Haw Par Villa (Chinese: 虎豹別墅; pinyin: Hǔ Bào Biéshù) is a theme park located along Pasir Panjang Road in Singapore. The park contains over 1,000 statues and 150 giant dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, folklore, legends, history, and illustrations of various aspects of Confucianism. During the 1970s and 1980s, the park was a major local attraction; it is estimated that the park then welcomed at least 1 million annual visitors, and is considered as part of Singapore's cultural heritage. As of 2018, under the park operator, Journeys, efforts to revitalise the park are ongoing with the holding of themed events and the planning and construction of ancillary museums.
Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, the developers of Tiger Balm, moved their business from Burma to Singapore in 1926. The site, which is in front of a small hill and faces the Singapore Strait, was deemed suitable based on considerations of feng shui, and was purchased in 1935. On the site, a Har Par Villa was being built for the next two years. The villa was designed by Ho Kwong Yew and was of Art Deco architecture. The villa was bombed by the Japanese during the World War II, and was subsequently occupied by them. After the war ended, the villa was demolished. Between 1937 and his death in 1954 (when the garden was declared public property, and turned into a park), Boon Haw commissioned statues and dioramas in the garden that served to teach traditional Chinese values.
Monday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Cameron Lee | Feb 24, 2018
I would not make the return trip. My visit was somewhat enjoyable. The entry was free, so I can't complain about that. I could see that it is a place that holds some nostalgia for the local Singaporean. I went in not expecting much and left not remember much. Helpful for a brief Chinese history lesson but not the nicest place to bring kids.
Ian yeo | Feb 11, 2018
A must visit place in Singapore. Non touristy. Peaceful relaxing green environment. Genuine historical part not those purpose built for tourist. All locals will have fond memories of this place during their childhood. A Singapore version of "Park Guile of Barcelona" on a smaller scale. Best of all its free entry!
julian yu | Feb 4, 2018
Free entry to view art depicting historical Chinese lifestyle. Rather dilapidated and hasn't seen an face lift in years. Good to visit if you're a local or interested in Chinese history but not recommended for causal tourists. The levels of hell is the highlight of the visit. A recommended must do while here.
Ida Ayu | Mar 3, 2018
I already know this is a good place. Too bad I come in the late hour when the place is almost close. But the gate keeper is so nice he allows me to see inside for a while. Come here and enjoy the sculpture
Sony S K | Feb 8, 2018
Good one.. right on the main road and walking distance from science park. Entry free and one can spend some quality time there. So I need maintenance is urgently required though.
Connie Lau | Mar 27, 2018
Entry is free so if you have time it’s worth checking out. It has some bizarre statues/stories. Most statues are a bit run down but the gardens are well kept. I know there’s a lot of nostalgia with this place and for the Chinese it has some significance. My mother who grew up in China knew all the stories of the different statues. They are all stories with morals behind them. Mainly this place tells you to do good and you will be rewarded. Do bad things in life and you will see what happens to you (the ten gates of hell)
Kenny Chong | Apr 21, 2018
Haw Par Villa - formerly known as the Tiger Balm Garden – is an 8.5-hectare Asian cultural park, the last of its kind in the world. Built in 1937, Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery is the brainchild of Aw Boon Haw, the millionaire philanthropist and marketing extraordinaire who gifted the world Tiger Balm. The eclectic park is a treasure trove of Asian culture, history, philosophy and religion – quirky yet enlightening, at the same time. Since 2015, it is managed by award-winning heritage specialist Journeys Pte Ltd, which has taken on the task of bringing back the park’s glory days.
Vinal V | Apr 9, 2018
Nice place.. Once you are at the top, it’s a nice and cosy place to just sit and pass time.. Enough places for kids to run around and enough statues for them to play around.. The sculptures for me is a value add to the nice place
Thomas Gan | May 2, 2018
Can't believe how easily accessible this park is, just alight at Haw Par Villa MRT Station (via Circle Line). Furthermore, it is free. Used to be a paid theme park. The exhibits looks well maintained although some do look a bit worn out. Some restoration is being done at this moment. No rides available, although, they do have tours in the morning. U can cover the whole place in just a few hours.
Ming T. Chow | Jun 2, 2018
This is only referencing the Ten Courts of Hell segment as there are enough reviews for the rest of the villa. The Ten Courts of Hell is an interesting look at Chinese after like folklore. I like that they have multilingual explanation and did not hold any punches in terms of gruesomeness. For example the imagery of someone getting their organs sliced out was very gruesome in the backdrop of generally family friendly Singapore. Worth a look if you are near the area but not enough of the an attraction to come all the way here for if you don't live nearby.
Jacob Ong | May 26, 2018
This place used to be paid nice to read that it’s free now. I have a strong recollection of visiting the 10 levels of hell inside the villa. Many miniature but life like statues that can chills down your spine if you stare closely enough. It’s statues depict many important cultural stories such as “water margin” and “journey to the west.” I think it’s okay to bring your young children to learn and imagine those classic stories.
JP Blain | Jun 3, 2018
This “museum" is a bit run down. It definitely needs some investments to bring it back to its former glory. Even the new part of the museum on the 12 stages of hell is quite run down although very interesting The theme of the place is good though with a lot to learn about Chinese historical folklore, legends of mythology and illustrations of various aspects of Confucianism.
Vivian Lim | Jun 13, 2018
Fun, interesting and free! However, if you need to park, there is a $5 parking fee. Would recommend just taking public transport instead. You will likely spend about 1-2h there. Will suggest avoiding the mid afternoon as it was SO hot. It was fun to feed the turtles at the turtle ponds too though. And the "10 courts of hell" is definitely the most interesting part, though it may not be for everyone.
Petrina Tan | Jul 9, 2018
It's a great place to visit if you are interested in Chinese mythology. Admission is free and it's right next to Haw Par Villa MRT station. Also fun to get a glimpse into life in the 50s, as accompanied by music from that era (creepy sounding really) The weather can be hot so come prepared with caps, umbrellas and drinking water.
Rajkapoor K | Jun 24, 2018
Good place to visit with family. This theme park has interesting statues and giant dioramas showing Chinese mythology. Has some references of tiger balm owners as well. Good place to take kids especially.
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