A Visit to Haw Par Villa, Singapore

Chinese New Year is being celebrated as I write this. That got me thinking about Chinese folklore and that led to  thoughts of our visit to Haw Par Villa in Singapore. (Isn’t it amazing how the brain makes connections?)

So what is the connection?

Answer: Characters from Chinese folklore and legends inhabit Haw Par Villa. Well, more accurately, statues of characters from Chinese folklore inhabit Haw Par Villa.

A bit of background. Haw Par Villa (also known as Tiger Balm Gardens) was the home of the Aw brothers. They were the entrepreneurial geniuses behind the worldwide distribution of Tiger Balm in the early 1900’s. Remember Tiger Balm? That wonderful smelling ointment that seemed to relieve all topical ailments?  Well, Tiger Balm sales made them rather wealthy. Some of that wealth was used to create a theme-type garden at their home in Singapore.

The gardens opened to the public in 1937. I can picture it being perfect for a family outing. Gardens filled with paths wandering through lovely foliage and fanciful statues depicting scenes from Chinese folklore. The humorous statues not only provide fun opportunities for all ages but also provide teaching/learning opportunities for the family as many stories featured also teach a moral lesson.

One part of the gardens is not suitable for children (in my opinion) even though it certainly teaches morals. Thank goodness this section is literally underground and has a special entrance within the park.  Ten Courts of Hell graphically details what will happen to you in the afterlife if you commit any of ten specific sins during your life on Earth. The displays are very detailed…gory, gruesome, and frightening even if you have not committed any of the ten sins! So no young children, but…if you have a cheating spouse or a crooked accountant, a walk through the Ten Courts of Hell might be enlightening!

We were two of only a few visitors the day we went. The park was a bit awkward to get to for a tourist (MRT ride to Harbour station and then a bus ride) so we took a taxi. However, I understand that a new station on the very efficient MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system opened in October, 2011. Now one can travel the Circle Line and disembark at Haw Par Station. This hopefully has increased attendance at this unique attraction in Singapore.

Oh, yes. If you are a car enthusiast …the famous car owned by the Aw brothers is on display.

How to Get to Haw Par Villa

262 Pasir Panjang, Singapore

• SBS bus 143 from Orchard Road
• SBS bus 51 from Chinatown
• MRT Circle Line to Haw Par Station

How to Get to Singapore

• Book a flight to Singapore

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