With Halloween around the corner, most of us would be anticipating the return of the annual event, Halloween Horror Nights at USS. However, if you are one of those who have had enough of these performers making an effort to scare you, and one something that’s closer to “the real deal” – you’re on the right article.
Singapore does not fall short when it comes to ghostly reputation. If you’re up for an adventure, these 15 locations will make a great starter. Brace yourselves for a chilling experience!
Caution: Locations mentioned are not for the faint-hearted.
1. Old Changi Hospital
Built in 1935, Old Changi Hospital was initially known as the Royal Air Force Hospital. In the midst of World War II, the Japanese army took over and turned it into a POW camp and torture facility. Military prisoners and anti-Japanese activists were brought here to be tortured, eventually leading to very gruesome deaths. Not long after, it reverted back to being a hospital, currently known as the Old Changi Hospital. In 1997, it got vacated and up till now, the hospital remains uninhabited.
Old Changi Hospital remains a popular location among adventurers and Paranormal Investigators who love a good thrill. It was even used as a location setup for a film called ‘Haunted Changi’. Those who have been here mentioned hearing screams and seeing shadow forms roaming around the hallways; all backing up its mysterious reputation.
Address: 24 Halton Road, Singapore 506997.
2. Pulau Tekong
Full-time National Servicemen would be familiar with this place as this is where they come to complete their Basic Military Training. If you’re a woman, you’ve probably heard so many haunting stories about Pulau Tekong either from your family, boyfriend, or friend. Nonetheless, here’s a very popular story that we’re sure most of you would be familiar with.
Back then, there was a trainee at the Charlie Company at the Basic Military Camp I. It was said that he was feeling unwell and could not keep up with the route march. Somehow, he was left behind and lost his way. Nobody realised he was gone until nighttime. A night search party was held. As they retraced their steps, they discovered the trainee’s dead body. It was later learned from the post-mortem report that the trainee passed away due to a stomach rupture. Even after his funeral, the Instructors and trainees claim to have heard the deceased voice and witnessed a shadow figure roaming around in his old bunk.
3. Bedok Area
Home to Bedok Reservoir, this is an area that have countless records of suicides. Many who have passed by the area felt an eerie presence, some even hearing disembodied cries.
Legend has it that a mother took her own life, along with her three-year-old son from the 25th floor of a block in Bedok. It was believed that she was clad in her wedding dress and wrote ‘It’s not over, darling’ in Chinese with her own blood, on the wall before the suicide took place. The family were already facing financial problems before she found out that her husband was having an affair. The turn of events eventually led to their deaths.
The husband and mistress moved into the house with their child. One day, their maid noticed that the child was communicating with someone he calls ‘kor kor’. With this information, the parents turned a blind eye thinking it is one of their child’s antics. While this happened, a loud banging could be heard from the deceased’s son old room. Before they could react, their child was already standing at the edge of the window, seconds away from falling to his death. It was said the child died on the day the deceased child was born.
Currently, the house is still uninhabited. Interested buyers failed to close the deal after hearing many stories of strange sightings and unexplained screams in the house.
4. Bukit Brown Cemetery
Bukit Brown was named after its first owner, George Henry Brown. It was previously known as Kopi Sua/Coffee Hill before it turned into a burial ground for the Hokkien Clans. This is one of the oldest cemeteries in Singapore and has more than a thousand tombs. Tombs of all sizes are guarded by Sikhs, often signifying status of wealth, and features carvings of the Chinese 24 tales of filial piety. Not long ago, exhumation of several old graves took place as the government began its road construction projects. Visitors passing by claim to be disturbed by spirits of the deceased, as if they are unhappy with the decision that was imposed on ‘them’. Cries and laughter could also be heard from the cemetery at night.
5. Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is a cultural park filled with representations of the Chinese folklore and mythology. It is well known for its vivid depiction of the Ten Courts Of Hell from Chinese folklore. It also houses over 1000 statues and 150 dioramas, depicting surreal scenes from legendary Chinese literature. There have been chilling rumors of spirits screaming and wandering around the Ten Courts Of Hell at night. From time to time, it is also observed that offerings are served to ‘pacify’ the spirits.
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628.
6. Neo Tiew Estate
Currently a training site for the SAF, Neo Tiew was an estate located in Lim Chu Kang that consisted of small abandoned flats. One look at its peeling exterior and dirty walls can immediately bring in the creeps. It is said that banana spirits or what the Malays refer to as the Pontianak, haunts the location. Some have even witnessed sightings of a female figure, a definite depicition of a Pontianak, around the building.
