Ask Singaporeans what our country’s most haunted sites are, and you’ll probably get resounding votes for Old Changi. But according to our paranormal tour guide, Eugene Tay from Supernatural Confessions, Sembawang is a close second.

Now, we’d been on Eugene’s spooky yet highly educational Changi ghost tour just a couple of months ago, so when we heard that he was launching the Walk With Hantu: Sembawang tour as part of Singapore HeritageFest 2026, we had to check it out. Here are some of the most haunting highlights from our evening out with Supernatural Confessions.

When and how much is the Walk With Hantu: Sembawang tour?

The Walk With Hantu: Sembawang tour costs $98/pax, and takes place every Saturday from 2nd to 23rd May 2026. Each session lasts approximately 3 hours, running from 6pm to 9pm. You can sign up via Supernatural Confessions’ website.

Learning about Sembawang’s history during pre-war & war times

Full disclosure – this writer lives pretty close to Sembawang, but I’d never known much about its lore from the 1900s. So when Eugene detailed the complicated history of what we now know as Sembawang Park, I was gripped, to say the least.

The many faces of Beaulieu House

Our tour started at Beaulieu House, which now serves as a serene seaside restaurant at Sembawang Park. While we might associate it with its yummy Hokkien Mee and fusion offerings today, Eugene told us that the colonial building has been around – its facade nearly untouched – since the olden days.

In particular, it was part of the British Naval Base in the 1920s and 1930s, before it was used as Japanese headquarters and an interrogation unit during the Japanese Occupation. Before the war, it was the residence of a British Admiral, and there are even rumours of there being an escape tunnel hidden inside. Sounds ambitious, but it kinda makes sense when you think about it; after all, JB is just across the waters from Sembawang Park.

Eugene sharing his first ghost story of the tour.

Now, here’s where we took our first dip into the paranormal – Eugene recounted a story he’d heard from an acquaintance about a ghostly encounter that had taken place right here at Beaulieu House.

In his words: “When she stepped in [to Beaulieu House], the first thing she saw, she described as a sailor – a man in a sailor outfit – with no head. Running at her. And that force of collision pushed her backwards, off the stairs, and she fell onto the ground.”

Instant chills. Was this a British Admiral from the past? Or someone else? Guess we’ll never know.

Eugene’s personal encounter at a giant tree

Next up, we ventured to a giant tree at another spot in the park. At first glance, it was a rather average tree; arguably bigger than most, not exactly ominous. But Eugene’s encounter here would prove otherwise. He explained that some of the trees at Sembawang Park have been around since before the British rule, and carry a lot of history. What he saw at this very spot, however, was not that of a soldier or admiral – but rather, a lady in a sarong.

The story goes like this: During his teenage years, Eugene had recurring dreams about this tree at Sembawang Park. He later found out from his mother that the trigger for these dreams was an encounter he’d forgotten or suppressed from his childhood.

We imagine she would’ve disappeared into the hollows of this tree…

According to her, Eugene had been playing when he met a lady in a sarong who gestured for him to follow her towards the tree.

“[My mum] called out, ‘Oi!’, and started running towards me. And when she did that, she described that the old lady disappeared into the tree.” Needless to say, that was his family’s last outing to Sembawang Park.

Exploring Kampong Wak Hassan, SG’s “spiritual dumping ground”

The roads in Kampong Wak Hassan were eerily quiet.

A little bit away from Sembawang Park is Kampong Wak Hassan, which Eugene introduced to us as an infamous “spiritual dumping ground” in Singapore. If you’ve heard stories about the area, you might also know that it’s notorious for pontianak sightings.

NGL, the air did feel a tad different here. The roads were empty, run-down, and shrouded in vegetation, and it felt like we’d entered a portal to olden days Singapore.

Stepping into the “Gates of Hell”

Apparently, people would often discard spiritual items along the roadside at Kampong Wak Hassan. We didn’t see said items until we walked down a stretch of road that led to what Eugene referred to as the “Gates of Hell”.

Contacting a spirit

Our group was told that we were going to step inside and attempt to contact a spirit. Now, everything that followed felt like scenes straight out of a horror movie.

First, we found ourselves at the back of Sembawang beach, the part Eugene said no members of the public could easily access, lest they find their way in from the back entrance like us. We were also handed incense sticks and told to stand in a circle.

The cherry on top? An EMF meter – a popular ghost hunting tool that detects spikes in electromagnetic fields – which Eugene placed right in the centre of our little gathering.

Then, the “summoning” began. Eugene respectfully asked for any spirits in the vicinity to make their presence known, while the rest of us stood staring at the EMF meter with baited breaths. If you’ve watched any horror movie ever, you’d know that this is the part where the entity swoops in and starts lynching all of us.

Luckily for us, the meter didn’t spike, so either there weren’t any roaming hantus in the area that evening, or the lot of us had accidentally scared them off.

Seeing discarded spiritual objects

While we successfully evaded a ghost encounter, our journey was still far from over. We trekked further into the woods, meandering through narrow pathways and tiptoeing around abandoned objects.

Eugene explained that items thrown on the beach are cleared regularly, but we still saw quite a number of random things lying around. Some of our creepier sightings included a small red-haired doll, which upon further inspection resembled a ratty-looking Hello Kitty, as well as cloth tied to trees.

Further in, the objects became a lot less random. The majority of items discarded deeper inside were old religious statues that people wanted to dispose of respectfully.

One major takeaway from our expedition was this: If you see a tree with nails, don’t mess with it. Eugene explained that these are “talismans that have been nailed to the tree” – a practice that people still carry out to this day.

You might be wondering what the danger of removing a nail is. Well, Eugene recounted a rather bone-chilling story from a personal acquaintance, who he described as a former paranormal skeptic.

According to him, this acquaintance had taken a nail from one such tree home, and began experiencing hauntings almost immediately, the intensity so severe that his hair turned white within a week. He eventually got rid of the nail, but was never the same after.

Stepping through doors to the “other world”

Our final stop was this giant decrepit door located in the middle of the woods. A popular kampong tale claims they’re a portal to the “other world”, having sprouted from the ground overnight; but Eugene clarified that they’re a remaining piece of an old bungalow that used to occupy the land here.

But while the latter bit of the old wives’ tale might be fake, the former – about the doors being a portal to the other side – might have some truth to it. Because hidden behind these doors is a patch of land that’s used as a burial ground to this day, and let’s just say some seriously terrifying encounters have been reported onsite.

FYI, this isn’t a burial ground for dead human bodies. Instead, some take to this patch of land to bury things like a baby’s placenta – a common ritual in some cultures – as well as dead pets. As we walked through the grass, we noticed a freshly dug grave; proof that this area remains an active burial site.

See Sembawang in a different light at the Walk With Hantu: Sembawang tour

As a Northie, it was truly eye-opening to learn more about Sembawang, both in the supernatural and historical sense. So if you’re a history buff who’s not afraid of the dark, consider putting on your hiking shoes and embarking on the Walk With Hantu: Sembawang tour. Trust us, it’s unlike any regular day tour you’ve been on before.

Find out more about Walk With Hantu: Sembawang

Upcoming tour dates: 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd May
Time: 6pm-9pm
Meeting point: Beaulieu House, Sembawang Park
End point: Woody Family Cafe

More spooky reads:

• Most haunted hotels in BKK
• Haunted MRT stations in SG
• SG’s most haunted bus route

Photography by Hui Wen Chan.

