Nestled in the heart of Singapore, Haw Par Villa stands as a haunting testament to the intersection of mythology and the supernatural. Built in 1937 by the Aw brothers, creators of the iconic Tiger Balm, the park was originally designed to educate visitors about Chinese folklore and moral values. But over the years, it has gained a reputation far more chilling than its creators could have imagined. With over 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, history, and religion, Haw Par Villa is not just a cultural landmark—it’s a place where the line between the living and the dead seems to blur.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
One of the most infamous attractions within the park is the Ten Courts of Hell. This gruesome exhibit portrays the punishments awaiting sinners in the afterlife, as described in Chinese mythology. Visitors have reported hearing faint screams echoing through the dimly lit corridors, feeling sudden drops in temperature, and even glimpsing shadowy figures moving among the statues. One visitor recounted how the lifelike dioramas seemed to shift when no one was looking, as if the figures were alive. The air is thick with an oppressive energy, leaving many with a sense of unease that lingers long after they leave.
Image Credit: Malorie’s Adventures
But the eerie experiences don’t end there. The Tiger Balm Garden, with its towering statues of mythical creatures, has its own share of ghostly tales. At night, the statues are said to come alive, their eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. Some visitors have claimed to feel invisible hands tugging at their clothes or whispers carried on the wind, though no one is around. One couple even swore they saw a statue of a dragon turn its head to follow them as they walked by, only to find it frozen in place when they looked back.
Image Credit: Tripadvisor
Then there’s the Infinity Pool, a serene spot by day that transforms into something far more sinister after sunset. Local legends speak of the pool as a gateway to the spirit world, with ghostly figures emerging from its depths. A particularly chilling account comes from a young man who visited the pool late one evening. He described seeing a figure with hollow eyes rise from the water, its form shimmering and translucent. Before he could react, the figure vanished, leaving behind only ripples on the surface of the pool. To this day, he refuses to return to Haw Par Villa.
Image Credit: TimeOut
Despite its unsettling reputation, Haw Par Villa continues to draw visitors from around the world. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, there’s no denying the park’s unique atmosphere. It’s a place where history, mythology, and the supernatural collide, leaving an indelible mark on all who venture within its gates. As the sun sets and the shadows grow longer, the park seems to come alive with whispers of the past, inviting the brave to uncover its secrets.
Image Credit: Haw Par Villa Official Site
Horror Level:
4 / 5
References:
Haw Par Villa – Wikipedia – link
Haw Par Villa – Tripadvisor – link
Haw Par Villa – TimeOut – link
Haw Par Villa Official Site – link
Haw Par Villa – Malorie’s Adventures – link
Categories: Ghost Stories, History, Mythology, supernatural, Travel
Tags: Chinese Mythology, ghost stories, Haunted Places, Haw Par Villa, Singapore, supernatural
Religion: Chinese Folk Religion
Country of Origin: Singapore
Topic: Supernatural and Mythology
Ethnicity: Chinese
