While exploring the Gardens by the Bay and Singapore’s impressive shopping district were at the top of my itinerary, I also wanted to see something a little different than the top tourist spots. I considered heading out to the suburbs or finding a beach, but then I stumbled on this Tripadvisor review of Haw Par Villa:
I do hope that they will not close down Haw Par Villa as it really teaches one to be honest and not do harm unto others if not the bad will befall you.
This place was educational AND it could help my morals? Sold.
Haw Par Villa certainly didn’t disappoint, and I think it was in fact quite educational. For example, I learned that if I cheat, curse, waste food, or lie, this could happen to me:
True confession: I totally lied about the Tripadvisor review – I actually read that particular one after going to Haw Par Villa. I’M SORRY YOU GUYS!
Haw Par Villa
Built in 1937, Haw Par Villa was originally called the Tiger Balm Gardens, as it was made by the same two Burmese brothers who developed everyone’s favorite muscle rub.
On first entering Haw Par Villa, it seems like a typical, albeit somewhat rundown, asian theme park. Enormous, brightly colored statues make the perfect backdrop for silly photo shoots – an asian staple – with the perfect Asian blend of adorable and bizarre.
But then I came to this warning sign, and suddenly the park was no longer about playful animals and random foreign monuments:
So if you’re a child, or have an aversion to kitsch or gore, STOP READING.
Uh, I probably should have posted that warning before the first gruesome image, ugh I’m the worst.
But am I this bad? Are you?
I hope not!
This isn’t quite the peaceful Buddhism presented in Western yoga and meditation brochures. However, as all religions, Buddhism has its dark side too. Did anyone read about Yomadic’s visit to a similar site in Sri Lanka? I can understand why these places haven’t exactly topped the tourist charts, but they do offer a great insight into the different facets of Buddhism, and the ways in which cultures have integrated their own folklore into the religion.
In fact, Haw Par Villa’s Ten Courts of Hell is based on gruesome depictions of hell in Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese mythology. A walk through the Ten Courts shows the visitor what punishments they can expect from their different sins.
Singaporean parents are said to bring their children here to learn about morality, but I actually deleted a lot of my photos because they were too gruesome. It’s amazing how effectively some red paint can manage to turn my stomach.
Finally at the Tenth Court, the sinners drink a magical tea where they’ll forget the horrors their wrongdoings brought upon them, before they are reborn through the wheel of reincarnation to a new life of sin – or morality!
Bizarre? Yes.
Will I be making more of an effort to obey my siblings? Um… Totally!
Getting to Haw Par Villa
The park is located right next to the Haw Par Villa MRT Station, so it’s incredibly easy to get to!
Admission is free.
Jameela Deen says
Didn’t quite know what to expect from the title but i was curious enough to read to the end. Very interesting place, not sure it’s enough to redeem us all sinners but definitely interesting find away from the tourist crowds.
Silvia says
Haha yeah, it was definitely interesting. I still can’t believe that parents actually took kids to Haw Par Villa to learn about morality.
Lale Gil says
Theres a reason why this place is not a major tourist spot, and that might be the only thing I like about it, lol — I finally know what will happen to me if I refuse to pay my rent
Favorite part? The Statue of Liberty, man that girl is everywhere
Silvia says
Haha seriously! I mean I guess…. nope, I was trying to think of a good reason for her to be in that park and I have zero guesses. Ah, Asia.
Catherine says
Wow, I had no idea this ‘dark’ side of Buddhism existed! Definitely makes for an interesting attraction to visit though!
Silvia says
Yeah it’s funny how the West concentrates solely on Buddhism’s peaceful aspects, when actually in a lot of its forms there’s quite a bit of violent imagery. Haw Par Villa definitely showed me that!
Kendra Granniss says
The contrast of the happy bright colors and the gore is unsettling. And those panda bears will haunt my nightmares! Haha. Really interesting. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Silvia says
Oh my God those panda bears, I swear their eyes followed me around the park. It was really interesting – definitely a different side of Singapore!
Jo says
Literally going to this tomorrow based solely on your post! You’ve definitely intrigued me as to how gruesome it could be!
Silvia says
That’s so great! I hope you find it as fascinating as I did. I also loved wandering around the rest of the park outside of the Courts of Hell, even if it is a bit rundown. I hope you’re enjoying your time in Singapore, Jo!
Justine says
Oh my god, this place is even more amazing than I ever imagined! I had no idea it had such a moral slant. And who knew that Buddhism could be so sinister! My boyfriend is headed to Singapore in a couple weeks. He’s been dying to go there, but now that I showed him this post this is the number one thing on his itinerary!
Silvia says
Right? It’s crazy to think that parents took their kids here to learn morals – could that work? I’m sure your boyfriend will get a kick out of it, and tell him to wander around the rest of the park too! It’s so weird.
Pamm says
I am so going there while in Singapore!!
Silvia says
You should! It’s a really interesting place to just wander through.
Mei & Kerstin from OpenUpNow.net says
Wow! This is really interesting! My mother used to throw these “morality” rules at me when I was a kid (especially when I didn’t finish my food). And I had always thought it was just her invention! LOL. Now I finally get to “picture” the things she said! =D Thank you for this post! I will definitely visit Haw Par Villa next time we travel to Singapore!! I’m going to have SO MUCH FUN there!! 🙂 Cheers, Mei
Silvia says
Haha I’m curious how Haw Par Villa will match up with your mother’s morality rules. I was surprised to find Singapore such a fun place to visit!
Miquel says
Wow… just wow! This is both interesting and creepy! I also was unaware of this dark side of Buddhism. I liked the touch of humor in your writing. It definitely made the gruesome images more palatable.
Silvia says
It was definitely a creepy place to visit, but some how all the gore and kitsch made it sort of funny too!
melissa says
Great capture of your experience! Interesting find as well.. definitely has got my curiosity up 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Silvia says
I’d definitely recommend making a stop there if you ever find yourself with some extra time in Singapore!
Yixiong says
That was a lovely writeup. I haven’t been back to Har Par Villa since my parents brought me around 2 decades ago. Perhaps it is time for me to head back and take a look again. Maybe refresh my morals while i’m at it too! 😉
Silvia says
Haha I can’t imagine being taken there as a child. But I think all the gruesome imagery did sort of convince me that it would be better just to be good in this life. Maybe? 🙂
Victoria@ The British Berliner says
Wow! This place is something and to think that I thought Singapore was too “nice and boring!” I’m glad that you broke the stereotype. Pretty gruesome though.
Silvia says
Right? Turns out Singapore is quite the boring, squeaky clean place I had assumed it was. Lessons learned while traveling! haha
becky hutner says
oof! i am so sorry to say dear silvia, that after the 2nd chopping off arm photo, i had to scroll to the end. ZERO tolerance for gore. i bow to you for making it through this grisly affair!
Silvia says
haha I admit I was a bit of a wuss while editing these photos too. I mean, it’s only red paint but…
Dana (@Wanted Adventure) says
Whoa! They weren’t lying — that stuff is very graphic! Dang, so much blood, and look at those faces in pain. Pretty, um, interesting! lol
Silvia says
Right?! It was way more intense than I had anticipated. I can’t believe people bring their kids there!
Foong Wei Lern says
this is the place we learnt to behave as an Asian kid. i have not bring my son there yet. maybe thats the reason he is not as well behaved as i was when i was a boy. haha