I always wanted to go to Haw Par Villa as it is not too far from where I work but I never really found the time and I admit I did not really hear or read much claiming the place was of any interest. It is a bit remote from the tourist circuits and is also a bit run down. It seems it was a popular place after it opened in the late 1940's. You can easily understand how it scared generations of Singaporean kids with its bizarre tales, legends and histories of Chinese folklore. The strangest thing probably is the Ten Courts of Hell (see one of the scenes above) depicting all the punishments you can suffer may you commit crimes. The aim of its creator was to teach and preserve Chinese values. I now understand better why Singapore is such a state of punishment. This park probably is the founding piece of the city-state without people realising it! It is nevertheless a place that should be visited for its kitsch, weirdness, culture and entertainment and I will make sure it comes on top of the list of any visitor coming to see me here.
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