Feeling adventurous? Instead of another walk on your favourite trail, why not visit some of the scary places where people have seen ghosts in Singapore, or where strange things have happened over the years? Here at EL, we can’t verify any peculiar sightings first-hand. However, there are plenty of experiences of other intrepid visitors on record. We do NOT recommend you visit these haunted places in Singapore alone!
Most haunted places in Singapore
#1 Old Changi Hospital
Old Changi Hospital is said to be haunted by the souls of those who were killed by Japanese troops in the Second World War. The building was reportedly used as a torture chamber, rather than to treat the wounded. Stories abound of shadows seen here and screams heard in the halls of the old hospital. The long-abandoned building still stands today and ghost ‘tours’ are occasionally arranged. (One popular one is Walk With Hantu: Changi.) These help to maintain the hospital’s ongoing reputation as one of Singapore’s scariest places.
Did you know? For many years, the Singapore Land Authority rented out the old hospital premises on a short-term basis to production companies to film local TV dramas and films. Among the shows that featured the location were Incredible Tales, Growing Up and Crime Hunters.
#2 Bedok Reservoir
Bedok Reservoir is believed to be haunted by the restless souls of those who took their own lives. This infamous reservoir has had a reputation as a suicide location in the past. In particular, multiple deaths were reported across 2011 and 2012. Joggers have heard ghostly wailing at night. Others have felt an invisible force pulling them towards the water as they walk around the reservoir. An inter-religious blessing ceremony was once held in the area to try and rid it of its evil energy, only for another deceased person to be located in the same spot soon after.
Did you know: On a less scary note by far, some 14,000 wetland plants have been added to the already picturesque environment of Bedok Reservoir, as part of an Active, Beautiful, and Clean (ABC) Waters Programme.
#3 The Amber Tower
The Amber Tower is at East Coast Park, which is one of Singapore’s most visited locations. Yet is has a grim tale to tell! Almost 30 years ago, a couple were walking at night at this very spot when they were attacked by a gang. The male was knocked out, and his female companion was brutally assaulted and stabbed to death. The murderers were never caught. There have been numerous reports of a female figure near this tower at night. Others claim to have heard screams for help.
#4 Woodneuk House
Woodneuk House (Istana Woodneuk) is well known for scary sightings, moving shadows, scents, spirits, loud noises, moving objects and ghosts in Singapore. Once occupied by the Sultan of Johor, the abandoned house is now covered in vegetation and decay. This home is not marked on the map of Singapore, which makes it out of bounds and truly mysterious.
Did you know? In 1945, following the liberation of Singapore from the Japanese, the house was occupied for a time by a military figure who also lent his name to a popular nearby neighbourhood: General Sir Miles Dempsey.
#5 St John’s Island
St John’s Island was formerly a quarantine island for those with infectious diseases, a penal settlement and later a prisoner-of-war camp. Mass executions were carried out here in the Second World War. A giant chessboard sits on the island, where it is said Japanese captors played chess using POWs. When a human ‘piece’ was defeated, they were beheaded on the spot. People have reported hearing crying and screaming at night. Others have seen ghostly figures walking around at night. Yet more stories exist of visitors hearing sports being played or balls bouncing, but seeing nobody in the spot where the sounds were coming from.
Did you get scared reading about these haunted places in Singapore? If you love all things Halloween, head here! For more great stories, see our Living in Singapore section, or take a look at this one in the meantime:
