Many Singaporeans remember Haw Par Villa from a school trip or a spooky story, and many younger residents have never been. That is a pity, because this hillside park is one of the island's most unusual heritage sites, and the park itself is free to enter.
Once known as Tiger Balm Gardens, it was built by the Aw brothers, whose fortune came from Tiger Balm ointment. Today it is filled with statues and dioramas that retell Chinese folklore and moral tales, from Journey to the West to the Eight Immortals.
Here is a friendly guide to its story and how to plan a visit. Some displays are intense, so we also share tips for visiting with children.
The Story Behind Tiger Balm Gardens
According to NLB's Infopedia, the villa and garden were built in 1937 for Aw Boon Par, modelled on a garden his brother Aw Boon Haw had built in Hong Kong. Aw Boon Haw later rebuilt the grounds after wartime damage, filling them with statues on Chinese culture, virtues and folklore.
After Aw Boon Haw died in 1954, his nephew Aw Cheng Chye added "International Corners", with figures representing countries he had visited. The government acquired the site in 1985. It reopened in 1990 as the Haw Par Villa Dragon World theme park, and since 2001 it has been a free public park again.
A 2017 study by STB and NHB looked at the park's structures and statues, and the findings guided repair and upgrading works in 2020 and 2021. Roots.gov.sg notes that being featured on its site does not mean a place has a formal conservation status.
What You Will See
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The park is built on terraces, with more than 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas. Many illustrate moral lessons from Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian traditions, such as filial piety, honesty and loyalty.
- Scenes from Journey to the West and the Eight Immortals.
- Quieter corners with ponds and pavilions, good for a rest.
- Animal figures and the "International Corners" added in the 1950s, which include a kangaroo and a miniature Statue of Liberty.
- The Ten Courts of Hell, now part of the separate, paid Hell's Museum.
Some labels explain the stories, while others are left for visitors to interpret. The free guided tour offered by the park is recommended by The Occasional Traveller for context.
Visiting With Children: A Gentle Heads-Up
Parts of Haw Par Villa show traditional depictions of punishment, and they can be frightening for young children. BYKidO advises caution, noting that scenes "may appear frightening", and Sassy Mama SG says Hell's Museum is "not recommended for children under the age of 9".
For a gentler visit, focus on the outdoor folklore dioramas, ponds and animal figures. For older children and teens, the stories can spark good conversations about values and culture. Previewing the scenes beforehand is a good idea.
Sassy Mama SG also mentions fish feeding and bubble wand stations at suggested donations of S$1 and S$2, so bring a little cash.
Hell's Museum: What to Know
Hell's Museum is the paid part of the park and it covers the Ten Courts of Hell and ideas about death and the afterlife, including Singaporean funerary practices. Sassy Mama SG lists tickets at about S$20 for adults and S$10 for children, with children aged 6 and under free, and says it is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, closed on Mondays.
Prices and hours can change, so check the park's official site before buying tickets. The museum includes graphic imagery, so it may not suit everyone.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
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- By MRT: take the Circle Line to Haw Par Villa (CC25) and use Exit A. The park is a short walk away.
- By bus: services 10, 30, 30e, 51, 143, 188 and 200 are reported to stop along Pasir Panjang Road.
- By car: parking was reported at S$8 per entry, cash only.
- Allow one to two hours for the park, longer if you visit Hell's Museum.
Reported opening hours differ between guides. Most say 9am to 8pm daily, with last entry around 7.30pm, while an older guide mentions later hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the park's website before you go.
Tips and Nearby Spots
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Go in the morning or late afternoon, as the park is open-air and can be hot at midday.
Bring a hat, water and insect repellent.
Expect stairs and slopes. Guides report that about 60 to 70 percent of the park is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are not recommended for young children.
There are no ATMs inside the park, so bring cash for parking and donations.
If you have time, you can pair your visit with nearby spots such as the Southern Ridges trail, according to The Occasional Traveller. Haw Par Villa is a good reminder that Singapore's heritage can be colourful, curious and free to explore.
