From the infamous Old Changi Hospital to the lesser known Jalan Mempurong, Singapore is home to a myriad of haunted places that you dare not venture into alone.
1. Spooner Road Estate
Nestled between the iconic Rail Corridor and Kampong Bahru Road are two blocks of HDB flats that were once the quarters of railway workers and their family. In fact, it was previously part of Malayan Railways Limited, or Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), and was a no-enter zone for most Singaporean.
In 2011, as part of the agreement, all KTM premises in Singapore were handed to the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). The flats have since been restored by HDB and now served as rental units for short-term use.
However, haunting tales have plagued the tiny estate, with many calling it ‘The Most Haunted Estate in Singapore”
The paranormal activities encountered by the residents include black shadows in the rooms, shuffling footsteps along the corridors, and whispering sounds.
A rumour was that many of the units were unoccupied when it was part of the Malayan Railways, and that it attracted spirits to live in it; As the flats were restored and opened for rental, the new residents have disturbed the spirits.
In Apr 2021, Supernatural Confessions uploaded a video sharing an interview with Raysan Ace, a resident of the Spooner Road estate. In the video, Raysan shared his paranormal experiences and pictures and audio clips of paranormal activities that happened in his house.
2. Neo Tiew HDB Estate
Nestled in the heart of Lim Chu Kang is the Neo Tiew HDB estate, a former public housing estate.
Neo Tiew estate, New Tiew Road as well as Neo Tiew Lane were named after Neo Ao Tiew, a pioneer who played an instrumental role in the development of Lim Chu Kang.
Built in 1979, the estate consist of three 3-storey flats along with a wet market and a playground.
The estate was vacated in 2002 under HDB’s Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme with most of the residents resettling to Jurong and Chua Chu Kang.
Since its abandonment, rumours of its alleged haunting began to spread. The legend tells the story of a fortune-seeker who tied seven threads of different colours on the heart of a Pisang Raja (King of Banana) tree located behind the estate in hopes of getting his wish granted by the spirit living within. It is commonly known that pontianak – supernatural beings in Malay folklore – dwell in banana trees
However, the fortune-seeker promptly left the estate after winning the lottery and had forgotten to remove the threads, resulting in the death of the Pisang Raja tree. It is said that spirit was released and haunts the estate in hopes of find the fortune-seeker. Residents of the estate claimed to have seen spirits floating around the corridor and outside the window.
Today, Neo Tiew estate is under use by the Singapore Armed Forces for military training and are fenced up and closed to the public.
3. Ngee Ann City
Unbeknownst to many, the ground stretching between Orchard Road and Paterson Road (where ION Orchard, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City is) was once the site of a huge Teochew cemetery called Tai Shan Ting. Owned by Ngee Ann Kongsi, the 72-acres large, the cemetery housed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 graves.
In the 1950s, the cemetery was cleared to develop one of the most famous shopping district in Asia, Orchard Road.
However, the spirits lingered, as it was alleged that some of the bodies were not exhumed and remain buried. Security guards who patrol the malls after midnight claimed to have heard footsteps and doors opening on their own.
Interestingly, the architecture of Ngee Ann City bears some resemblance to Chinese offerings and a tomb. The two towers represent the red candle sticks while the fountain and five flagpoles symbolises wine and joss sticks. The curve frontage of the building was said to resemble the armchair-like design of traditional Teochew headstones.
However, the claim have been refuted by Ngee Ann Kongsi, owners of Ngee Ann city.
Read more: Ngee Ann City, A Former Cemetery
4. St John’s Island
St John Island also known as Pulau Sekijiang Bendera is the largest of the Southern Islands in Singapore.
Over the years, it has gain popularity as a popular recreation and camping spot for students and families. Yet, most were unaware of its historical significance and unfortunate past that has continued to haunt its present.
St John island was reportedly the site where Sir Stamford Raffles anchored before entering mainland Singapore in 1819.
Fast forward to the late 19th century, it served as a quarantine centre for immigrants and pilgrims entering Singapore. During the Japanese occupation, it served as a prisoner-of-war camp. Here, it is rumoured that the POWs were used as chess pieces and whenever a chess piece is lost, the POW would be executed on the spot.
The island was later converted into a detention centre for political prisoners and ringleaders. In 1955, the centre was turned into a drug habilitation centre.
The island was converted into a holiday island in 1975, and formed part of the Southern islands that many visit today.
Many who stayed in the holiday bungalows reported hearing sounds of marching boots and screams at night.
Students on school excursion have also had eerie experiences ranging from sightings of ‘blurry’ soldiers to locked doors
5. Pulau Ubin
Rated by local paranormal investigator Noel Boyd as the most haunted place in Singapore, Pulau Ubin has a fair share of haunted stories told by visitors of the island.
In an interview with AsiaOne, Noel Boyd shared a time when he heard female laughters and handprints on the tent while spending the night at Pulau Ubin’s Mamam beach.
Many students who have spent their days at the OBS and NPCC campsites on the island have also shared their paranormal experiences including seeing ghostly figures and chanting noises.
Also widely known is the story of the Pulau Ubin German Girl. It is said that a German family residing in Pulau Ubin in the early 1910s was forced to leave the island after the arrival of the British. The daughter of the family managed to ran away but fell to her death from a steep cliff. Her body was later found by villagers and a shrine was erected in her name.
The shrine have since become a popular spot for fortune seekers who believed that worshipping the spirit of the German girl would bring forth good luck.
Villagers of the island have reported seeing a young girl walking around the shrine at night, purportedly to be the German girl looking for her family.
6. Pasir Ris Suicide Tower
Located inside Pasir Ris Park, the three-storey tall Pasir Ris Bird Watching Tower have been dubbed as the Suicide Tower for the haunting legend that lie behind its notoriety.
The urban legend tells of a group of friends who ventured into Pasir Ris Park at night. The young boy who was said to possess a ‘third eye’ was challenged to go to the top of the tower alone. There, he encountered an apparition and jumps off the tower. Lying injured on the ground, he uses his last breath to tell his friends “I was pushed…”
Another version of the legend recounts the story of a young girl who jumped to her death due to a heartbreak.
While the stories cannot be confirmed, many who visits the tower reported feeling they are being watched by something. Others also claimed to have seen white figures (pontianak) floating on the tree canopy.
7. Old Changi Hospital
The history of Old Changi Hospital dates back to the 1920s when it was set up as a barrack (living quarters) for British soldiers stationed in Changi.
In 1947, two years after the surrender of the Japanese, the barrack was converted to the Royal Air Force Hospital to serve troops in the area.
With the withdrawal of the British forces, the hospital was handed over to the Singapore Armed Forces and renamed to SAF Hospital and later Changi Hospital.
With the merger of Changi Hospital and Toa Payoh Hospital to form Changi General Hospital at Simei, the hospital ceased operations on 15 December 1997. With that, it marched into history as Old Changi Hospital.
Since then, it became a popular spot for ghost haunters and urban explorers due to its reputation as a POW camp and hospital. Ghost sightings and paranormal experiences became a ‘guaranteed’ for anyone who dare venture into the abandoned site. It was also claimed that one of the rooms was used by Satanists to carried out demonic rituals.
Read more: The History Behind Old Changi Hospital
8. Old Upper Thomson Road
Known for being the circuit of Singapore’s first Grand Prix, Old Upper Thomson Road has played host to several exciting motorsports from the 1961 to 1973. The 4.8km circuit featured several challenging features including the Circus Hairpin, Murder Mile and the notorious Devi’s Bend.
The annual event was eventually cancelled due to safety concerns. Over the 12 year racing period, a total of seven lives were lost.
In 2008, Old Upper Thomson Road claimed the lives of two polytechnic students when four friends when on a night drive along the former circuit.
Many drivers have shared their experience driving along Old Upper Thomson Road, stating that it was an accident-prone area due to the sharp bends, low visibility, narrow lanes, and slippery roads (especially after rain).
Over the years, many have felt a sense of uneasiness when navigating through Old Upper Thomson Road at night. Drivers have also claimed to have experienced supernatural sightings at the Devil’s Bend.
The most popular story however, recounts an incident when a taxi driver picked up a young lady dressed in white at the start of Old Upper Thomson Road. After dropping the lady off at the Devil’s Bend (where the entrance to Upper Pierce Reservoir Park is located), the driver was shocked to see that the cab fare which he had received and counted have turned from normal banknotes to hell notes.
Read more: First Singapore Grand Prix: Old Upper Thomson Road
9. Bedok Reservoir
Bedok Reservoir has earned its name as ‘Suicide Destination’ for the numerous suicides that have occurred over the past decade. From 2011 to 2012, a total of six suicide and one attempted suicide have occurred.
This has prompted the government to hold an inter-religious blessing in November 2011. CCTV cameras, additional lighting, and a signboard displaying a 24-hour suicide helpline were later installed in response to the incidents.
Visitors of Bedok Reservoir reportedly hear wailing sounds and disturbance in the waters at night. Some claimed to have felt an invisible force pushing them into the waters. Legend says that water demons reside in the waters, looking to drown their next victims.
On May 2021 however, another body was found floating in Bedok Reservoir. This has sparked hysteria, with many suggesting that this is the start of a new wave of suicides at the reservoir.
10. Woodleigh MRT Station
Built on the former Bidadari Cemetery, Woodleigh MRT has been considered one of the spookiest station in the entire MRT network.
Bidadari Cemetery was then one of the largest multi-religious cemetery in Singapore, housing approximately 145,000 graves.
Exhumation of the graves started in 2001 to make way for the development of Bidadari estate as well as Woodleigh station.
In spite of its completion in 2003, opening of Woodleigh station was delayed till 2011 as daily ridership was insufficient to meet the 2,000 benchmark.
During then, commuters reported seeing ghostly appariations and pocong as their trains whizzed past the unlit station. Pocong, also known as shroud ghost in Indonesian folklore, refers to the spirit of a dead person wrapped in burial shroud and tied in a knot at the head and feet.
11. Pasir Ris Bungalow (Red House)
The once inconspicuous red-brick building was once owned by Sir Percy McNeice, a British civil Servant who was the first president of Singapore’s City Council and the Singapore Family Planning Board.
In 1964, the property was later sold to Tan Choon Keng, also known as CK Tang. The house was later abandoned by the Tang family for unknown reasons.
A legend tells the story of a man who killed his wife and children in the house before hanging himself at a big old tree behind the house. It is said that the spirits still lingers in the compound.
Ghost hunters exploring the house reportedly see a rocking rattan armchair with a doll sitting on it. Others report hearing a child running around the house as well as evil laughters.
It later became known as the Red House, one of three popular colored haunted houses in Singapore.
In early 2010s, the property was bought by award-winning preschool Odyssey and underwent years of renovation. Odyssey Loyang opened its doors to the public in 2014.
12. Block 99, Bedok North Avenue 4
Over the years, Bedok Reservoir and its vicinity has earned a reputation for being a haunted hotspot for the numerous suicides that have taken place.
Located a stone’s throw from the reservoir is Block 99, a HDB flat that has a haunting past.
The story which dates back to hte 1990s tells of a woman threw her three-year old child from the twenty-fifth floor before committing suicide. It was alleged that the women wore a bright red dress and left a blood-stained wall saying “it’s not over, darling”.
It was said that her husband was in deep debts and the couple often quarrel over his extramarital affair
The husband, unable to sell the house, moved in with her mistress. They had a son a couple years later.
When their son turned 3, the boy began playing with a imaginary friend whom he named ‘kor kor’, or brother in Mandarin. However, it was brushed off by the couple as normal child behaviour.
On one night, the couple heard a crying sound in their son’s room only to find nothing. They return to their room to see their son standing at the edge of the room and smiling at them.
The son said “I’m going to fly with Kor Kor” and gave a flying kiss before leaping off to his death.
The case was classified as an unnatural death although no other evidence can be found other than words “This is for mommy” written on the wall. It is alleged that that night was the first deceased son’s birthday and that he came back to avenge for his mother.
Today, neighbours living in the block claim to still hear a boy running around and sobbing, and a woman laughing in the middle of the night.