The post There’s A New Ghost Tour In Sembawang Where You Can Visit The “Gates Of Hell” & Contact A Spirit appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Remember the days of plopping in front of the TV while waiting for your mum to finish cooking your favourite dish? Chances are, somewhere between the snacks and anticipation, you’ve probably stumbled upon horror shows that still spook you today.

And since it’s Halloween szn, we’ve compiled a list of iconic horror shows and movies that might’ve given you the heebie-jeebies as a 90s to early 2000s kid.

– Horror shows –

1. Incredible Tales

Cult-favourite horror show among Singaporeans

Image credit: IMDb

You’re probably lying if you say you have never gotten chills from the haunting opening theme of Incredible Tales. That eerie tune still manages to bring shivers to our inner child. This popular Channel 5 TV series is a staple in the memory bank of any Singaporean who grew up in the 2000s.

It ran for 8 seasons from 2004 to 2017, and each episode delved into horrifying Southeast Asian urban legends, from black magic to local superstitions that make you double-check the lights at home.

Image adapted from: Mediacorp Drama via YouTube

One episode that still freaks us out is Taxi in Season 1. It follows the story of an unlucky taxi driver who, in the dead of night, accidentally hits a lady in red. Unbeknownst to him, she’s been dead for a couple of days and is back to haunt him and his family.

Watch Incredible Tales.

2. Moon Face

An original Kids Central production

Image credit: Sitting In Pictures via YouTube

Imagine having recurring nightmares about a creepy face shaped like the moon – that’s essentially the fate of ordinary Mun Yee, and the plot of Moon Face. This original Kids Central production aired from 2000 to 2008, and left more than a few of us sleeping with the lights on.

The show follows Mun Yee and her teenage friends as they investigate and solve strange and paranormal events throughout each episode, told in a way that’s ambiguous and mysterious – leaving plenty of room for your imagination to run wild.

Image adapted from: You Xuan via YouTube

The Haunted Room, an episode in Season 2, is one of the scariest, telling a tale about a room that’s possessed by a doll owned by a deceased girl. Add the words “haunted” and “doll” together, and it’s a recipe for disaster.

Watch Moon Face.

3. Are You Afraid Of The Dark?

Iconic campfire storytelling setting

Image credit: Prime Video

The best way to tell scary stories at night when camping outdoors with friends is by the campfire, and Are You Afraid Of The Dark? gets that. It’s the classic setup straight out of every horror show: a flickering fire, eerie silence, and someone ready to spin a ghost story that’ll keep everyone up all night.

It’s also one of the longest-running TV series on this list, first aired in 1992 and ran all the way till 2019 on Channel 5 – that’s a whopping 27 years of haunting our screens. The plot follows a group of teenagers known as The Midnight Society, who gather to share stories about everything from ghosts to vampires.

Image credit: IMDb

Fans of the show still shudder when they think about The Tale Of The Dead Man’s Float in Season 5, Episode 1. It was one of the most horrifying episodes featuring a corpse that lurked in a swimming pool, dragging unsuspecting swimmers down into the depths.

Image adapted from: Google

Fun fact: if you Google the episode’s title and click on the “images” section, they’re most likely all censored because of how grotesque the corpse looks.

Watch Are You Afraid Of The Dark?.

4. Goosebumps

A string of supernatural events unravels 

Image credit: IMDb

Goosebumps is another legendary horror show on this list – one that had every 90s kid both terrified and weirdly addicted. Airing on Channel 5 back in the day, the show followed teens who always seemed to land themselves in supernatural and scary situations.

Adapted from R.L. Stine’s top-selling horror book, this TV series delivered just the right amount of “safe” scares for young viewers. It wasn’t nightmare-level terrifying, but we all remember being scaredy cats at some point.

Image credit: Amazon

One episode that gave viewers the most goosebumps was Night Of The Living Dummy, which introduced us to Slappy the Dummy, a creepy ventriloquist doll that comes to life to torment people. It was almost like Chucky the Doll, but replace knives and guns with black magic.

There’s also a 2023 version of the TV series – a remake that’s darker and more modern. It follows a group of teens who accidentally release spooky forces linked to their parents’ past, mixing old-school Goosebumps vibes with a fresh twist.

Watch Goosebumps (2023).

5. Mystery (Mi Li Ye)

Classic 90s horror show

Image credit: meWATCH

If you’ve ever looked at butterflies and felt squeamish, it might stem from watching Mystery, also known as Mi Li Ye, growing up. This Channel 8 drama is known for its horror-themed stories that consist of 8 short mysteries.

Image credit: Teo Zhiliang via Facebook

One of the most lasting and terrifying episodes for viewers is Mi Li Ye Butterfly. The plot follows a poor soul who gets attacked by a swarm of butterflies in a foreign country, and worse still, the butterfly attacks make you age faster than usual.

Watch Mystery.

6. Shiver

Singapore’s first fantasy anthology series

Image credit: meWATCH

If the “backrooms” were ever a thing back in the 90s, it would be the Mediacorp TV series Shiver, which aired on Channel 5 back in 1997.

It’s known to be Singapore’s first-ever fantasy series where each episode tells a scary and supernatural tale, one of which includes The Last Train in Episode 2, about a man who accidentally entered a parallel dimension in the MRT station.

This is one of the most terrifying episodes because of how eerie the scenario will be if turned into a real-life situation – imagine stepping into an MRT station you’re familiar with, only for the signs and symbols to be completely different from what you remembered.

Episodes like these left viewers with an unsettling feeling in their stomachs, making Shiver a memorable yet haunting childhood horror TV series.

Watch Shiver.

7. Mr. Midnight

Children’s horror book turned Netflix series

Image credit: IMDb

Most of us probably pulled out a Mr. Midnight book and indulged in the plot during silent reading sessions in secondary school. The popular children’s horror book series captured most of our hearts back then with its eerie storytelling and emphasis on the phrase “if it isn’t the consequences of our own actions.”

While not exactly a TV series, Netflix introduced Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters in 2022, bringing a whole new world to the original book series, so that now, you can binge-watch one of your childhood faves all day. The plot follows a group of friends who participate in paranormal investigations in parts of Singapore and Batam.

Image credit: TV Guide

The most unnerving episode is said to be Buried but Breathing in Season 1, Episode 4. Instead of relying on jump scares, it leaned into psychological terror, following a town threatened by a demonic presence.

Watch Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters.  

– Horror movies –

8. The Ghosts Must Be Crazy

Horror comedy movie produced by Jack Neo

Image credits: meWATCH

As Singaporeans, we’ve all heard of the hit movie series Ah Boys to Men that turned National Service into comedy gold. Well, the much scarier version of that is The Ghosts Must Be Crazy , a comedy horror movie that’s split into 2 separate parts: Day-off, followed by Ghost Bride.

Many viewers agree that the latter takes the cake for being downright terrifying because of how personal and psychologically distressing the story gets. It follows Ah Hui, a fresh graduate, who has terrible luck with women and is deep in debt.

