Hidden among the greenery and mangroves of Coney Island, Singapore, lies an abandoned historic structure—Haw Par Beach Villa. Built in 1937, this grand villa was owned by Tiger Balm ointment founders Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par.
Once a symbol of elite vacationing, today it is a dilapidated and dangerous place for the public. Nevertheless, there is no end to the curiosity surrounding its history and mysteries.
History Origins
From the 1930s to the 1950s, Coney Island, then Pulau Serangoon, was known in the newspapers as ‘Hawk Par Island’. Because the entire island was owned by the Hawk Par brothers. This beach villa was built in 1937 through an open tender.
It is the only remaining villa built by the A family. It was severely damaged during World War II and has been abandoned ever since.
Architectural Features
The Hawke’s Bay Beach Villa was built in 1937, and clearly reflects the colonial architecture of the time. The main building is about 600 square meters in size, with a spacious hall in the center, where family and guests could gather. The open verandas on all sides made the villa suitable for ventilation and at the same time allowed for a beautiful view of the sea. The well in front of the building was the main source of water in those days, and it faced the sea directly.
Next to the main building was a one-story service block, where it is believed that the servants were accommodated. Although the wall designs, pillars and stairs have eroded over time, a kind of royal atmosphere can still be felt inside the structure.
Current Condition
Currently, Hawke’s Bay Beach Villa is completely abandoned and has been taken over by nature. The surrounding dense bushes, mangrove forests and wetlands have almost hidden the villa. The building has large cracks in its walls and many places have collapsed roofs and floors. The structure is extremely unstable, and even the slightest carelessness can lead to major accidents.
During high tide, the surrounding area is submerged in water, making it even more dangerous to move around. For this reason, the authorities have clearly stated that it is not safe for the public to enter the villa and that it is considered a protected and restricted area.
In the past, there was a wooden boardwalk here, which helped to reach the villa through the swamp. Over time, that path has been erased. Now only a vague trail can be seen over the mud and unstable ground.
Netizens’ Opinions
The discussion about this abandoned villa is rife on social media. Many netizens said that the place seems peaceful during the day, but it is a different experience at night.
Some commented that there are many unknown stories associated with this place even before World War II. Others said that those who call Singapore “boring” should come to Coney Island and see this place, that too for free. Many have even directly described the place as ‘haunted’.
Many claim that the villa is haunted. While some talk about the peaceful atmosphere during the day, they describe the place as ‘haunted’ at night.
Watch the video here:
@livinglens5 Haw Par Beach Villa a 600m² villa built in 1937 owned by Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par founder of Tiger Balm in Serangoon Island which is now called Coney Island.It has a central hall,an open varanda and a well overlook the sea before it was overgrowned by vegetation.The building has been destroyed during WWII and fell into disrepair and been abandoned since then.It is dilapidated state within mangrove and swampy area.Even the building still stand today,it is NOT advisable to gain access.The building is falling apart with unstable structure, major cracks,rough trail and its rising tide in mangrove zone.Do Not Take The Risk ! #coneyisland #hightide #haunted #hawparbeachvilla #fyp #foryoupage #viral
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