About Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is an 8.5-hectare Asian cultural park located along Pasir Panjang Road in Queenstown, Singapore. Built in 1937 by Tiger Balm founder Aw Boon Haw, it is known for over 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas depicting Chinese folklore, mythology, and moral tales. Its most famous attraction is the Ten Courts of Hell. Formerly known as Tiger Balm Gardens, it is now a free public park managed as a heritage attraction.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore an open-air park with colourful statues, tableaux and dioramas illustrating Chinese legends, folklore and moral stories. Key areas include the Ten Courts of Hell, gardens, pavilions, and exhibits on Tiger Balm history and Chinese culture. The Hell's Museum is an indoor air-conditioned exhibition within the park. Paths are outdoors with limited shade, with food and beverage outlets and a gift shop on site.
Key highlights
- 01
Ten Courts of Hell - detailed dioramas depicting afterlife in Chinese folklore
- 02
Over 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas illustrating Chinese mythology and legends
- 03
Hell's Museum - indoor museum on death and afterlife beliefs
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Historic Tiger Balm Gardens heritage and Aw family villa exhibits
- 05
Themed courts and gardens showcasing Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist values
History of Haw Par Villa
Built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, co-founder of Tiger Balm, for his brother Aw Boon Par. Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, it was created as a venue to teach traditional Chinese values and mythology through statuary and dioramas. The site was developed on a former coastal hill and later donated and managed as a public cultural park.
Culture & Context
Showcases Chinese folklore, mythology, and teachings from Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism through statues and tableaux. Serves as a cultural education site illustrating moral tales, legends such as Journey to the West and the Eight Immortals, and traditional beliefs about the afterlife.
Route
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