Image credit: Asian Film Archive Collection

Of course, the only woman who would willingly be wedded to Ah Hui is a ghost, and so the plot thickens and the nightmares unfold. There’s also a quote that left viewers unsettled at the end before the credits rolled: “If you choose to make a deal with the devil, you must be prepared to pay the ultimate price.”

Watch The Ghosts Must Be Crazy.

9. 23:59

Inspired by a true story

Image credit: IMDb

23:59 is one of those horror flicks that feels straight out of the scary stories your NS friends might have whispered about back in the 90s – you know, the kind that supposedly happened on Pulau Tekong during the Basic Military Training. This one’s about a vengeful female spirit who’s said to have died on Tekong grounds at exactly 11.59pm.

Image credit: IMDb

What left watchers feeling unsettled wasn’t just the eerie sounds and visuals – it was the psychologically haunting plot twist. Turns out, the vengeful female ghost wasn’t the one hunting down the NS men. The real culprit was her deformed daughter, whom she had poisoned and killed.

Watch 23:59.

10. Where Got Ghost?

Spooky 3-part horror movie

Image credit: Disney Plus

Where Got Ghost? is a 2009 horror comedy movie split into 3 parts: Roadside Got Ghost, Forest Got Ghost, and House Got Ghost. Each part centred on different characters’ eerie run-ins with the supernatural.

Of the 3, Forest Got Ghost hits closest to home, especially for those familiar with infamous NS ghost stories that get passed around every bunk. It’s the most realistic segment, capturing what many NS men half-jokingly call a “rite of passage” – paranormal encounters in the middle of nowhere..

The story follows 2 NS men who are stalked by a mysterious woman in red after taking a shortcut through a haunted forest, leading them to a tragic fate.

Watch Where Got Ghost?.

Relive your childhood with these nostalgic horror shows & movies

Back when our only form of entertainment was the TV, these were some of the nostalgic horror shows and movies that kept us awake at night, or helped us strengthen our bonds with friends and family, because they kept everyone collectively scared. So choose one to rewatch and take a walk down memory lane this Halloween.

Read our other articles on nostalgia:

• Singapore Airlines’ new in-flight safety video
• Nostalgic card & board games
• Iconic water bottles in the 2000s

Cover image adapted from: YESASIA, Filmograph, meWATCH

The post 10 Iconic Horror Shows & Movies That Spooked Us As Kids To Relive This Halloween appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Singapore may be small, but we’ve got plenty of haunted places, from Old Changi Hospital’s alleged torture chambers to the mysterious shrines at Pulau Ubin. If you’re keen to explore the spooky side of our Little Red Dot on a budget, here is a DIY guide to ghost hunting in Singapore – no EMF meter required.

What is ghost hunting & why do people do it?

Image credit: Society of Paranormal Investigators via Facebook

The first question that probably popped into your head is: “Why?”

Ghost hunting, AKA paranormal investigation, is the process of gathering evidence of the supernatural. Many people become ghost hunters out of curiosity, a desire for adventure, or simply as a way to pursue their love for the macabre.

In Singapore, the Society of Paranormal Investigators runs regular investigations at haunted sites and will even respond to calls from spooked residents to check their homes out. So yes, it can be as practical as it is thrilling.

Is ghost hunting even legal in Singapore?

Image credit: Society of Paranormal Investigators via Facebook

Yes, as long as you stick to public spaces or get official permission to enter private property. Trespassing is still trespassing, even if you’re chasing a hantu. Later in this guide, we’ll list some locations where you can safely hunt for ghosts without ending up in supernatural or, worse, legal trouble.

Singapore’s haunted history

The remains of a village after the fall of Singapore, 1942.
Image credit: Australian War Memorial C31514

Our Little Red Dot may be a young nation, but it has its fair share of dark memories. From WWII atrocities to tragic deaths and ancient folklore, many sites still stand as echoes of the past. These places carry stories that locals have passed down through generations, making them prime spots for supernatural activity, or at the very least, a good scare.

What spirits can you encounter in Singapore?

The iconic pontianak.

The Lion City is surprisingly diverse when it comes to the different types of ghosts you can spot in Singapore. You might encounter pontianak, pocong, jiang shi, toyol, or even urban legends, like a Makcik Keropok hard-selling crackers to you. We even have haunted MRT stations, where you might spot phantom passengers, so keep your eyes peeled and EZ-Link ready. Which brings us to…

What are the different types of supernatural hauntings?

Residual haunting

Not a true “ghost”, a residual haunting is basically just energy left behind after a traumatic event, playing over and over. Think of it as a painful recording on repeat; it doesn’t interact with anything and can only be observed.

Intelligent haunting

Now, this is probably the classic ghost you had in mind. Intelligent hauntings are sentient and aware, sometimes with memories or unfinished business. They can answer questions, move objects, or otherwise interact with the living.

Poltergeist haunting

Meaning “noisy spirit” in German, poltergeist hauntings are often misrepresented in pop culture. In reality, it usually is a manifestation of energy caused by a living human’s disturbed emotional state. What Hollywood got right is that this results in moving objects and a whole lot of disruption. The human culprit is often a moody teen struggling through puberty – sounds familiar?

Inhuman haunting

Inhuman hauntings are rare and include demonic, angelic, or elemental entities. They aren’t of human nature and should be taken very seriously. If you sense anything unusual that might fit this category, you could investigate, but honestly, just run.

Ghost hunting tips & tricks

Safety first

Image credit: Singapore’s Creepy & Haunted Tour via Tripadvisor

Never hunt alone – always go in pairs or small groups to ensure safety in case of panic or injury. Having multiple witnesses also adds credibility to any evidence you may capture. Keep someone updated regularly about your location, bring reflective tape to mark your path when navigating tricky areas, and pack a first aid kit in case your friend walks into a tree.

Document everything

Ouija board session at Pulau Ubin.
Image adapted from: Society of Paranormal Investigators via Facebook

Keep a logbook or record voice notes to document any and all happenings: time, location, temperature, even vibes. Ensure your audio recorder is running at all times to capture any Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs). Take plenty of pictures, including a photo of the location at the start, so you can spot any eerie changes as you go.

Be respectful

Never disturb offerings.
Image credit: Singapore’s Creepy & Haunted Tour via Tripadvisor

Unlike what ghost hunters do on TV, never shout or provoke the supernatural for answers. Treat them with politeness and caution by greeting spirits or knocking before entering buildings. And of course, respect their living counterparts as well; being loud or disruptive in the wee hours of 10.30pm to 7am can get authorities involved.

Leave no trace

“Take only photos, leave only footprints.” This is what Wisely, a paranormal investigator from the Society of Paranormal Investigators, recommends. In his 20 years of experience, ghost hunters should always follow a certain kind of etiquette – vandalism, littering or moving objects are a big no-no.

Take protective measures

They say that black smoke from burning palo santo is a sign of unresolved negative energy – that, or incomplete combustion.
Image credit: Korean Cosmetics 

If you’re one of the ultra paranoid, carrying protective charms might give you some peace of mind. Burning palo santo sticks before or after your hunt is believed to clear negative energy and banish bad spirits – it also just smells really good. Black tourmaline is another option, as the crystal is said to ward off bad entities.

What tools can you use for ghost hunting?

