Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa was built in 1937 by the founders of Tiger Balm and designed to be a fun place to teach children about Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist mythology (though the results are less kid-friendly by today's standards). Originally named Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was abandoned at the start of World War II. Japanese forces eventually took control of it because of its excellent vantage point to watch ships at sea.

 The Singapore Tourism Board bought the land and restored the statues and dioramas. They changed the theme park's name to Haw Par Villa Dragon World to recognize the original builders.

The main attraction at Haw Par Villa (and the reason for the park's infamous reputation) is the gruesome Ten Courts of Hell. In Chinese mythology, they arrive in the First Court of Hell after a person passes away. Here, King Qinguang looks at each person's past deeds. If they are deemed virtuous, or their good deeds outweigh their crimes, they are led to paradise.

Our Park Haw Par Villa is Singapore's most famous outdoor art gallery. It was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw who, as a millionaire marketing genius and philanthropist, gifted Tiger Balm to the world. This eclectic park contains a wealth of Asian culture, history and philosophy. It is both quirky but also enlightening. Journeys Pte Ltd has managed the park since 2015.

They are an award-winning heritage specialist who is passionate about preserving heritage and making it more accessible. Journeys Pte Ltd Journeys Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based heritage specialist that focuses on heritage-based attractions and experiences with colour and life. The team includes historians, teachers, writers and guides, who specialize in uncovering historic gems and creating immersive, enriching, and memorable experiences. Journeys has a proven 20-year track record of creating unique corporate programs and itineraries through its dedication to creativity, research and tour design.

JPL, along with its associated companies, has an unmatched capability of managing cultural and heritage sites. This includes The Battle Box and The Changi Museum. Chinatown Heritage Centre. Haw Par Villa.