhood in the middle of Haw Par Villa was one of those unexpected travel moments that made the visit even more memorable.

And Then There Are the Animals…

Scattered between the mythological and moral displays are animals of almost every description.

Owls, sheep, pandas, snakes, rats and all sorts of other creatures appear around the park, often with some very strange expressions on their faces.

But the biggest surprise for me was discovering koalas, kangaroos and emus.

I certainly hadn’t expected to find Australian animals here. New Zealand gets a look-in too, with a kiwi making an appearance.

Some displays are beautiful, some are bizarre, and others are downright confusing.

You won’t necessarily understand everything you’re looking at, but you’ll probably take plenty of photos.

Is Haw Par Villa Worth Visiting?

I think Haw Par Villa is worth visiting if you enjoy places that are a little unusual.

I’ve been twice now, and it’s certainly not one of Singapore’s polished, big-name attractions like Gardens by the Bay or Marina Bay Sands. That’s part of its appeal.

Underneath all the strangeness is an interesting look at Chinese folklore, traditional beliefs and the moral lessons once taught through these displays.

If it’s your first visit to Singapore and you only have a day or two, Haw Par Villa probably won’t be at the top of your list. But if you’ve already seen the major attractions, have a little more time, or enjoy seeking out the unexpected, it’s well worth considering.

Guided Tours at Haw Par Villa

When we visited Hell’s Museum, we joined one of the guided tours and I thought it was worthwhile.

Our guide talked about different beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife, as well as burial and funeral practices in Singapore.

Complimentary highlight tours of Hell’s Museum are currently available to ticket holders at selected times. Register at the museum reception when you arrive, with places available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other Haw Par Villa tours have also been offered, but availability can change, particularly while maintenance work is underway. Check what’s running when you’re planning your visit.

Practical Tips for Visiting Haw Par Villa

How Long Do You Need at Haw Par Villa?

When the full outdoor park is open, I’d allow at least two hours to explore without rushing.

You’ll need longer if you’re also visiting Hell’s Museum, particularly if you join a guided tour and spend time reading the exhibits.

While parts of the outdoor park are closed for maintenance, how long you need will depend on what’s accessible.

Go Early if You Can

Haw Par Villa is mostly outdoors, and Singapore’s heat and humidity can make wandering around in the middle of the day uncomfortable.

If the outdoor park is open, I’d aim for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Take water, wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Hell’s Museum is indoors and air-conditioned, making it a good option during the hottest or wettest part of the day.

Is Haw Par Villa Suitable for Children?

This really depends on the child.

Much of Haw Par Villa is colourful and fascinating, but the Ten Courts of Hell include graphic depictions of people being tortured and punished.

Hell’s Museum recommends the Ten Courts of Hell for children aged nine and over, although younger children can enter at a parent’s discretion.

For older kids and teenagers interested in mythology, culture and slightly unusual attractions, it could be fascinating. For younger or sensitive children, I’d look at some photos of the Ten Courts of Hell before deciding.

How to Get to Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa is at 262 Pasir Panjang Road and is very easy to reach by public transport.

By MRT

The easiest option is the MRT.

Take the Circle Line to Haw Par Villa station (CC25). The entrance is only about a minute’s walk from the station.

For most visitors, this is the option I’d recommend.

By Bus

Public buses also stop along Pasir Panjang Road near Haw Par Villa.

I arrived by bus on my second visit, and the stop was just across the road. Use Google Maps or your preferred Singapore transport app to find the best route from your location.

By Taxi or Grab

A taxi or Grab is another easy option. Simply use Haw Par Villa as your destination.

Haw Par Villa Opening Hours and Tickets

Is Haw Par Villa Free?

Under normal operations, entry to the outdoor Haw Par Villa park is free.

However, the park is currently partially closed for essential maintenance and repair works, which began in December 2025. There is no reopening date yet.

Hell’s Museum and the Ten Courts of Hell remain open.

Hell’s Museum Tickets

Unlike the outdoor park, Hell’s Museum requires a paid ticket.

Prices have changed over the years, so check the current price when you’re ready to book rather than relying on older information online.

I recommend booking ahead if you have a specific time you want to visit.

Check current Hell’s Museum tickets and availability here

Hell’s Museum Opening Hours

Hell’s Museum is currently open:

Daily: 10am–6pm
Last entry: 5pm

Older information saying the museum is closed on Mondays is now out of date.

Allow enough time before closing to actually explore the museum rather than aiming for the final entry time.

Final Thoughts on Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa is one of those places that reminds me why I like going beyond the obvious attractions when I travel.

Some of it is creepy, some is gruesome and some will leave you wondering what on earth you’re looking at.

But it’s also an interesting glimpse into Chinese folklore, traditional beliefs and a very different side of Singapore’s history.

I’ve now visited twice, and the experience changed considerably with the opening of Hell’s Museum. I’d happily go back once the current maintenance work is finished to see what else has changed.

If you’ve already ticked off Singapore’s big-name attractions, or you’re simply looking for something a little different, Haw Par Villa is one to keep on your list.

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