Attractions

Haw Par Villa: Singapore’s “Horror” Amusement Park That Scared The Bejesus Out Of All Of Us As Kids

Haw Par Villa


It’s safe to say that most kids live for a visit to the theme park. And while we have Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove, kids back in the day had Haw Par Villa instead. Elders might remember it as Singapore’s oldest theme park, while millennials might remember it as her scariest.

Most known for its iconic 10 Courts of Hell attraction that features gruesome dioramas that are pure nightmare fuel, the park was said to help incite traditional moral values. But aside from the scary stuff, it’s also a cultural park filled with rich history. Entry is also free, so here’s all you need to know before going down:

P.S. Haw Par Villa reopened on 1st July 2021 after nine months of upgrading works.


Built in 1937 by the brothers behind Tiger Balm



Fun fact: There were a total of three Tiger Balm Gardens around the world back in the day – the other two in Fujian and Hong Kong.
Image credit: @hawparvilla.sg

Constructed back in 1937, Haw Par Villa started out as the wacky brainchild of  Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, best known for establishing the “cure-all” ointment, Tiger Balm. A nod to the brothers’ greatest success, the park was named Tiger Balm Gardens and dioramas were commissioned to be placed in the park as mediums to preserve stories of moral values.


Image credit: National Archives Singapore

After Boon Haw passed away in 1954, the park in Singapore became public property and changed operators several times over the years. In what could be called an era of identity crises, the park was renamed Haw Par Villa Dragon World, reverted to Tiger Balm Gardens when footfall dropped, and finally settled on Haw Par Villa – what we know it as today.


Haw Par Villa’s attractions – 1,000 statues and 10 Courts of Hell



Image credit:
@lgxgxl

Most wouldn’t have realised this but during the pandemic, the park underwent a nine-month-long facelift and reopened recently on 1st July 2021, with a refreshed layer of paint and reinforced sculptures.


Image credit:
@veraarev06

Visit today and you can explore the 8.5-hectare park with over 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas. Walk along colourful archways and intricate pavilions as you explore motifs of scenes from iconic tales like Journey to the West and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, alongside statues of mythological gods like the Laughing Buddha and Guanyin.


Image adapted from:
@akigonringon10969, @imnathinthemood

Any poignant memories of the park will likely be infused with the unforgettable 10 Courts of Hell, with explicit sculptures of the hellish things that’ll happen in the afterlife should you commit moral crimes. Think: being burnt alive, getting dismembered and lots of impaling. An iconic boat ride used to run through this attraction decades ago, but was later closed – some say due to feng shui


Image credit:
@pipeway.project

Currently, the 10 Courts of Hell is closed for upgrading, but you can expect to see it reopened in October 2021 as a refreshed Hell’s Museum.


Visit Haw Par Villa today



Image credit:
@theri_travels

Regardless of whether you remember the park fondly or were low-key scarred as a child, Haw Par Villa is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s most special attractions. 

Despite the changing of hands several times since it was built, the iconic park looks like it’s here to stay for good. Visit now to enjoy it with a fresh coat of vibrant paint that brings all the age-old statues back to life. Not too alive, we hope.

Price: Free
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118 628
Opening hours: 9AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6773 0103

Haw Par Villa website

Getting there: The park is a minute’s walk from Haw Par Villa MRT Station

For more nostalgic Singapore attractions: 


Cover image adapted from: @imnathinthemood, @lgxgxl, @theri_travels

Kezia Tan

Recent Posts

Disney Cruise Is Coming To Singapore, With Theme Cabins & Kid-Friendly Activities

Say ahoy to Mickey, Minnie, Daffy, and Daisy when this kid-friendly Disney Cruise arrives on…

March 30, 2023

Day In The Life Of A Plumber In Singapore – Do They Fix More Than Just Your Pipes At Home?

Over 50% of tradesmen and craftsmen in SG are now older than 50 years old.

March 30, 2023

9 Yacht Rentals In Singapore 2023 For A “Sea-cation” Or Boat Party, Sorted By Price

Take a trip out into the open sea for a change of scenery with these…

March 30, 2023

Mandai’s Bird Paradise Opens On 8th May 2023 With Ticket-Free Playgrounds For Us To Flock To

Early bird tickets to Bird Paradise are available from just $38/adult (U.P. $48) if you…

March 30, 2023

8 Hotels In Singapore With The Coolest Amenities & Services You Never Knew Existed

Here are some hotels in Singapore with unusual amenities and services for a stay that's…

March 29, 2023