When I was younger, my mother used to tell me tales of how misbehaving kids, sinners, and criminals would be tortured in Hell.
Growing up Taoist, I’ve heard of the Eighteen Levels of Hell, as well as the Ten Courts of Hell. I’m still not sure which is right, and I doubt anyone living really does. I would very much like for it to remain this way.
Point is, if you want a well-behaved child below the age of 10, then this is probably the best (read: traumatising) parenting power move you can execute.
If you’re wondering how my mother did it, allow me to introduce this quaint little theme park in Pasir Panjang.
Enter Haw Par Villa.
Singapore’s Only Free Theme Park
Previously known as Tiger Balm Gardens, Haw Par Villa is an Asian cultural park that’s a treasure trove of Asian philosophy, culture, and religion that was built way back in 1937 by millionaire philanthropist Aw Boon Haw.
The park is filled with various statues and sculptures that detail specific aspects of Taoism.
While entry to the park is free, you can also choose to join their daily guided tour for a small fee of $10 per adult or $5 per child.
There is also another guided tour that takes you through Haw Par Villa’s most well-known attraction, the Ten Courts of Hell.
Twilight Tour: Journeys To Hell
As its name suggests, the Twilight Tour takes you through Haw Par Villa, The Hell’s Museum and into the Ten Courts of Hell.
The Ten Courts of Hell used to be set inside a 60-metre long dragon sculpture but the dragon sculpture has been removed and replaced with grey stone walls.
The attraction details the afterlife in Taoism – the deities that rule over each particular court, the sins that they judge, and the specific punishments meted out.
Every detail is vividly captured in the sculptures that line the tunnel. You’ll also come face to face with the King of Ghosts, and also discover his backstory of how he got his title.
You’ll also get to visit the Aw family memorials.
The tour takes place every Friday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Ticket prices are $20 per adult and $10 for children aged 7 to 12. If you’re a student, present your student card to the tour guide and get your ticket at the promotional student price of $15!
Get your tickets here.
The exclusive Haw Par Villa Twilight Tour runs every Friday. Meeting point is at Haw Par Villa MRT Station, outside Exit A.
So if you’re looking for a Friday fright night activity, this is it.
Twilight Tour: Journeys To Hell
Venue: Haw Par Villa, 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628
Date: Every Friday, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Price: Adult: $20, Children (7-12): $10, Student: $15
Website
Also read 10 Budget-Friendly Karaoke Studios In S’pore From As Low As $1 For 2 Songs
(Header Image Source: Haw Par Villa)