13. Former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters
Located at 90 Eu Tong Sen Street are two colonial buildings named the Upper and Lower Barracks. Originally built for the Straits Settlement’s Police Sikh contingent, the two buildings were later used as the Police Operational Headquarters and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters.
The five-storey tall Lower Barrack in particular, is infamous for the 13 cell rooms. Used by the CID to house hardcore criminals, it is said that several of them could not bear the torturous interrogations and committed suicide in it.
In 1990, it was reported that a police officer taken his life in a toilet on the third floor.
The CID vacated in 1996 to the neighbouring Police Cantonment Complex. In 2008, the buildings were gazetted for conservation. It is now part of the Creative Innovative Development Centre (CIDC) and is houses local art & culture companies as well as the hosting of events like Halloween parties.
Today, it is said that the criminals continue to haunt the cell rooms till this day, seemingly waiting for their release.
14. Amber Beacon Tower
The Amber Beacon Tower, an iconic landmark in East Coast Park, has been deemed to be one of the top haunted places in Singapore.
The hauntings of the tower surfaced after a vicious attack on a young couple on 15 May 1990. 21-year-old Kelly Tan Ah Hong and 22-year-old James Soh were spending the night out at the tower. The two started dating just days ago despite knowing each other for almost a decade.
In the middle of their conversation, two men appeared at the bottom of the tower and walked up the stairs to the top. Without warning, the two men — now masked — attacked the couple; Tan was stabbed in the neck while Soh was knifed in the back. Soh managed to run to the nearby restaurant to get help while Tan lay collapsed at the ground floor. Tan did not survived the attack.
Despite weeks of investigations, investigators have failed to identify any possible suspect. Till this date, it remains an open, unsolved case.
Since the attack, visitors to the Amber Beacon tower reported seeing blood stains and a female apparition dressed in white at the top of the tower. Others who walk past the tower at night also claimed to have heard wailing sound.
15. Matilda Mansion (White House)
The Matilda House, commonly known as the White House, is one of three famous haunted colored houses in Singapore.
Built in 1902 by the Cashin family, the Matilda House in Punggol was one of several vacation homes in Singapore. These include the iconic Cashin House (also known as The Pier) at Lim Chu Kang, and the Butterfly House at Amber Road.
While there are no recorded deaths or murders in the Matilda House, villages living in the vicinity reportedly see a lady with long hair sitting atop at a tree.
Legend also tells the story of three construction workers who died during the scheduled demolition of the Matilda House. Plans to demolish the house was shelved.
In 2010, Matilda House was converted into a clubhouse for the “A Treasure Trove” condominium. Today, paranormal activities continue to be experienced by residents of the condominium.
Read more: The History Behind the Haunted Matilda House
16. Hillview Mansion (Green House)
Once the highest and most luxurious residential proeprty in Hillview, the Hillview mansion has since become the infamous Green House.
Built Mr Chua Boon Peng, ex-chairman of Cycle & Carriage Industries Pte Ltd, the Hillview Mansion served to oversee the Cycle & Carriage assembly plant for the distribution of Mercedes-Benz in Malaya (now Malay Peninsula and Singapore).
Yet, construction of the mansion was abruptly stopped. Little is known about reasons behind the stoppage although theories have surfaced over the internet. These include the tragic death of a mistress who fell from the balcony, the bankruptcy of one of Mr Chua company, and orders by the Singapore government to stop construction as the Ministry of Defence’s headquarters was located right over the hilltop.
Over the years, the half-built, dilapidated building attracted many urban explorers and ghost hunters. Some who visit the mansion reportedly hear a crying sound at night, purportedly to be the mistress who is still waiting for the mansion to be completed.
Read more: The History Behind Haunted Hillview Mansion
17. Caldecott Broadcast Center (ex Mediacorp Headquarters)
Many who have worked at the Caldecott Broadcast Centre (former Mediacorp headquarters) would have heard stories of haunted sightings or experienced it.