Equipment used by the Society of Paranormal Investigators, including an infrared thermometer, EMF meter, spirit box, and Ouija board.
Image credit: Society of Paranormal Investigators via Facebook

In Wisely’s opinion, ghost hunting can be conducted even without any special equipment. “Traditional investigations started with no electronics at all,” he shared. All you need is a reliable flashlight, a notebook and pen, and your phone, which acts as both the camera and audio recorder.

If you’re willing to invest a little more, the gold standard tools are an EMF meter ($33.14), which detects changes in electromagnetic fields that some believe indicate a spirit’s presence, and a spirit box ($141.27), which rapidly scans radio frequencies to create white noise that entities can supposedly manipulate into words.

For those on a budget, you can try light-up cat balls ($22) or a twist flashlight ($14.05).  The cat balls will light up after being disturbed, possibly hinting at a supernatural presence, while the flashlight switch is twisted so that it sits right between on and off, and any light flickering is taken as a sign of interaction. Just keep in mind that these gimmicky tools are largely unreliable – they’re more for fun than hard evidence.

Supernatural signs to look out for when ghost hunting

Testing out an EMF meter.
Image credit: Society of Paranormal Investigators via Facebook

Always be on the lookout for small changes in your surroundings – sudden drops in temperature or unexpected cold spots can be indicators of something spooky. Other indicators include unexplained breezes in enclosed areas or the sound of footsteps or knocking. Visual signs include shadows and orbs of light captured on camera.

Even smells are important – the stink of sulfur could be a sign of a demonic presence, while jasmine and frangipani scents are attributed to malevolent female spirits.

Ghost hunting step-by-step guide

 Find a ghost hunting location

Screenshot from: Reddit

Old cemeteries, ulu areas, or places with historical significance are good spots. Check through social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit for paranormal sightings or investigation requests. Public parks are fair game, but as for private property, contact the owners, or maybe ask your friends if they see creepy things at home.

2. Get ghost-hunting equipment

The kind of ghost hunting equipment you’ll need depends on budget, skill level, and how much evidence you’re brave enough to capture. Get the EMF meter and spirit box if you want hardcore proof; otherwise, relying on your senses is the old-school way to go.

3. Ask the right questions

Treat it like an interview: start with basic questions such as name, age and gender, before expanding upon their answers to ask about how and when they passed, their connection to the location and any memories from their life.

4. Capture any paranormal evidence

It’s good practice to take notes with timestamps immediately after each observation. Review photos, audio, and video footage carefully, adjusting exposure or cleaning up sounds if needed. And lastly, try comparing the evidence with your hunting buddies to find any overlaps.

Ghost hunting locations in Singapore

Bukit Brown Cemetery

Sikh guard statues flanking a Chinese tomb.
Image credit: SonnySideUp via Trip.com

One of Singapore’s last remaining Chinese cemeteries, Bukit Brown Cemetery, was once home to over 100,000 graves belonging to Hokkien clans and wealthy pioneers. Eerie stone guardians watch over the remaining tombs, and locals often report sightings of pontianaks in the trees. Most of the graves have long been exhumed to make way for new roads, but many believe the disturbed spirits still linger.

Old Changi Hospital

Image adapted from: Supernatural Confessions

Often believed to be the most haunted place in Singapore, Old Changi Hospital dates back to the 1930s and was reportedly used as a prison and torture facility by the Japanese army during WWII. Entry is strictly forbidden, but brave souls still peer in from the outside, hoping to hear whispers, footsteps, or to spot apparitions in the windows. Its reputation alone makes it a rite of passage for ghost hunters.

Pulau Ubin

Image credit: Coconuts

Pulau Ubin is one of Singapore’s most iconic ghost hotspots – the island is filled with isolated temples and shrines, untouched paths, and numerous personal horror stories. The most famous German Girl Shrine is said to belong to a girl who fell to her death on the island during WWI. Visitors commonly gift toys and makeup to comfort the girl’s spirit, receiving her blessings in exchange. Strange, but kind of wholesome.

Marsiling Tunnels

Deep in the jungle lies the Marsiling Tunnels and bunker, a series of abandoned WWII underground spaces that were once inhabited by the British and then the Japanese forces. The tunnel entrance is buried within dense vegetation – access is difficult, so we strongly recommend going in with a guide.

Once inside, you’ll find that it’s pitch-black with ominous graffiti-covered walls, which you’ll need a heavy-duty flashlight for. Even if the place isn’t truly haunted, the oppressive atmosphere is enough to make most people turn back.

Spooner Road HDBs

Image credit: catcourtesy via Reddit

Standing near the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, 2 ageing HDB blocks on Spooner Road have long been vacant. They were originally built in the 1980s for Malaysian railway staff, but are now in the process of being demolished. Passersby have reported flickering lights, unexplained footsteps and voices in otherwise empty stairwells – legend says that the spirits that inhabit these units do not want to move out.

Access into the HDBs is prohibited, but feel free to explore the vicinity of this abandoned neighbourhood before it’s gone forever.

Can ghosts follow me home?

Yes. But most importantly, can they pay rent?

Do ghosts in Singapore understand English, or should I try dialects?

Better start brushing up – maybe it’s time to redownload Duolingo. You never know who’s listening.

Can I ask ghosts for TOTO numbers?

If it works, definitely let us know. We wouldn’t mind a little supernatural lottery luck.

Go on a ghost hunting adventure

Ghost hunting for the first time can be an intense experience, but keep in mind that most “supernatural” occurrences are caused by the explainable, such as animals, wind, and faulty wiring. Stay safe, be respectful, and don’t take it too seriously – you don’t need to convince anyone but yourself.

More spooky activities to do in Singapore:

• Rating Halloween Horror Nights attractions
• Haw Ror Villa 4
• 10 scary date ideas

Cover image adapted from: Society of Paranormal Investigators via Facebook
A portion of this content may contain referral links where The Smart Local may collect a commission. Our opinions remain our own.

The post Beginner’s Guide To Ghost Hunting In Singapore For Spooky Adventures, Including Advice From The Pros appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Bingeing on horror movies is like eating spicy food: it’s terribly uncomfortable, but most of us can’t seem to stay away. Netflix’s Ziam has given us those highly-sought chills, and if you can’t get enough, we’ve consolidated some of the best horror flicks out there.

Whether you’re a horror-junkie or just looking to try this genre for the first time, here’s a list of 12 best horror movies and series on Netflix Singapore. You’re guaranteed to find something from supernatural to psychological thrillers that’ll make you cover your eyes and squirm.

– Movies –

1. Until Dawn

Inspired by a popular survival game

If you’re a fan of survival horror games, you might’ve heard of the popular 2015 video game, Until Dawn. Earlier this year, it was adapted into a horror flick directed by David Sandberg, whom horror fans might recognise from famous films like Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation.

This movie centres around the main protagonist, Clover, and her group of friends, who venture into Glore Valley in search of Clover’s missing sister. As all horror movie junkies know, a group of teenagers in a remote valley is never a good combo…and as we’d expect, on the first night of their search, they get murdered.

Don’t worry – this isn’t a spoiler! In fact, the entire film revolves around the cast entering a time loop, where they die in all sorts of gory ways every single night, lest they find a way to survive till dawn.

Tomatometer: 52%
Recommended for: Cabin In The Woods fans
Trigger warnings: Violence, gore

Watch Until Dawn on Netflix.

