If you are looking for a theme park that trades roller coasters for moral lessons and fairy tales for nightmares, look no further than Haw Par Villa & Hell’s Museum. Located along Pasir Panjang Road, this attraction is easily Singapore’s most bizarre and fascinating cultural site.
Originally known as the Tiger Balm Gardens, this park has captivated (and terrified) visitors since 1937. It stands as a vivid testament to Chinese folklore, mythology, and Confucian values.
Whether you are a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or a parent wondering if it’s safe for kids, this guide covers everything. We will explore the free grounds, the paid Hell’s Museum, ticket prices, and essential tips for your visit.
Haw Par Villa is described as Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery. It is an eclectic mix of history, philosophy, and surreal art. Unlike modern theme parks, the “rides” here are actually statues—over 1,000 of them—that tell stories of morality and culture.
The park’s history dates back to 1937. It was built by the millionaire philanthropist Aw Boon Haw for his brother, Aw Boon Par. You might recognize the name “Aw” from their most famous invention: Tiger Balm.
Originally, these hillside grounds were a private villa and garden for the family. The brothers wanted to create a space that would teach traditional Chinese values to the public.
Over the decades, it has evolved significantly. In the 1990s, it was briefly rebranded as “Dragon World,” a commercial theme park complete with boat rides. Today, it has returned to its roots as a public park, preserving its heritage while introducing new educational elements like the Hell’s Museum.
The statues here are not just for show; they are educational tools. The park relies heavily on dioramas to visualize teachings from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
As you walk through the grounds, you will encounter scenes depicting “Filial Piety” and “Virtues and Vices.” These vivid displays were designed to teach the public how to live a good life and, perhaps more memorably, what happens if you don’t.
While the main park is quirky, the Hell’s Museum is the main attraction for many. This is the only paid section of Haw Par Villa, and it offers a deep dive into perspectives on death and the afterlife.
The centerpiece of the museum is the infamous 10 Courts of Hell. This section is a graphic, tunnel-like journey that depicts the punishments awaiting sinners in the afterlife according to Chinese mythology.
You will see dioramas showing sinners being thrown onto hills of knives, pounded by stone mallets, or ground by millstones. Each “Court” is presided over by a King of Hell who judges specific sins, ranging from unfilial behavior to cheating on taxes.
It is a visceral experience designed to encourage moral behavior through fear and awe. The visuals are intense, so be prepared for some gruesome imagery.
Hell’s Museum is not just about gore; it is surprisingly educational. Beyond the 10 Courts, the museum features well-curated galleries that explore how different cultures view death.
You will find exhibits comparing funeral rites and afterlife beliefs across various communities in Singapore, including:
This comparative approach transforms a “scary” visit into a profound cultural lesson, making Haw Par Villa & Hell’s Museum a place of learning rather than just a haunted house.
If you prefer to skip the ticketed museum, the rest of Haw Par Villa is completely free to enter. The sprawling grounds are packed with colorful sculptures that range from majestic to downright strange.
The park is famous for its detailed dioramas of classic legends. The most prominent is Journey to the West, featuring the Monkey King and his companions.
You will also find the “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” and various tableaus representing Chinese history. Each statue is painted in bright, bold colors, making them perfect for photography—if you don’t mind the occasionally eerie expressions.
Amidst the mythology, there are some unexpected oddities. Look out for the Australian Garden, which features statues of kangaroos and koalas—a relic from the park’s “International Corners” era.
Another charming feature is the Honesty Boxes. Scattered around the park, these boxes allow you to buy fish food ($1) for the ponds or bubble wands ($2) for the kids. It is a small touch that adds to the community feel of the park.
To get the full experience, you might want to join a guided tour. The park offers two distinct options depending on your interests and bravery levels.
For a spookier vibe, book the “Journeys to Hell” tour. This guided experience happens on Friday nights, offering a unique perspective of the park after dark.
If you prefer daylight, this weekend tour focuses on the history of the Aw family and the architecture of the villa.
Planning your trip to Haw Par Villa & Hell’s Museum requires knowing the schedule, as the two sections have different operating hours.
The main park is open daily, but the museum is closed on Mondays.
Pro-Tip: The park is open-air and can get incredibly hot. The best time to visit is right at 9:00 AM when it opens, or after 5:00 PM when the sun is setting.
Here is a quick breakdown of the costs to help you budget for your trip.
| Attraction | Adult Price | Child Price (7-12) | Child (Under 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haw Par Villa Grounds | Free | Free | Free |
| Hell’s Museum | $20.00 | $10.00 | Free |
Note: Tickets for the museum can be purchased onsite or online.
The park is very accessible via public transport.
This is the most common question for parents. Is Haw Par Villa & Hell’s Museum too scary for children? The answer depends on which part of the park you visit.
The management of Hell’s Museum does not recommend the museum for children under 9 years old. The depictions of torture in the 10 Courts of Hell are graphic and can be genuinely frightening for young ones.
However, the main park grounds are generally fine. While some statues are grotesque (like animals with human heads), many children find them more weird than scary.
If you are visiting with toddlers, stick to the main paved paths. The fish feeding stations at the ponds are a big hit with kids.
The wide open spaces are great for walking, but avoid using a stroller if possible. The park is built on a hill, and while there are wheelchair-accessible routes, the terrain can be steep and uneven in places.
To ensure you survive the heat (and the horror), pack a “survival kit” for your visit.
Visitor Checklist:
Hungry after your walk? There are no major restaurants inside the park, but you can find vending machines for drinks. For a proper meal, head to the nearby Pasir Panjang Food Centre.
For a unique staycation, check out the Shipping Container Hotel located within the park car park. It offers a quirky, industrial-style stay right next to the cultural action.
Haw Par Villa & Hell’s Museum offers an experience you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world. It is a collision of history, art, philosophy, and pop culture that leaves a lasting impression.
Whether you are there to learn about the afterlife in the museum or just to snap photos of the surreal statues outside, it is a must-visit.
Ready to face judgment? Plan your trip, pack your umbrella, and get ready to explore the legendary Tiger Balm Gardens. Just remember to be on your best behavior—the Courts of Hell are watching!
