Nestled on a hill in Pasir Panjang, Haw Par Villa is one of Singapore’s most fascinating cultural attractions, standing as a testament to Asian philosophy, mythology, and history.
Built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, the famed philanthropist and creator of Tiger Balm, this outdoor art gallery and cultural theme park has become a cultural treasure in the region.
Haw Par Villa now in the spotlight, having been nominated for the prestigious title of the World’s Leading Cultural Tourism & Entertainment Complex 2024 at the World Travel Awards. The results are to be announced at the grand ceremony in Madeira, Portugal, on 24 November 2024.
Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa brings together ancient Chinese folklore and modern eccentricity. This isn’t just another park; it’s filled with eclectic art pieces, colorful architecture, and a myriad of photo opportunities.
Over 1,000 statues and dioramas depict vivid scenes from Chinese legends, moral tales, and religious beliefs, making it the largest outdoor art gallery in Singapore. It’s an eclectic mix of the macabre and the mystical, with scenes ranging from the heroic stories of deities to the consequences of bad karma in the afterlife.
Managed by museums and attractions operator Journeys since 2015, the park has been revitalized, with new life breathed into its grounds.
Hell’s Museum: a journey to the underworld
Among the park’s most recent additions, Hell’s Museum, which opened in October 2021, takes visitors on a deep dive into the beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife in various cultures, particularly focusing on Chinese traditions.
This part of the park doesn’t shy away from the grim—it features the infamous “Ten Courts of Hell,” a vivid depiction of the punishments souls endure for their earthly sins, meant to serve as a moral lesson to the living.
It is a hauntingly educational experience that invites reflection on life, death, and everything in between.
Hell’s Museum has raving reviews on Tripadvisor, particularly for the guided tours. It also holds the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award badge. However, some have complained that the exhibit is a bit overpriced, at SGD18.00 for adults and SGD10.00 for children.
In the global spotlight
Haw Par Villa’s nomination for the World Travel Awards places it among an illustrious group of contenders in the cultural tourism space, including Hoi An Memories Land in Vietnam and Legend Siam in Thailand.