2. I Know What You Did Last Summer

The cult classic behind one of the most anticipated remakes of the year

You might’ve caught the 2025 remake of I Know What You Did Last Summer in theatres earlier this year, and if you enjoyed it, now’s your chance to catch the OG flick on Netflix.

Released in 1997, this cult classic slasher film follows 4 friends who get blackmailed for a hit-and-run they committed a year prior while on vacation. Of course, their blackmailer is no ordinary man; instead, he’s a hook-wielding murderer who attempts to take them out, one by one.

If you’re a fan of slasher films – and not afraid of a little gore – add this to your Halloween watch list.

Tomatometer: 46%
Recommended for: Slasher fans
Trigger warnings: Strong horror violence, language

Watch I Know What You Did Last Summer on Netflix.

3. Late Night with the Devil

Found-footage horror flick with 70s vibes

Despite being released in 2023, Late Night with the Devil serves peak 70s horror vibes.

The story follows Jack Delroy, a late-night show host who tries to rake up his TV ratings by hosting a creepy Halloween special on Halloween night in 1977. He invites all sorts of guests, from psychics and sceptics, to a parapsychologist author and her 13-year-old subject who’s allegedly possessed.

We watch Jack’s show from the lens of an audience member, and see his Halloween special quite literally go up in flames. Expect to see some levitation, neck snapping action – like in The Exorcism Of Emily Rose – and a series of eerie hauntings, back to back.

Tomatometer: 97%
Recommended for: Found footage horror fans, fans of classic horror flicks
Trigger warnings: Violence, gore

Watch Late Night with the Devil on Netflix.

4. The Strays

Not everything is as perfect as it seems

What happens when the perfect life you’ve built starts crumbling right before your eyes? That’s Neve’s reality in The Strays, a psychological-horror thriller that sees her dream life disappear after the sudden appearance of 2 stalkers.

They follow her everywhere, from the private school she works at and even inside her home. To make matters worse, they even befriend her kids to mess with her.

Just like Neve, you’ll feel the same sinking feeling whenever the stalkers pop up on screen. Watch it to find out the reason behind their motives, and how sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can never run away from your past.

Tomatometer: 54%
Recommended for: Get Out fans, thriller fans
Trigger warnings: Violence, gore

Watch The Strays on Netflix.

5. The Pope’s Exorcist

Best horror film on Netflix inspired by a true person

The Pope’s Exorcist is the best horror film on Netflix for fans of the famous The Conjuring franchise. It’s also based on a true story, but instead of paranormal investigators, this story follows Father Gabrielle Amorth, the Pope’s personal assistant. Following an exorcism gone wrong, he uncovers dark secrets about the Vatican, revealing a web of deceit, lies, and even corruption.

It’s a battle of good versus evil as the film dives into the real stories of Father Amorth that he chronicled about the exorcisms he’s done during his ministry.

iMDb: 6.1/10
Recommended for: Fans of The Conjuring franchise, supernatural horror fans
Trigger warnings: Violence

Watch The Pope’s Exorcist on Netflix.

6. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

Sequel to a cult classic

For those who want a modern retelling of an old horror classic, Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the one for you. A direct sequel to the 1995 film, The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, it sees Leatherface don the iconic mask once again in search of new victims.

This time round, they are a bunch of unsuspecting young adults who think it’s a good idea to waltz into a haunted town to try and urbanise it. They may not live to regret their decisions, as they’re too busy trying to survive Leatherface’s razor-sharp chainsaw.

iMDb: 6.5/10
Recommended for: Fans who like displays of goriness
Trigger warnings: Gore

Watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre on Netflix.

7. The Medium

Thai-South Korean horror flick

The Medium takes elements from 2 genres we love – Southeast Asian horror and South Korean thrillers. Think the spine-tingling lore of Munafik told in a thriller format like Train to Busan. It is also presented in a documentary style, with “found footage” to give you the extra creeps.

The story takes place in a rural village in Thailand, where a shaman’s family begins to get harassed by supernatural occurrences. It doesn’t happen for no good reason though, as the spirit wants revenge for the shaman’s family’s previous sins. The plot uncovers the heinous crimes of the shaman’s past, as we see how the kids pay for their ancestors’ sins in more gruesome ways than one.

Tomatometer: 81%
Recommended for: Fans of Asian horror movies
Trigger warnings: Cannibalism, incest, and animal cruelty

Watch The Medium on Netflix.

8. The Ritual

College students haunted by a Norse creature

Most supernatural horror films make use of spirits, ghosts, and demons found in widely practised religions to make the movies more scarily relatable and familiar. But The Ritual has a different spin on things by taking inspiration from Norse mythology instead.

4 men embark on a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness only to be slowly picked off one by one by an unknown creature. They end up stumbling upon the village of the cult that serves this entity and get trapped. Watch it to find who makes it and who doesn’t, if any at all.

Tomatometer: 73%
Recommended for: Cult genre fans, Norse mythology fans
Trigger warnings: Violence, gore, alcohol

Watch The Ritual on Netflix.

– Series –

9. Midnight Mass

By the creator of The Haunting Of Hill House

If you’re into thought-provoking horror shows on Netflix that’ll keep you up at night, add Midnight Mass to your watchlist. This series follows protagonist Riley, an ex-venture capitalist who returns to his hometown after serving time for a drunk-driving incident.

When he returns, he finds that his hometown church has a new priest, Father Paul, who can seemingly perform miracles. As the storyline unfolds, however, we find ourselves questioning the legitimacy of Father Paul and his intentions.

Tomatometer: 87%
Recommended for: Fans of The Haunting Of Hill House
Trigger warnings: Violence, gore, alcohol, religious themes

Watch Midnight Mass on Netflix.

10. Archive 81

Follow an archivist’s investigation into a cult

Archive 81 lets you see horror, but not from the scope of a paranormal investigator or ghost hunter, but an archivist instead. Here, Dan is tasked to fix and reassemble old video footage that’s been damaged in a huge building fire – or so it seems.

A story seems to unravel in the archived clips, as it becomes an investigation into what really happened on the day of the fire.

The more Dan investigates, the more we see supernatural elements occur in his own life, something the original owner of the archives also experienced decades ago. As he pieces the clips together, we see that there’s more that meets the eye, with a demonic cult pulling the strings, even subtly controlling Dan’s life up till this point.

Tomatometer: 87%
Recommended for: Horror mystery fans, thriller fans
Trigger warnings: Gore, violence

Watch Archive 81 on Netflix.

11. The Midnight Club

Collection of scary stories

In The Midnight Club, a group of terminally-ill youth are sent to a hospice to await their end. To pass time, they gather every midnight to share a scary story. As the series progresses, we see supernatural incidents from the told stories take place in the hospice, leading to more questions about the sinister history of the place.

Yes, they are just kids, but they are far from your typical damsels in distress trope. The fact that they’re living on borrowed time means they have nothing to lose, making for an emotional journey as we see who makes it out to live another day, and who doesn’t.

Fun fact: the wheelchair impaired character, Anya, is actually an amputee in real life too.

Tomatometer: 86%
Recommended for: Those looking for bite-sized horror stories, fans of the original The Midnight Club book
Trigger warnings: Violence

Watch The Midnight Club on Netflix.

