Haw Par Villa : Ancient chinese mythology

Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa is a theme park that encompass chinese mythology , legends and fable. Although the visitor numbers have dwindled over the years, it used to be very popular during its heydays in the 1970s - 1980s. If you are familiar with the Circle Line MRT in Singapore, you would have noticed that one of the station is named after it - Haw Par Villa station


Haw Par Villa entrance

Haw Par Villa entrance walkway


History

The original theme park was built as part of a vast estate by the affluent Aw family of Myanmar-Chinese origin in 1937, situated on a prominent hilltop overlooking Pasir Panjang harbor. Named Haw Par Villa after brothers Boon Haw and Boon Par, it included a grand circular mansion with seven domes featuring gold-plated ceilings, showcasing contemporary architecture of the era. Boon Haw, the older brother and a passionate advocate of Chinese culture and history, conceived the idea of creating a garden on the estate grounds. This garden would feature life-sized statues portraying famous figures from Chinese history, aimed at promoting Chinese morals and values. Initially opened to the public in 1937, the gardens were named Tiger Balm Gardens in homage to the medicinal ointment that had brought the family their wealth.


Despite being a gift from Boon Haw to his beloved younger brother Boon Par, neither sibling lived in Haw Par Villa for an extended period. During World War II, the Japanese occupied Singapore and used the mansion for strategic surveillance of the southern coast, forcing the brothers to leave the island. After the war, much of the mansion and its gardens fell into disrepair, but Boon Haw returned in later years to meticulously restore the gardens with the help of Boon Par's son.


In 1985, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) acquired the gardens, expanding the park to five times its original size and adding Disney-style rides, transforming it into a paid attraction. However, its popularity waned over time, resulting in fewer visitors and a decline in maintenance. In March 2014, the park saw a resurgence as part of an STB initiative to renew interest in local attractions that had been somewhat neglected. The park's 1,000 statues underwent restoration and repainting, complemented by free talks and tours under the banner "Reliving Haw Par Villa."


Haw Par Villa underwent further renovations starting in October 2020 and reopened on 1 July 2021. Initially planned to reopen by 31 March 2021, the date was postponed as Journeys, the park operator, required additional time to "further enhance its offerings" . Following extensive restoration efforts, Haw Par Villa has been accessible to international guests since 1 July 2023.



Haw Par Villa - Hell's Museum
                                                Entrance to Hell's Museum

Haw Par Villa


Haw Par Villa


Haw Par Villa - Journey to the West
Journey to the west - Monkey King in battle



Attractions


Haw Par Villa's most famous attraction is the Ten Courts of Hell, known for its graphic depictions of the afterlife in Chinese mythology and Buddhism. Originally part of a 60-meter-long Chinese dragon trail, the attraction now stands enclosed by grey stone walls following the dragon's demolition. Closed for renovations in 2020, it reopened with full air-conditioning as the centerpiece of the 3,800 sqm Hell's Museum complex in July 2021, with the attraction itself reopening on October 28th of that year.


Other notable features of the park include dioramas depicting scenes from classic tales such as Journey to the West, Fengshen Bang, The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars, Legend of the White Snake, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Statues of mythological figures like the Laughing Buddha and Guanyin, as well as historical figures including Jiang Ziya, Su Wu, and Lin Zexu, also adorn the park. Monuments dedicated to the Aw brothers and their parents are also present.


Managed by Journeys Pte Ltd, Haw Par Villa launched Hell's Museum in October 2021, focusing on themes of death and the afterlife across various cultures and religions. This museum combines education with entertainment, exploring humanity's centuries-long quest for answers to existential questions. In August 2023, both Hell's Museum and Haw Par Villa were recognized as Tripadvisor's Travellers’ Choice Winner, an honor reserved for the top 10% of attractions worldwide.


In addition to these attractions, Haw Par Villa hosts Art Journey, which enhances the visitor experience with offerings like ice cream, sandwiches, and beverages. It also provides art-related workshops for families, promoting creativity and cultural appreciation. Art Journey serves as a platform for showcasing and promoting Chinese artistry and culture, offering souvenirs that reflect the park's rich heritage.


These additions have been warmly received by visitors, enriching the park's offerings and reinforcing its role as a cultural and historical destination. Both Hell's Museum and Art Journey contribute to Haw Par Villa's mission of preserving heritage and enhancing its appeal as a cultural hub. 


Directions : 
Travel to Haw Par Villa MRT (CC25). The park entrance is just beside the MRT exit


Haw Par Villa opening hours : 9am  - 8pm daily (last entry at 730pm). Open daily including public holidays. Free Admission

Hell's museum opening hours : 10am - 6pm (last entry at 5pm)  Open on Tuesday - Sunday and public holidays. Closed on Monday. Paid Admission: $18 for adults ,$10 for children above 6


Carpark operating hours : 7.30am - 8pm (last entry 7.30pm)

Cars: $8 per entry (cash only)
Motorcycles: $2 per entry (cash only)





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