The history of Singapore’s broadcasting history Caldecott Broadcast Centre dates back to 1935 when the British Malayan Broadcasting Company (BMBC) was set up at Caldecott Hill. It led to the setup of several broadcasting companies over the decades including Radio Television Singapore and Singapore Broadcasting Corporation. The various company was later merged into Singapore International Media (SIM), which was renamed to Mediacorp in 1999.
Over the years, the building’s winding corridors, peeling facade and dull lighting have attracted a slew of paranormal activities.
One story tells of a little girl who roams the radio basement. It is said that the mischievous girl would knock down racks of CDs and scare staffs working in the basement.
Other accounts of alleged haunting includes props moving on its own, footsteps and cold spots along the corridors, as well as locked toilet doors jerking violently.
Many celebrities have also shared their paranormal experience while working in the Caldecott Broadcast Centre. Jade Seah who shared her eerie experiences walking along the building while LOVE 972 DJ Violet Fenying captured a headless body in Qing Dynasty when taking a selfie.
18. National Museum of Singapore
The history of the National Museum of Singapore dates back to 1849 when it was just a part of the Raffles Library and Museum.
To accommodate its growing collection, the museum moved to its present location at Stamford Road in 1882 and officially opened on 12 October 1887. In 1960, the museum splitted from the library to form the Raffles Museum before renaming to the National Museum of Singapore in 1965, the year Singapore gained its independence.
As with every other national museum around the world, paranormal stories are…
In particular, a Victorian style iron spiral staircase located at the corner of the museum is believed to be haunted by Carl Alexander Gibson Hill, the former museum director who committed suicide in the building. Many who visits the staircase claimed to have felt a supernatural force stopping them from going up. Visitors also reported cold spots in the museum, with some claiming to have seen a priest-like figure wandering around the building
19. Kent Ridge Park
Formerly a plantation, Kent Ridge Park was deployed as a fortress by the British during the 1942 Battle of Singapore.
Here, a fierce battle lasting two days was fought between the 1400-strong 1st and 2nd Battalion Malay Regiment and a small Malay platoon led by Lieutenant Adnan Saidi, and the Japanese Imperial Army which numbered at 13,000. As one of the last battles for Singapore, the soldiers fought relentlessly for 48 hours, with many engaging in hand-to-hand combat when they ran out of ammunition.
Approximately 159 soldiers from the Malay Regiment were killed. Many retreated to the British defence line while others were captured as Prisoners of War. In particular, it is said that Lieutenant Adnan Saidi was captured alive and tortured before being hung on upside down from a cherry tree and bleeding to death.
This battle became known as the Battle of Pasir Panjang.
It is said that the spirits of soldiers who fought in this battle lingers in the park. Some believe that the spirit of Lieutenant Adnan Saidi continues to defend this place.
Visitors of the park report hearing marching sounds and military commands (in Malay) as well as seeing floating orbs.
20. Bukit Brown Cemetery
Once home to over 100,000 Chinese tombs, it was the largest Chinese graveyard outside of Singapore.
With it comes several haunting stories that were experienced by local explorers and visitors of the cemetery.
Many visiting the cemetery at night claimed to have seen mists (when there were no incense paper being burnt) and even dark figures ‘standing’ in a distance.
In May 2021, a local explorer posted a photo on a local paranormal group Supernatural Confessions which showed an extra hand on the shoulder of a lady. The photo was reportedly taken a few years back just before it was cordoned off for renovation. Members in the group have commented that one should enter a cemetery in odd numbers or stick out one’s tongue when taking a photo inside.
Read more: The History Behind Bukit Brown Cemetery
21. Pulau Tekong
One cannot talk about haunted places without talking about Pulau Tekong.
Tekong, which means ‘an obstacle’, refers to the location of the island which blocks the mouth of Johor River.
Once an island with a population of about 4,000 residents, a requisition was made in the 1980s to convert the entire island into a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) training ground.
Since then, many haunted stories have been shared by soldiers training on the island.
In particular, a bizarre incident took place on 24 May 1983. 19-year-old recruit Tham Wai Keong was found missing after a 16km route march on the island. Despite having conducted several headcount during the route march, he was only found to be at 9pm, an hour after the end of the activity.