12. The Haunting of Hill House

Hidden ghosts that quietly unnerve you

Usually, when a family moves out of a haunted house, that alone solves all their ghostly problems. But in the case of this family from Hill House, their nightmarish experiences follow them well into adulthood and explode into full-blown family drama when they’re forced to reunite after one of the siblings commits suicide.

The siblings are a configuration of a recovering junkie, an insensitive writer, a psychic alcoholic, and an owner of a mortuary. So while this horror show on Netflix has its own handful of jump scares, you won’t be able to help but press “Next Episode” to find out what happens next with the dysfunctional family.

Tomatometer: 93%
Recommended for: Those who want a good story, those who want a happy ending
Trigger warnings: Suicide, alcohol, drugs, violence

Watch The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix. Continue the anthology with The Haunting of Bly Manor.

Scariest horror movies & series on Netflix Singapore

Admittedly, the horror genre has a questionable reputation; who deliberately sets themselves up to get scared, right? But even non-horror buffs can enjoy these terrifying horror movies and series on Netflix Singapore with the right company. So hit up your friends and have a Netflix Party sesh before you can’t anymore.

For other Netflix flicks, check out these sad Netflix stories for a good tear-jerker, or our list of Singaporean movies on Netflix to support local films. You can also watch these mind-bending Netflix movies for a good thriller.

Cover image adapted from: iMDb, Netflix
Last updated by Gwyn Lim on 19th September 2025.

The post 12 Horror Movies and Series On Netflix That Are As Creepy As Netflix’s Ziam appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Thailand isn’t just famous for its night markets and themed cafes; it’s also home to a pretty solid horror culture. This includes Thai horror movies that make Hollywood films seem cheerful in comparison, and real-life ghost tales locals swear by. So, if you’re a fellow daredevil yourself, why not go all in and book a stay at one of these haunted hotels in Bangkok?

Why stay at a haunted hotel in Bangkok?

“Why on earth would I stay at a haunted hotel?” you may ask. Maybe… just maybe, the thought of sharing a room with something otherworldly sounds more thrilling than terrifying to you. Or you’re just a true-crime fan hooked on backstories tied to mysterious cases or local legends.

Are these hotels in Bangkok really haunted?

Like most horror stories, a lot of Bangkok’s haunted hotel tales come from a mix of urban legends and tragic incidents. The first 6 hotels on this list actually have some weight behind their ghostly claims – with real-life tragedies, accidents, and past recounts floating online. If you’re planning a stay, remember to be respectful and maybe skip the whole “taunting the spirits” thing to avoid claiming any negative energy.

The final hotel on this list got its haunted rep mostly from internet rumours that snowballed into urban legend status. Well, the only way to truly find out is to check into one of these haunted hotels yourself when you’re in Bangkok. Of course, don’t forget to take everything you see or read on the internet with a pinch of salt.

1. Baiyoke Sky Hotel

Accident that caused 3 billboard installers to fall from the 69th floor

Image credit: AFP

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel is probably one of the first places locals will name-drop when it comes to haunted hotels in Bangkok. Back in 2012, tragedy struck when 3 billboard installers tragically fell 69 floors to their deaths after the platform they were standing on suddenly gave way.

Image adapted from: r/ThailandTourism via Reddit, Vocal Media

Since then, the hotel’s been the subject of countless ghost stories – from shadowy figures spotted by the windows to guests describing an ominous presence. Some even claim to hear strange rattling noises at night, adding to the hotel’s eerie rep.

Image credit: Baiyoke Sky Hotel

On a more positive note, the place is well-known for its observatory on the 84th floor, where you’ll get panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline. A stay here starts from S$70.71/night, and it’s located near Platinum Fashion Mall, one of the best shopping malls in Bangkok.

Book a stay at Baiyoke Sky Hotel.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel

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222 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

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4.3

(21,047)

Recommended tickets at S$73

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2. First House Hotel Bangkok

Singaporeans among 13 dead in hotel fire

Image credit: Tripadvisor

First House Hotel Bangkok is another spot that often pops up in conversations about haunted hotels in Thailand. Back in 1988, a massive fire broke out here, leaving 36 people injured and tragically claiming 13 lives. 7 of them were Singaporeans, including Singaporean singer Shi Ni, whose death shocked fans back home. You can read more about the tragic accident on NLB’s Lianhe Zaobao archive page.

Since then, guests have reported strange happenings, such as “lights flickering on and off with a huge bang each time”. Spooky stuff indeed.

Image credit: First House Hotel Bangkok via Google Maps

A night’s stay here starts from S$44.82, and it’s located near Pratunam Market if you’re on the hunt for cheap clothes and knick-knacks.

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14/20-29 Soi Phetchaburi 19, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

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3.9

(1,632)

3. The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam

Numerous reviews on Tripadvisor about the hotel being haunted

Image credit: TripAdvisor

While there are no official reports of any tragic deaths or incidents at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, that hasn’t stopped guests from sharing their own creepy encounters online. A quick stroll through TripAdvisor and you’ll find stories of doorbells mysteriously ringing in the middle of the night – with no one outside – and sightings of a woman draped in white wandering the corridors.

Image credit: The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam via Google Maps

A stay here starts from S$106.76/night. The hotel is also a 10-minute walk away from centralwOrld, 1 of Asia’s biggest malls.

Book a stay at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam.

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559 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

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4. The Gravitique Hotel Khaosan

Fire that tragically claimed the lives of 3 foreigners

Image credit: Thai News

The Gravitique Hotel Khao San – formerly known as The Ember Hotel – made headlines in December 2024 after a fire broke out, claiming the lives of 3 tourists. What made the incident even more heartbreaking was that one of the victims had just gotten engaged to her boyfriend the week prior. The case is still being investigated at the time of writing.

Given how many “haunted hotel” stories are tied to untimely deaths, it’s not hard to imagine this hotel eventually gaining a reputation of its own in Bangkok’s horror circuit.

Image credit: Dinso Mon Hotel

A night’s stay starts from S$68, and the hotel is located near Khao San Road – a popular hangout spot for backpackers to get their fix of street food, late-night massages, and alcohol.

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19 Thanon Tani, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

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5. Asia Hotel Bangkok

Spooky anecdotes & an ominous vibe

Image credit: Asia Hotel Bangkok via Google Maps

Over at Asia Hotel Bangkok, guests have shared plenty of spine-chilling encounters – from wailing sounds in the bathroom to weird noises in the dead of night.

A lot of these ghost stories seem to tie back to the hotel’s “dim orange lighting and old-school architecture,” which only adds to the eerie atmosphere. On the bright side, prices are wallet-friendly, with rates starting from S$52.77/night for an Executive Twin Room, which has 2 twin beds.

Image credit: MBK Centre via Google Maps

It’s also conveniently connected to Ratchathewi Station on the BTS, so you’re just minutes away from places like Siam and MBK Center.

Book a stay at the Asia Hotel Bangkok.

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296 Phaya Thai Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

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+66 022170808

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4

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6. Grand Hyatt Erawan

Poisoning incident that claimed the lives of 6 tourists

Image credit: Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok via Google Maps

The Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok made headlines in July 2024 when 6 guests lost their lives by cyanide poisoning. Authorities suspected the poisoning was linked to a dispute over a failed investment, suggesting a possible murder scenario gone wrong. This was a high-profile case, and investigations are still ongoing today.

