Long before USS (Universal Studios Singapore) set foot on our shore, we already had Haw Par Villa (previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens). Built in 1937, this 77 years old Chinese mythological themed park is Singapore's very first, and oldest to date.
It is built by Aw Boon Haw for his brother, Aw Boon Par - a pair of Burmese brothers who arrived in Singapore with their father's secret recipe to the Tiger Balm ointment. As we all know it, Tiger Balm not only became a household name locally but internationally as well.
The Aw family later sold the site to the Singapore Tourism Board who took over the management of the park but, unfortunately, failed to retain the crowd.
I last visited Haw Par Villa with my parents five years ago but this time, I decided to visit the park myself.
Just like my previous trip here, there is hardly anyone around. This is such a far cry from its glorious past when thousands of families thronged the park every weekend.
I am surprised that the dragon on top is now gone. I thought it is quite iconic and eye catching from a distance. The 'rocks' in this garish shade of purple is rather painful to the eyes though.
Just like my previous trip here, there is hardly anyone around. This is such a far cry from its glorious past when thousands of families thronged the park every weekend.
I am surprised that the dragon on top is now gone. I thought it is quite iconic and eye catching from a distance. The 'rocks' in this garish shade of purple is rather painful to the eyes though.
Lost your way? This old man will point you in the right direction.
Surrounded by so many freaky and grotesque sculptures in the empty park, any sudden sound is enough to send a chill up my spine.
If it is of any consolation, I do see some restoration works going on with a painter touching up on the paints of some of the sculptures. The park is also kept spotlessly clean with no litter and the grass well trimmed.
I had a photo taken with this Rulai even before I was born.
That's my mum and sister with the unborn me.
That's my mum and sister with the unborn me.
The story of Madam White Snake
Dioramas of Fu Lu Shou, The Legend of Kang Xi and The Legend of Su Qin
Recently, someone STOMPED about these mermaid sculptures, saying that they embarrassed him with their "creamy flesh, breasts and nipples". Dude, these ladies have been sunbathing there long before you were even born.
Even though Haw Par Villa has been around for a very long time, it still give me new surprises every time I visit it. I don't remember seeing the battle scene of 《封神榜》 below previously (or have I not been looking around hard enough?).
Other than showcasing sculptures from popular folklore and mythological stories like Madam White Snake, Journey To The West and Feng Sheng Bang, there are also sculptures depicting the various Chinese virtues and vices (and their consequences).
Not sure what's going on here
Imagined scenario: Man (dark blue shirt) incurred mounting
gambling debts and debtor (black hat) came to take his wife away.
Husband: I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!
Debtor's lackey (blue pants): Come with me and serve clients!
Wife: Noooooooooo! I don't want to live anymoooore!
Young girl: Don't take my mama!
Old lady (woman's mother-in-law): I BEG YOU! TAKE ME INSTEAD!
Rickshaw man: Kwa kwa kwa
Safety hazard! I nearly tumbled down these stairs.
!) I wasn't watching my steps
2) My foot is longer than the steps
If you think what you have seen so far is downright creepy and disturbing, then you have not seen the worst yet. Like The Dead Cockroach's Facebook page and be subscribed to new updates as I venture into the TEN COURTS OF HELL in my next post...
Admission to Haw Par Villa is free. Take the Circle Line train and alight at Haw Par Villa Station (CC25) which brings you directly to the foot of the park (just turn right when you exit the station).
HAW PAR VILLA (虎豹别墅)
262 Pasir Panjang Rd
Singapore 118628
Opening Hours: 9am - 7pm daily
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/6iQNC
GPS Coordination: 1.285506, 103.7831439
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