My travels have certainly taken me to some of the world's most interesting places; and not just interesting historically, culturally, spiritually, nor those pertaining to amazing views, food, shopping, and partying.
Some of these places have been insanely crazy (in a fun way) and Haw Par Villa in Singapore definitely belongs in that category!
In a nutshell, it's a theme park featuring a recreation of hell complete with demons and tortured souls; one that has scared generations of kids (the writer included when I first visited the place back in the 90s)!
A note from the writer: this is a pre-pandemic tale.
Haw Par Villa was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, a Burmese-Chinese entrepreneur and the brains behind Tiger Balm, a popular Asian brand for muscle pain relief.
The park was originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, intended as a public space to teach Chinese values, mythology, and morality through vivid art.
It was gifted to the Singaporean public as a blend of moral instruction and eccentric entertainment, think Confucius meets fever dream.
"What the hell are you guys doing here", is what this old gentleman seems to be asking us this cloudy day.
As in all theme parks, we always head for the star attraction first.
Haw Par Villa contains over 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas, ranging from Chinese mythology to moral parables, and even random Western icons.
You’ll find figures like Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Confucius, dragons, demons, giant crabs with human heads, and even kangaroos fighting.
Some statues have no clear explanation, adding to the surreal, meme-worthy atmosphere; such as this seemingly accursed hill with bleeding heads jutting out of its surface!
Many dioramas are accompanied by plaques giving stern moral lessons like “Do not commit fraud, lest your soul be crushed under a demon roller.”
There are scenes of filial piety, heroes from classical novels, and cautionary tales about gambling, adultery, and vice. It's like scrolling through ancient Chinese TikTok warnings.
But without a doubt, the park’s most infamous attraction is the “Ten Courts of Hell”, a graphic walk-through diorama depicting gruesome scenes from Chinese afterlife including final judgment.
The wife probably wondering how I got her to accompany me on yet another one of my zany adventures.
The displays are based on Taoist and Buddhist beliefs, and despite being nightmare fuel, were designed to scare kids into behaving.
Quite a serious yet dramatic scene, this courtroom in HELL.
Ahhh the olde lake of fire!
In the mood for skewers, anyone?
She's over it.
Not sure if it's a torture chamber or an underground German techno club.
For the last time, don't use the well, Jim!
Crimes like cheating on exams, gossiping, and disrespecting parents are punished with imaginative brutality (e.g., being sawn in half or thrown onto a hill of knives).
Don't do it, Alex!!
Hey.. you gonna get that back bump looked at? It's starting to worry me.
This one's more focused on the task; a detailed chap!
Well this should stop him from singing TikTok trending songs!
I can relate with his back pain.
A role reversal! Let's see how you like your parts being sold in a market.
Bravo to the set designer! In the time it took me to take all the photos, two groups of children hurried through the exhibit in horror led by smirking adults.
What in the actual...
After its peak in the mid-20th century, the park fell into decline during the 1980s and 1990s, as taste shifted away from gory moralism.
It became known more for its weirdness than its wisdom, earning cult status among fans of offbeat travel.
In recent years, the park has seen a revival, with restoration projects and new tours aimed at reintroducing its cultural and artistic value.
Never trust grinning seals!
He's just a dude.. wearing a fish costume!
Not sure if city administrator.. or Christian missionary.
Damn, that's gory!
You gonna get that thing on your chest looked at?
Sea creatures eating people never disappoint.
Hungry but blessed!
A scene from every Asian slum.
This is HAW PAR VILLA! - Chinese Leonidas, probably
Don't fight over fallen coconuts - Confucius, probably
Guided night tours and Halloween specials are popular, especially for those brave enough to face the Courts of Hell in the dark.
Getting there is convenient by way of Grab (the Uber of Southeast Asia) or regular taxi. There’s even a Haw Par Villa MRT station named after it, making it easy to access this surreal slice of Singaporean heritage.
Yes... let's kill the celebratory dragon.
Entrance to the park is free, and it remains one of the most unique public attractions in Singapore.
Comments
Post a Comment