 Singapore
: Haw Par Villa (Tiger Balm Gardens) Any trip to
Singapore will be made more memorable by a visit to the Tiger
Balm Gardens. First built in 1937, Haw Par Villa holds 25
clusters of original statues and figurines which tell the
intriguing stories of Chinese mythology, legends and Chinese
values.
Described by past visitors as "fascinating, delightful,
bizarre and entertaining", the Tiger Balm Gardens is
like no other place in the world. Dramatizing Chinese legends
and folklore, the colorful statues and figurines immortalize
moral values and Chinese cultural heritage for generations
to come. Be fascinated by the commitment of the pilgrims in
Journey to the West, the adventures of the Eight Immortals
invading Neptune's Palace, and the virtue of Lady White Snake.
The original park was built by ointment king and newspaper
magnate Aw Boon Haw to educate overseas Chinese about their
cultural heritage. Aw Boon Haw built these wonderlands for
several reasons. One was to provide a recreation facility
for overseas Chinese and in the process, educate them about
their rich cultural heritage. The gardens had a practical
purpose as well. Being a forerunner in marketing his famous
Tiger Balm ointment, Aw Boon Haw figured that people who came
to his park would tell others to go to the Tiger Balm Gardens
and thus, help to promote his famous ointment.
Just as he did when marketing his fabulous ointment, Aw Boon
Haw took the task of designing the Tiger Balm Gardens seriously,
carrying it out with a twinkle in his eye. He made sure that
the enchantment he saw was executed to delight, soothe, and
frighten in just the right proportions. The fantastic environments
evoke both delight and horror in you; but no matter what reaction
you have to the gardens, once visited, the memory is enduring.
Open: 9am - 12 midnight (daily)
Admission: Free
Approximate Touring Time: 2 - 3 hours
Location: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628
Tel: (65) 6-872-2780
Fax: (65) 6-872-2694
Getting There: Take SBS bus 200 from Buona Vista MRT Station.
SBS bus 10, 30, 188 from World Trade Centre, SBS bus 143 from
Orchard Road or SBS bus 51 from Chinatown. |
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