Whether or not the hotel is haunted after the incident remains up for debate, but if you’re curious enough to find out, a night’s stay here starts from S$256.42.

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494 Thanon Ratchadamri, Khwaeng Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

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+66 022541234

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4.6

(6,168)

Recommended tickets at S$234

S$242.71

S$234

S$251.88

7. Bangkok Palace Hotel

Near the site of one of Thailand’s deadliest man-made disasters

Image credit: Tripadvisor

The Bangkok Palace Hotel is an affordable stay, with prices starting from S$42.20/night. It’s also just a 15-minute drive to Siam Paragon.

But what gives this hotel its eerie reputation is its proximity to a tragedy that happened in 1990. Just a few blocks away, a gas tanker crashed at the intersection of New Phetchaburi Road and Witthayu Road, sparking a massive fire that claimed the lives of 88 people.

With the hotel just a couple of blocks away from the site, many believe that it’s possible the souls of the dead may be roaming around the entrance or have even made their way in.

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1091, 336 New Petchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

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3.7

(7,544)

Recommended tickets at S$39.85

S$39.85

S$42

S$40.87

Bonus: Sathorn Unique Tower 

Also popularly known as “Ghost Tower”

Image credit: Architectural Digest

The Southern Unique Tower isn’t a hotel, but rather an abandoned 47-story skyscraper that’s practically legendary in Bangkok’s urban myth scene. Construction stopped during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, leaving the building in a half-finished, eerie limbo. What really cemented its spooky reputation, though, was the tragic incident of a Swedish backpacker who hanged himself on the 43rd floor in 2014.

Would you dare to check out these haunted hotels in Bangkok?

So there you have it, a list of hotels to check out the next time you visit Thailand. From hotels with spooky vibes to ones with ghostly backstories, these spots definitely aren’t for the faint of heart.

For other horror reads, check out:

• Haunted MRT stations in Singapore
• Ghost stories from Singaporeans
• Most haunted places in Singapore

Cover image adapted from: AFP, Asia Hotel Bangkok via Google Maps
A portion of this content may contain referral links where The Smart Local may collect a commission. Our opinions remain our own.

The post 7 Most Haunted Hotels In BKK For You To Live Out Your Ghostbuster Dreams This 7th Month appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

7th month is finally here and will run from 23rd August to 6th September this year, though the actual Hungry Ghost Festival falls on 6th September. According to Chinese folklore, the entire 7th month of the lunar calendar marks the time when the Gates of Hell open, and hungry spirits pour out looking to haunt any poor human souls.

While you probably have higher chances of having a creepy crawly follow you home, it’s still good to know how to avoid bringing a spirit home with you this Hungry Ghost Festival season with these simple rules.

What rules do I need to follow during Hungry Ghost Festival?

From knowing what colour to wear during ghost month to avoiding certain hairstyles, we’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts to follow during Hungry Ghost Festival season.

1. No third wheels 

If you’re in a 3-man gang, tough luck this 7th month. During Hungry Ghost Festival, a commonly held taboo is if you’re walking in a line or taking a photo, the middle person in a group of 3 will be extra exposed to the supernatural. They may see things they’d rather not, or feel things like a sudden chill up their spine.

So if your clique insists on keeping your 3-man formation, it’s time to roll the dice to avoid centrestage.

2. Channel Hush-hush Hannah when you’re out alone at night 

Don’t start your own getai while you’re walking home alone at night. Apparently, ghosts are attracted to singing, and this includes whistling, and even talking to yourself.

So follow one of these Hungry Ghost Festival rules and curb your main character tendencies by saving your karaoke for when you reach the safety of your own home.

3. Leave the walls alone 

I was traumatised after watching that scene in Coraline where she enters the Other Mother’s world through a hole in the wall, so much so that I dragged my bed away from the walls for a whole week.

Fellow Coraline-trauma sharers, here’s another reason to stay away from walls this 7th month. Ghosts are said to be attracted to the cold yin energy in walls, which makes them a hotspot for spirits. So, unless you want an extra in your OOTD pics, or just a new supernatural buddy, I’d advise staying clear of the walls.

4. Don’t stay out past midnight

It’s common knowledge that nighttime is when ghosts come out to play. Some believe that this is due to us being able to see more clearly during the day, which makes it harder for ghosts to play tricks on our eyes.

The number 1 tip here is to make sure to be home before midnight on ghost month. If you do find yourself out in the dark past 12am, do not turn around if you hear an unfamiliar voice calling your name or if something taps you on the shoulder. By turning around, you’ll be acknowledging the presence of the ghost and giving them the power to harm you.

5. No selfies

Watch any ghost-hunting show and you’ll see that one of the best tools to capture paranormal evidence is the camera. For those who are fans of taking selfies, it’s best to avoid doing so for this month, as there’s the belief that taking a photo alone is an invitation for ghosts to join you.

Unless you want Casper and his goons to appear in your next Insta post, perhaps resist the urge to feel yo’self, at least till Hungry Ghost season is over.

6. Don’t kill any insects

According to Chinese superstition, it’s believed that you can be reincarnated after death. And of all the forms our ancestors could take during reincarnation, they chose to come back as creepy crawlies.

So the next time you spot a moth flying around your house, fight the impulse to whip out the broom. After all, it could turn out to be one of your deceased relatives just checking in on you. If you do have a deadly phobia of insects that your departed relatives are well aware of, maybe this is their way of getting you to join them sooner.

7. Don’t wear the colour red

We’re lucky that the Hungry Ghost Festival takes place after National Day, because what colour not to wear during ghost month is red. If you were all dolled up in red for NDP to catch the National Day fireworks, then it’s time to stow away that outfit – at least until CNY 2026.

This colour is said to attract ghosts, as Chinese superstition goes, since people who are murdered or wronged can seek revenge if buried in red. Unless you want to stand out like a buoy in the ocean, it may be a good idea to stick with wearing white for now.

This extends to the colour of your undergarments as well. Yes, ghosts can see through your clothing and tell what coloured boxers you’re rocking. Maybe it’s best to err on the side of caution and go commando.

8. Don’t go swimming & avoid deep waters

There’s a reason why this is a cliche in horror movies: an unseen hand grabs a character’s leg in the swimming pool. Some playful ghosts are said to drown people who are swimming by pulling them underwater and preventing them from surfacing, regardless of the time of day.

Apart from the fact that you’ll be exposing yourself to the most dangerous of spooky situations, there’s also the threat of being killed while wearing a pair of Speedos. Yikes.

9. Don’t step on prayer items

Image credit: cheesindavecanon via Flickr

We’re all guilty of using our phones without paying attention to our surroundings. However, you may want to be extra cautious this ghost month. Stepping on joss sticks or burnt offerings along pavements can cause a vengeful ghost to come after you.

It’s also not uncommon to see paper plates with food on the sidewalk during the 7th month. According to Chinese beliefs, spirits are not allowed to eat during their time in Hell. Therefore, when they are allowed to roam the Earth, food offerings are set up to satiate their hunger and appease the ghosts so that they will leave people alone.

Disturbing their food will definitely incur their wrath. If you do accidentally step on an offering, make sure to apologise and put the food back in its rightful place.

10. Don’t let your hair cover your forehead

Yep, he’s a goner.

