When visiting Singapore, one of the most interesting places to stop in at is Haw Par Villa.
Deb and Gilbert
We didn't even know that it existed before we arrived, but our friend Gilbert a resident of the city took us on a great day tour around town and our first stop was Haw Par.
About Haw Par Villa
You may have heard the name before. Haw Par makes Tiger Balm and as a matter a fact, it used to be called Tiger Balm Village.
It is a pretty fascinating place and we were shocked to see that we were one of the very few visiting the village that day. I think that the village has seen better days, but I understand that they are working on giving it a little face lift.
Chinese Mythology
It was very lucky that we had Gilbert there as our tour guide. We didn't know the first thing about Chinese Mythology, so it was amazing to have him explain each exhibit to us.
Shocking Displays
You see, Haw Par is an attraction that consists of several different scenes of statues depicting Chinese Mythology, legends and characters.
The most interesting and shocking exhibit at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell.
It tells the story of the ten steps of judgement before reincarnation.
After death, according to Chinese legend people must pass through 10 courts of judgement before their admission into heaven. It is surprising to see that children visit this exhibit as it is pretty graphic showing torture and suffering.
There is another intricate display about the 8 immortals invading Neptunes Palace and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
The entire park is filled with statues, giant masks and figurines. 1000 in all including The Laughing Buddha, an armed monkey and Mercrab.
Haw Par Villa is odd and strange to say the least, but if you get a chance to go to Singapore, stop by this interesting spot, you will be visiting one of the most unique theme parks on the planet.
Definitely brush up on your Chinese Mythology and legend before you leave or hire a guide to explain each scene, it will make it much more entertaining and interesting.
I think that if you were to go to the village and simply look at the statues, you would simply find it bizarre and confusing. But to have someone tell you the stories as you look on, it is pretty amazing.
Haw Par Villa tips
- Admission is free
- Extra cost – minimal fee for the 10 Gates of hell
- You can hire a guide for approx S10
- Located in 262 Pasir Panjang Road
Read More:
How to Travel Like a Local in Singapore
gunasindhu says
The sculptures comes alive once you understand the story behind it.Amazing story telling and a great opportunity to witness the old art and cultures influenced by Chinese community.
Zarina says
This is something new and interesting that I have read about Singapore. Nobody would’ve ever thought that they can get to see life-size statues and figurines depicting Chinese mythology in Singapore. The photos are so attractive and brimming with inquisitiveness that it can spark interest in anyone to visit Haw Par Villa. And I will ensure that I don’t miss visiting it whenever I am traveling to Singapore.
ChrisMiller says
OMG….it was a beautiful article by the writer. The place to visit for the visitors is amazing as few of the pictures are shown in the blog. Visitors have to travel to this place by booking a taxi in Singapore. The cheap & best taxi service in Singapore is Johor Transport. For more details visit: https://goo.gl/TthTFA
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eMAGaZine says
when I saw those pic, i really want to go to singapore right now 😳
.-= eMAGaZine´s last blog ..Salehdbrent Sgdashhousedotcom =-.
Kim says
Very interesting to hear from some-one who has actually been there. The general consensus from the locals I’ve spoken to is that it really isn’t worth the time. Definitely will add it to the “off the beaten track in Singapore list”
.-= Kim´s last blog ..North Korea, Vietnam and China – The Communist Tour =-.
Shannon OD says
The pictures are gorgeous on this post and the lessons on Chinese Mythology just sound like amazing experience.
.-= Shannon OD´s last blog ..a little myth…romanticizing nessie =-.
[email protected] says
Love your photos, you guys! Just last week, I interviewed my friend Samantha about her recent trip to Singapore, and she loved Hell/Har Paw, too…in that voyeuristic, I-can’t-believe-I’m-seeing-this kind of way. Seems like a great place to keep a P.O. Box, just to get your mail in Hell…
.-= [email protected]´s last blog ..Cape Cod: Jay & Tony’s Favorite Day Trips =-.
Amy @ The Q Family says
What? We were in Singapore for a whole month and we didn’t even know about this village. But we went there on a business trip though so most of our time were stuck in a cubicle on a high rise building. What a great place and we use Tiger Balm all the time. 🙂
.-= Amy @ The Q Family´s last blog ..5 Tips to Take Kids on Business Conference Trip =-.