Haw Par Villa, Singapore
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As a traveler, you might have probably thought that you had seen it all. You may have had already been to various countries looking at their every nook and cranny just wanting to learn first-hand what the fuss was about in the place.
That magnitude of the itinerary is indeed amazing, to say the least. But if you have not been through, a somewhat literal, hell and back, then you probably had not seen enough.
If you are in Singapore, there is indeed such that and, trust me, it is something I’m sure you can go through—the Haw Par Villa.
Do not let this seemingly innocent name fool you into thinking that this is just another generic chateau in the tiny country from the South East. The place is not your average suburban house to chill and relax in. This is simply not the ideal place for it.
Particularly, if you have fear about the bizarre, you might not just do that.
If you are thinking of visiting the place with a kid in tow, it is best that you warn your company before proceeding. For kids with strong imaginations, this place is simply the stuff of nightmare.
After all, Haw Par Villa is the very depiction of Buddhism’s greatest scare even among its adult believers—hell.
Built-in 1937, Haw Par Villa is as Chinese-sounding as it looks. From the architecture to the personas displayed on the premises, this venue speaks strong Chinese influence. Most visitors describe the place as a “Buddhist amusement park” even though, in reality, it is a mélange of Buddhism with Taoism and Confucianism, enduring religions among the Chinese in Singapore.
But this is hardly surprising as the founding people of Singapore were indeed descended from China.
If you are a follower of a different religion or belief and never had the chance to learn what Buddhism is about, you would not find anything remotely familiar in Haw Par Villa.
Everything about the place simply comes off as bizarre yet is possibly the very selling point of the place. This is, after all, an exhibit of the Buddhist rendition of hell mixed with Chinese folklore with its “10 Courts of Hell.”
However, if you are a wild reader who happens to have read Dante Alighieri’s first of three Divine Comedy, “Inferno,” the Chinese folklore version should give similar ideas to some extent.
But perhaps the worst scare that can be found in this religious “amusement park” is in its gruesome depiction of the torment and sufferings of people in and out of hell. This is possibly made worse with the inclusion of out-of-this-world creatures that will surely put chills on anyone’s spine.
Again, this might or might not be appropriate for children, so proper discretion is important.
Yet, on the other hand, not everything is meant to be scary here. There are also sections in the place that are simply meant to please and give its audiences something to look at or be in. Take, for example, the area’s portrayal of popular Chinese legends “Journey to the West” and “Madame White Snake.”
Overall, there is not particularly outstanding about Haw Par Villa in terms of design. But if you are looking for a place that can make you marvel with your every second, then this place might be for you.
There is no entrance fee at Haw Par Villa
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628
Nearest Public Transport
Nearest Bus Stop
-Bus 188, 10, 30E, 30, 51, 143 and 200
Nearest MRT station
-Haw Par Villa MRT (CC25)
Haw Par Villa, Singapore
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Probably, I will never visit this place.
However, in Singapore there is a lot of places to visit. Thanks for sharing this.
Whenever you visit Singapore , you can just drop and visit this place. There is no entrance fee :)
This is not very Singapore...and yes, this is also the first time I heard of this place. Your photographs are entering though. Thank you, I'll check this out soon :)
Thank you, Reuben , you are right . I haven't heard of this place in the past too :)
Oh, heard this place just now. And if this is free, this is really worth visiting. Thank you, I like all of your photos
Beautiful photos Happy trip. I am always in awe on how you have documents all of your travels. Keep it up.
Honestly, this is the first time I heard of this place in Singapore. Visited the place many times but haven't been here. Thank you for posting, I will visit this place when I come back :)