Haw Par Villa is an open-air cultural theme park in Singapore, built in 1937 by the Aw brothers who made their fortune from Tiger Balm. It holds more than 1,000 statues and around 150 large dioramas depicting Chinese mythology, folklore, and the teachings of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Its signature draw is the Ten Courts of Hell, a vivid depiction of afterlife judgment and punishment, now housed within the air-conditioned Hell's Museum that opened in 2021.
The Ten Courts of Hell — the iconic diorama graphically depicting afterlife punishments for various sins (now an indoor, air-conditioned exhibit)
Over 1,000 colorful plaster statues and roughly 150 giant dioramas across the outdoor gardens
Scenes from Chinese classics and folklore, including the Monkey King and the Eight Immortals
A slice of Singapore heritage — the Tiger Balm founders' legacy that drew over a million visitors a year in the 1970s–80s
Hell's Museum, billed as the world's first museum dedicated to death and the afterlife
Good to know
RulesSince 8 December 2025, much of the outdoor park has been partially closed for maintenance 'until further notice.' Hell's Museum (Ten Courts of Hell) stays open, but check the official site (hawparvilla.sg) for the latest on which areas are accessible before you go.
MannersThe Ten Courts of Hell contains very graphic scenes (dismemberment, blood). It is not recommended for children under 9, so use discretion with kids. As a religious and heritage site, do not touch, climb on, or sit on the statues.
SeasonThe outdoor sections have little shade and get very hot and humid. Visit early (around 9am) or after 4pm; bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent, plus an umbrella for sudden tropical downpours.
SafetyThere are slopes and steps, so wear comfortable walking shoes rather than flip-flops. Food and drink options inside are limited, so eat before or after and carry plenty of water.
CautionPrefer booking via the Grab app over hailing street taxis. Be wary of 'broken meter' claims, upfront-payment demands, or long detours; a roughly 10% surcharge applies to card payments. Singapore has no tipping culture, so ignore anyone soliciting a tip.
RulesSingapore enforces strict fines. Spitting out or importing bulk chewing gum, littering, public spitting, and smoking outside designated zones are all punishable — mind local rules.
Practical info
About a 1-minute walk from Haw Par Villa MRT station (CC25, Circle Line), Exit A. Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road. The outdoor park is free to enter; Hell's Museum (Ten Courts of Hell) is ticketed (reported around S$22 adult / S$12 child — confirm current prices and hours on the official site). Hell's Museum open 10am–6pm (last entry 5pm). Allow 1.5–2 hours.
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