Haw Par Villa Singapore: A Surreal Journey Through Chinese Mythology

🐉 Welcome to Haw Par Villa – Singapore’s Most Surreal Cultural Park

Nestled on a quiet hill in western Singapore, Haw Par Villa is unlike anything else you’ll see in Southeast Asia.
 

With over 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas, this bizarre yet culturally rich park is a journey through Chinese folklore, Confucian values, Taoist teachings, and Buddhist mythology — all told through vivid, sometimes shocking scenes.

Built in 1937 by the Aw brothers (the same family behind Tiger Balm), Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind cultural theme park that educates through entertainment and provokes reflection with every step.

📍 Where is Haw Par Villa?

Location: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628

Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa MRT Station (CC25) – right at the park’s entrance

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily (Last entry: 7:30 PM)

Entry Fee: Free for general admission (Hell’s Museum has a separate fee)

🗿 A Brief History of Haw Par Villa

Created by Aw Boon Haw, a Chinese-Burmese philanthropist and businessman, Haw Par Villa was originally called Tiger Balm Gardens.

His goal? To use vivid, eye-catching art to teach moral lessons, Confucian ethics, and Chinese cultural heritage.

After decades of changes, renovations, and even amusement park experiments, Haw Par Villa today is a restored cultural treasure — offering a fascinating look at traditional beliefs in a modern city.

🌟 Top Things to See & Do at Haw Par Villa

1. 🔥 The Ten Courts of Hell (A Must-See!)

Enter the most famous — and most controversial section of Haw Par Villa.

Housed inside a tunnel-like cave, this exhibit graphically depicts the Ten Courts of Hell from Chinese mythology. Each court represents punishments in the afterlife based on sins committed during one’s lifetime.

🧠 Not suitable for young children or sensitive visitors, but incredibly eye-opening.

🎟️ Admission to Hell’s Museum (which includes this section):

Adults: SGD 18

Children (7–12): SGD 10

👉 Hell’s Museum contextualizes death, morality, and afterlife beliefs across religions.

2. 🐉 Mythical Creatures & Deities

Stroll past vibrant, sometimes surreal statues of:

Sun Wukong (Monkey King)

Nezha

Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy)

Eight Immortals

Dragons, phoenixes, and other celestial beings

📸 Photo Tip: Look out for the massive Laughing Buddha near the central square!

3. 🐯 The Aw Brothers’ Legacy

Learn about the founders of the park:

Aw Boon Haw ("Gentle Tiger")

Aw Boon Par ("Gentle Leopard")

Discover how they built a medicinal empire with Tiger Balm, and why they created a park rooted in moral storytelling and spiritual education.

4. 🦁 Peculiar & Political Statues

Haw Par Villa doesn’t shy away from strange or satirical art. You’ll find:

A crab with a human face

A rat wedding procession

Scenes of opium smokers and corrupt officials

Some sculptures even reflect 20th-century political allegories — offering insight into the cultural anxieties of the era.

5. 🏛️ Hell's Museum (Optional but Recommended)

This newer exhibit inside the Ten Courts of Hell explores how different religions and cultures view death, judgement, and the afterlife.

🌍 It covers:

Ancient Egyptian and Hindu beliefs

Taoist and Buddhist funerary traditions

Muslim, Christian, and secular funeral rites

🕯️ A rare chance to understand global perspectives on death in one immersive museum.

🎨 What Makes Haw Par Villa Unique?

Unlike sleek modern theme parks, Haw Par Villa embraces:

Hand-painted sculptures

Old-school craftsmanship

Moral storytelling through visuals

It’s quirky, educational, and sometimes darkly humorous, making it a must-visit for photographers, cultural travelers, and history lovers.

📸 Best Instagram & TikTok Spots

Laughing Buddha and Tiger Pagoda

Dramatic poses at the Ten Courts of Hell entrance

Monkey God fighting scenes

Hidden sculptures among overgrown pathways

Stairways with dragon sculptures and panoramic views

📷 Pro Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for golden-hour lighting.

🕒 Suggested Itinerary (2–3 Hours)

🧃 Where to Eat Near Haw Par Villa

🥟 Nearby Food Options:

Pasir Panjang Food Centre – Affordable local hawker fare

VivoCity (short taxi ride) – International restaurants and cafes

99 Old Trees (desserts & durian treats)

You can also bring water and light snacks to enjoy in shaded areas of the park.

🧭 How to Get to Haw Par Villa

🚇 By MRT:

Take the Circle Line (CCL) to Haw Par Villa MRT (CC25)

Exit A leads directly to the park entrance

🚌 By Bus:

Bus services: 10, 30, 51, 143, 200 (Alight at Haw Par Villa station)

🚗 By Car:

Parking available near Pasir Panjang Road

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Accessibility Info

🧒 Recommended for older children (some scenes may be intense)

♿ Wheelchair-accessible pathways (some slopes)

🧼 Toilets available near the entrance

🚻 Baby changing facilities limited – bring essentials

🛍️ Souvenirs & Gift Shops

There is a small gift kiosk with:

Tiger Balm products

Chinese figurines

Postcards of the Ten Courts

🧳 Is Haw Par Villa Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. If you want a break from modern malls and tech-driven attractions, Haw Par Villa offers a refreshing, meaningful, and often mind-bending alternative.

It's:

Deeply cultural

Visually unforgettable

Rich with legends and life lessons

Whether you’re a first-timer or a curious local, Haw Par Villa offers a journey into the soul of traditional Chinese beliefs — all within a free public park.

✅ Summary Table – Why Visit Haw Par Villa?