7. Changi Beach
The serenity of Changi Beach makes it the perfect place to chill and wind down on a weekend. However, are you aware of its dark past?
During the Sook Ching Operation in February 1942, this exact location bear witness to several executions of the anti-Japanese activists. The Japanese Kempetai would drag them into the sea and shoot them to their deaths. Changi Beach is believed to be haunted by the vengeful spirits of the dead. At times, visitors claim to hear unexplained cries and see headless figures roaming around the beach. Let’s hope we don’t run into any on our next visit!
Address: Nicoll Dr, Singapore 498991.
8. Fort Canning
Back then, Fort Canning was known as Bukit Larangan or the Forbidden Hill. This land served as a burial ground for the Europeans and Chinese Christians. A shrine for the late ancient ruler, Iskandar Shah, can also be found here. As there were plans to turn the land into a park, most tombs were exhumed. What used to be a cemetery is now a place where locals can enjoy music, plays, and festivals. People who have visited Fort Canning, mentioned that they felt an eerie presence around them, as though they were being watched.
Address: River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037.
9. Bishan MRT
Bishan used to be one of the largest burial site for the Hakka and Cantonese Immigrants, often referred to as Peck San Theng or Jade Hill Pavillion. In the 1980’s, the graves were exhumed to make way for the development of the MRT and Bishan New Town. It was believed that in the beginning of train operations, passengers were greeted by the presence of headless figures. Some even taking the form of passengers without a reflection, when facing the train windows! Next time you’re on the train, you might want to take note of what’s around you.
10. St. John’s Island
With its lush green surroundings, Saint John’s Island remains a favorite spot for a weekend getaway. Besides that, you will also find that many schools hold their camps here.
Dating back to the 1900’s, the island was recognized as a quarantine station for cholera and leprosy cases. It also served as a drug rehabilitation center. Rumor has it that during the World War II, many mass executions took place in the area. Many students that have camped here, experienced seeing soldiers marching in military uniforms in the middle of the night. At times, disembodied cries and screams could be heard too!
11. Woodleigh MRT
What lies beneath Woodleigh MRT used to be the Bidadari Cemetery. It was believed that even after the completion of the MRT’s development back in 2003, it only started operating in 2011. The span of eight years definitely raised suspicions among the public. The location was said to be haunted by the spirits of the dead, resulting to the late opening. To add on, commuters and staff have mentioned seeing ghostly apparitions standing on the platform late at night.
12. Swissotel The Stamford
Standing tall at 73 floors, the hotel is said to be built on execution grounds occupied by the Japanese Army during World War II. During the past years, Swissotel have garnered a lot of attention for several unexplained deaths that took place there. What is strange is that most of them took their lives either on the 59th or 60th floor. A few guests that have stayed over on these floors shared that there were times when they felt an unwanted presence in the room. Some even claim to see figures roaming the corridors, asking for mercy.
Address: 2 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178882.
13. Jalan Mempurong
Previously known as a home to a fishing village, Jalan Mempurong is currently a vacant land located near Sembawang Park. Rumor has it that back in the old days, shamans used to discard the supernatural entities that they have caught around the area. Those who have visited the area also mentioned seeing several offerings in the surroundings. Sightings of the banana tree leaf moving by itself and the banana leaf spirit aka Pontianak backs up the spine-chilling reputation of Jalan Mempurong.
14. Sentosa
Sentosa Island was previously called Pulau Belakang Mati. Its previous identity itself is disconcerting with Mati being directly translated to death. The island used to be a British Military Base and a POW camp. Many Anti-Japanese were found killed on this island during the Japanese Occupation. Only in 1972 was the island renamed as Sentosa.
Sentosa’s resorts and popular attractions are the main reason why many come to visit. Apparently, besides the living, paranormal entities come to visit too. Some visitors shared that they saw ghostly figures roaming around the quieter areas of the island. Sometimes, they can be seen around the beaches as well.
15. Caldecott Hill
Caldecott Hill was home to the Old Mediacorp office. Did you know, it is directly located behind Bukit Brown Cemetery (refer to no.4)? Hearing strange voices calling your name and chancing upon dark figures lingering around the building is not an ideal situation you would want to experience at work. But now employees don’t have to worry about these legends since they have moved to their new office at Mediapolis.
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