His body was discovered the following day at 5pm, about 5km from the camp and 20m from the track. However, It was reported that recruit Tham had died from a ruptured stomach, purportedly due to a physical trauma or pressure to his stomach.
However, many have suggested that his stomach was disemboweled by a jinn hiding in the forest.
This haunting story was fuelled by the puzzling fact that his body was only found after a day, despite the fact that same ground was covered by his company twice during the search & rescue.
Since then, it is said that soldiers in the same bunk have seen him by the bed. An officer was also said to have spotted a soldier covered in blood standing some distance away from the track during a routine route march exercise.
A priest called to investigate the hauntings suggested that a third door is to be added to the dead soldier’s bunk so that his soul can escape.
Over the years, many other haunting stories have surfaced. One tells the story of a young girl and her grandmother who would stroll down the corridors of the bunk and count the sleeping recruits. Another story tells of a young boy and his grandmother who plays around the basketball court. When he catches a young recruit awake, he would point at him and ask his grandmother ‘why is this Kor Kor not sleeping?’
22. Bishan MRT Station
Similar to Woodleigh MRT station, Bishan MRT was built on a former cemetery.
Established in 1870, Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng cemetery was then one of several Chinese cemetery in Singapore. At its peak, the cemetery covered 324 acres, two-thirds of present-day Bishan New Town.
Notably, an intense battle between the Japanese force and the British forces took place within the grounds of the cemetery during World War 2.
The site was acquired in 1979 by the Singapore Government to make way for the development of Bishan Town.
Bishan MRT — originally named San Teng MRT — was built on the same ground and began operations in 1987 to serve residents in the new town.
Today, staffs of Bishan station claimed to have experienced many supernatural events ranging from hearing footsteps in the middle of the night to seeing white mist along the MRT tracks. Passengers have also reported seeing white figures when traversing along the tunnel and seeing passengers with no reflection.
Read more: The Origins of Bishan Town: Peck San Theng Cemetery
23. Jalan Mempurong
Located in the forgotten corner of Sembawang is Jalan Mempurong, a remote, one-lane road with thick forest on both sides.
Legends says that the forests of Jalan Mempurong was used by shamans to carry out rituals and dispose supernatural entities they have caught.
Today, many who visits the area claimed to have heard shrieking sounds and seen Pontianak flying around the forests of Jalan Mempurong.
For those who dare venture along the road, you may spot trees with offerings and statues of deity at the root. It is said that the trees are ‘alive’ and will provide good luck to anyone who worships it.
Perhaps it is why the Masjid Petempatan Melayu mosque was set up along Jalan Mempurong.
24. Kubur Kassim
Sporting a distinctive yellow and green gate and being surrounded by landed houses is Kubur Kassim, a century old Muslim cemetery that has been the source of countless haunted legends.
The cemetery is supposedly haunted by Orang Bunian, a supernatural creature from the Malay folklore that often appears in a human-form. In fact, there were grave plots dedicated to the Orang Bunian.
It is also said that a vicious pontianak resides in this cemetery and was responsible for several pontianak sightings in Siglap. It was also the inspiration behind the popular 1957 Malay film ‘Pontianak’; scenes of film were shot in Kampong Siglap.
Interestingly, Siglap was reportedly named after ‘Si Gelap’, or ‘the dark one’ in Malay. This was a reference to a solar eclipse that happened during the founding of the village in 1821.
25. Sentosa
Sentosa, the ultimate leisure destination for many Singapore, used to be called Pulau Blakang Mati, which means ‘the island behind death’
Different versions behind the origin of the island’s name can be found. One tells of the frequent bloodshed that occurred on the island due to piracy, while another says that spirits of Malay warriors laid to rest in the neighbouring Pulau Brani continues to haunt Sentosa till this day. A third version suggest that the a unknown disease later known to be malaria nearly wiped out the villagers on the island in the 1840s.
Fast forward to World War II, the pristine beaches in Sentosa was one of several spots where hundreds of Chinese males were executed during Operation Sook Ching.
Today, there are reports of marching sounds and ghostly soldiers at quieter spots of the island. Staycationers have also reported hearing running footsteps along the hotel corridors and unwarranted knocks on their hotel rooms.
