Singapore Tourist Spot: Haw Par Villa Ten Courts of Hell

Back in old days, Singapore parents love taking their kids to one of Singapore’s oldest tourist attractions – the Haw Par Villa ( 虎豹別墅 ). Located along Pasir Panjang Road, the bizarre theme park was built in 1937 by the developers of Tiger Balm as a venue for teaching traditional Chinese values.

Not sure what’s with the old folks those days, but they seemed to enjoy “scaring” their children by telling them horror stories of the famous Ten Courts of Hell ( 十殿阎罗 ), and if that is not enough, they would bring them there to witness the different levels of torture.

Our parents’ intentions were nothing bad of course. These exhibits are meant to educate visitors about the values and beliefs that were highly regarded in Chinese culture such as filial piety, resisting temptation and evil-doing, loyalty and fidelity etc. The idea worked, at least for me, as gruesome images of the Ten Courts of Hell still flash vividly in my mind till to date, often reminding me not to be bad.

For those who haven't heard, the Ten Courts of Hell are each ruled by a judge collectively known as the Ten Yama Kings with each court dealing with different punishments.

Along with two other friends whom I have known for over 30 years, we rekindled our childhood memories as we revisited the old Tiger Balm Garden. Let the pictures speak for themselves at Haw Par Villa!

Haw Par Villa ( 虎豹別墅 ) - Free Admission

Entry to the Ten Courts of Hell ( 十殿阎罗 )

Hu Fa Shi Zhe ( 护法使者 )
A greenish face with eyes as large as lanterns. He is believed to to have control over ghosts and devils. He also upholds the laws of the Ten Courts of Hell.

Ox-Head and Horse-Face ( 牛头马面 )
Guardians of the Underworld in Chinese mythology, escorting the dead to the Underworld.

First Court of Hell - King QinGuang ( 第一殿 秦广王 )

First Court of Hell
Those with virtuous conduct in their past life will be led over the " Golden Bridge " to reach paradise, while those whose past good deeds outweigh crimes committed will be sent to the " Silver Bridge " to reach paradise.

First Court of Hell - Mirror of Retribution ( 自照镜 )
Those who were evil doers in their past life will be sent to repent before the " Mirror of Retribution " and then taken to a subsequent Court of Hell to be punished.

Second Court of Hell - King ChuJiang ( 第二殿 楚江王 )

Second Court of Hell - Volcanic Pit ( 火山地獄 )
Those who were conmen and robbers will be thrown into a volcanic pit for their crimes.

Second Court of Hell - Cold Ice Pond ( 第二殿 寒冰地獄 )
Those involved in corruption, stealing and gambling in previous lives will be thrown into the Cold Ice Pond.

Third Court of Hell - King SongDi

Third Court of Hell
Those who do not wish to have their heart cut out, remember to always be grateful and to show respect to others.

Fourth Court of Hell - King WuGuan ( 第四殿 五官王 )
Tax dodger and those with business frauds will be pounded by stone mallet, while those who lack filial piety will be grounded by a large stone.

Sixth Court of Hell - King PienCheng ( 第六殿 卞城王 )

Sixth Court of Hell
Your body will be sawn into two if you misuse books, posses pornographic materials etc.

Tenth Court of Hell - King ZhuanLun ( 第十殿 转轮王 )

Tenth Court of Hell
Wheel of Reincarnation and Pavilion of Forgetfulness

Tenth Court of Hell -
Bridge of Helplessness ( 奈何桥 ) and Meng Po ( 孟婆 )
Sinners after serving their sentences are brought to a Pavilion of Forgetfulness or Hell of Oblivion where an old lady named Meng Po, hands them a cup of magic tea to drink to forget their past. They will then go through the Wheel of Reincarnation or Samsara to determine whether they would be reborn as human or animals.

Other Exhibits Spotted Outside the Ten Courts of Hell:

Siddhartha Gautama Buddha The Awakened One ( 释迦牟尼佛 )

The Eight Immortals ( 八仙过海 )

Laughing Buddha ( 笑佛 )
One belief popular in Chinese folklore - rubbing his belly brings wealth, good luck and prosperity.

So, what do you think of Haw Par Villa? Have you been to the forgotten theme park? Do you have any memories of this place, be it fond or gruesome? Even now, some speak of how the place comes alive at night. Admission is free. So why don’t you visit this tourist attraction the next time you visit Singapore?

Haw Par Villa
262 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118628

Like what you see? Get Beauty, Dining, Recipes, Travel, Health and Wellness reviews right into your mailbox! Subscribe to Luxury Haven by Email and you will never miss a post again!