Haw Par Villa is one of Singapore’s most unusual attractions, a park filled with colourful statues and gruesome dioramas of Chinese folklore. This guide focuses on how to reach it by public transport, when to go, what it costs, and how to make the most of a visit.
A short history of Haw Par Villa
Opened in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, the businessman behind Tiger Balm, Haw Par Villa was designed as a place to showcase Chinese legends, morality tales and Buddhist teachings. At its peak it drew thousands of visitors daily, fascinated by the vivid sculptures and unusual storytelling style.
The park’s most famous feature is the Ten Courts of Hell, a walk-through display of afterlife punishments that is as surreal as it is memorable. Beyond this, visitors will find more than 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas portraying characters from folklore, Confucian stories, and Taoist traditions. It’s a gory introduction to Singapore’s Chinese heritage.
How to get to Haw Par Villa by MRT and bus
Haw Par Villa is one of the easiest attractions in Singapore to reach by train. It has its own MRT station — Haw Par Villa MRT on the Circle Line (CC25) — located directly beside the park entrance. Simply exit the station at ground level and you will be at the gates within a minute.
If you are travelling from central Singapore, the journey is straightforward:
- From Orchard Road: Take the North South Line to Dhoby Ghaut, change to the Circle Line, and alight at Haw Par Villa.
- From Marina Bay: Travel via the North South Line to Dhoby Ghaut, switch to the Circle Line, and continue west to Haw Par Villa.
- From Changi Airport: Take the East West Line to Paya Lebar, transfer to the Circle Line, and ride to Haw Par Villa.
Public buses also stop nearby. Services 10, 30, 51, 143, 188 and 200 all call at bus stops close to the entrance, but in practice the MRT is the fastest and simplest option.
Five great things to do while you’re in Singapore
- Explore Singapore’s landmarks and back streets on a bike tour.
- See Singapore from above from the Sky Deck at Marina Bay Sands.
- Discover the city at night in a private group adventure – including a river cruise.
- Smell the flowers at the National Orchid Garden.
- Take a highly-rated food and culture tour through Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.
Opening hours and ticket information
Entry to the main park is free, making it one of the most accessible cultural attractions in Singapore. Haw Par Villa is open daily from 9am to 8pm, with last entry at 7.30pm.
The Ten Courts of Hell exhibition, which is housed separately, usually requires a paid ticket. This section is open daily from 9am to 6pm, with last admission at 5.45pm.
Best times to visit Haw Par Villa
The park is mostly outdoors, so mornings or late afternoons are the most comfortable times to visit. Midday heat and humidity can make the walk around less enjoyable, especially given the lack of shade in some sections.
Weekdays tend to be quieter, with more space to take photographs and linger over the displays. Weekends draw more visitors, including families with children.
Why book Hell’s Museum Singapore Admission?
- 🏛 Gain admission to Hell’s Museum—an immersive museum exploring belief systems, death, and afterlife concepts
- ⏱ Recommended visit duration: approximately 2-4 hours, depending on your interest level
- 🔍 Tour engaging exhibits like the “10 Courts of Hell” and interactive displays covering global perspectives on the afterlife
- 📏 Spanning about 3,800 sqm of gallery space in Haw Par Villa, offering rich, informative visuals and storytelling
- 👦 Child ticket applies for ages 7-12; under 7s can enter free (some exhibits may be intense for younger children)
- ⭐ High rating: average 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews for its educational value and immersive design
What to combine with your visit
Haw Par Villa is located in the western part of Singapore, not far from Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. Both are good options if you want to extend your trip with a walk through greenery or coastal views.
Alternatively, you can return eastwards on the Circle Line for easy access to HarbourFront and Sentosa, or stop at Buona Vista to explore Holland Village for food and cafés.
FAQ: visiting Haw Par Villa in Singapore
Is Haw Par Villa wheelchair accessible?
The main entrance and walkways are mostly level, but some paths and the Ten Courts of Hell exhibit include stairs and uneven ground.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the park, with an extra 30 minutes if including the Ten Courts of Hell.
Can I bring food and drinks?
There are no major restrictions on snacks or bottled water, but large picnics are discouraged. A small café is sometimes open near the entrance.
Are photos allowed?
Yes, photography is permitted throughout the park, including the Ten Courts of Hell, though flash is best avoided inside the exhibit.
What is the easiest way to get there?
By far the most convenient option is to take the MRT Circle Line to Haw Par Villa station, which is located directly outside the entrance.
More Singapore travel
Other Singapore travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Braving the Singapore Flyer with food poisoning.
- Why Singapore Zoo is the best zoo in the world.
- Urban planning games at the Singapore City Gallery.
- Personal recommendations for a short break in Singapore.
- A practical guide to visiting the Changi Museum and Chapel.
For more Singapore tours, activities and experiences, head this way.