There’s a Buddhist belief that one’s forehead emanates powerful life energy. A forehead clear of blemishes and lines – and hair for that matter – signifies good luck and positive energy.

This is a weapon that you can use to scare away ghosts if they do come near, as they’d be overpowered by the life force flowing out of your exposed forehead. Hence, one of the rules to keep in mind during Hungry Ghost Festival is to avoid covering your forehead with a stylo set of bangs. This might leave you vulnerable, allowing the ghosts to have an easier time haunting you.

11. Don’t go on hikes or camping trips

According to the practice of Feng Shui, certain plants like trees pull in yin energy. Yin energy is what makes someone feel “chilly” or “cold”, making one more relaxed and receptive.

If you go hiking or camping in a forested area, regardless of the time of day, the shaded areas under trees will have a high concentration of yin energy. This will cause you to unintentionally drop your guard, making you more susceptible to injury or possession by hungry ghosts.

12. Take down any wind chimes you have at your door

Image credit: Unsplash 

You can now add wind chimes to the list of things hungry spirits are attracted to. Apparently, the sound of chimes is similar to the “ringing of the soul”. When ghosts hear this, they might see it as a signal to enter your home.

So, as part of the several Hungry Ghost Festival rules, make sure to take down any chimes you have hanging by your door or windows during the 7th month if you don’t want to have any good brothers dropping by.

13. Avoid getting married

Image credit: @jefferey.koh via Instagram

First off, congrats on finally being ready to say “I do”. But maybe hold off on the festivities for the month. Joyous occasions like marriages might attract unwanted guests to the party.

It’s also said that ghosts who have died single feel FOMO from never getting married. Brides who wear a bright red qun kua as part of Chinese wedding customs will attract jealous female ghosts who wander around looking for a husband. You might want to watch out for a 3rd party crashing your wedding vows, should you choose to get married during the 7th month.

Avoiding spirits during 7th month with these Hungry Ghost Festival rules

The supernatural can be a touchy subject, and while I personally don’t believe in ghosts, it’s still best to be cautious and follow these rules during the Hungry Ghost Festival.

There are just way too many horror movies where the sceptics are always the first to die, and I would rather shave my head bald than get dragged into the underworld just because my fringe is too long.

For more spooky stories, check out:

• Types of Singaporean ghosts
• Haunted secondary schools 
• Old Changi Hospital

First published on 20th August 2021. Last updated by Shannon Chow on 15th August 2025.

The post 13 Things To Avoid Doing During 7th Month So Hungry Ghosts Don’t Follow You Home appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

As a kid who’d grown up watching Hong Kong cop dramas whenever my parents would have the telly on, I’d always wondered if classics like Forensic Heroes were anything close to realistic. Turns out, all the crime solving antics they pull off on screen are not completely far-fetched.

In fact, law enforcement on the Little Red Dot has been using these techniques to nail perps for a long time now, and one of them stands out in particular – DNA testing. To drive home its efficacy, here are some crimes in Singapore that were solved by DNA testing, whose lawbreakers might have given justice the slip if not for this breakthrough in forensic science.

1. 1996 Ang Mo Kio homicide

First ever homicide case solved with Singapore’s DNA database

Here’s a fun fact to start us off: the first homicide case in Singapore solved with DNA testing was cracked 8 years after the crime was committed. The year was 1996, where 29-year-old Zulkarnain bin Kemat murdered his drinking and smoking partner 51-year-old Jetkor Miang Singh after he was invited into her flat in Ang Mo Kio.

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Kaboompics.com via Pexels

Right before the bloodshed, the duo got into a heated argument, which resulted in Zulkarnian taking a nail file out of his pocket and proceeded to stab Jetkor multiple times in the neck while kicking her repeatedly, killing her right then and there.

Zulkarnian fled the scene, but when the police were called to the flat, they bagged a couple of disposed cigarette butts that he was smoking on before the murder which contained his saliva for investigation.

Unfortunately, the case was initially unsolved as the police could not establish concrete evidence that he had murdered the victim, as DNA profiling was not fully reliable back then. As DNA profiling became more accurate over the years, the case was reopened in 2003, and in 2004 DNA samples were taken from Zulkarnian, as he was serving time for a drug offence.

The Singapore DNA database was launched in 2004 with the genetic profiles of about 53,000 accused persons and prisoners.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Alexas Photos via Pexels

Lo and behold, his DNA matched the sample found on the cigarette butts; the police had their man after 8 long years, and Zulkarnian was sentenced to 8 years in jail and 6 strokes of the cane.

2. 2005 Kallang River body parts case

Gruesome murder involving severed body parts found in Kallang River

Image credit: @calvin_lim105 via Instagram

Despite their scenic views, huge bodies of water in Singapore have garnered quite the reputation of being somewhat eerie – case in point, Bedok Reservoir. That’s because bodies of suicide and murder victims have wound up in them in the past, and the Kallang River’s no different.

In 2005, a cleaner along the banks of the Kallang River came across a waterlogged cardboard box, and to his surprise, a portion of a human torso fell out of it when he attempted to move it. The police were called to the scene swiftly, who soon uncovered another box not too far from the initial one, containing the upper half of the same torso.

As the limbs were still attached to the torso, they could run a scan on its fingerprints to figure out who it belonged to. The victim was discovered to be 22-year-old Liu Hong Mei, a Chinese national working in Singapore. The police also found out she was having an affair with her work supervisor, 50-year-old Leong Siew Chor, on the down-low, and so they paid him a visit.

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: SPF

Upon searching his house, the police found a bloodstain under the sink of his suspiciously pristine toilet, and DNA testing revealed that it belonged to Liu. When confronted with forensic evidence, Leong came clean and told police that he had stolen Liu’s ATM card and withdrew $2,000 from various ATMs around Singapore.

The act was captured by CCTVs, and as he did not want to be recognised by Liu who would consequently file a police report and reveal to the world – in particular Leong’s wife and 3 kids – that he was having an affair, he silenced her. Ultimately, Leong was convicted of murder, and sentenced to death by hanging in November 2007.

3. 2016 Gardens by the Bay murder

First time new DNA matching method was used to solve crime

We’ve talked about gathering vital forensic information from fingerprints and blood, but what happens when a murder occurs and does not even leave a body to examine? That was the predicament the police found themselves in when they apprehended 51-year-old Leslie Khoo Kwee Hock for the murder of his girlfriend, 31-year-old Cui Yajie.

Image credit: Gardens by the Bay

After receiving a report that Cui hadn’t reported to work for 3 days, the police had some questions for Khoo. They got him down to the station for interrogation, and he stated that he met up with Cui late one night, had a dispute about money that he owed her, and booted her from his car at Bay East Garden’s carpark at Gardens by the Bay.

Khoo’s car which was seized by HSA authorities for investigation.
Image credit: SPF

Undoubtedly, the police found his story to be fishy, and after HSA scientists did some prodding and uncovered traces of Cui’s blood in Khoo’s car, he confessed to strangling her in a fit of rage during their argument. The police then questioned him to know the whereabouts of Cui’s body, and that’s where it gets complicated.

You see, Khoo drove all the way to Lim Chu Kang Lane 8 to dispose of the body – by incinerating it with kerosene and charcoal. The body was reduced to ashes, save a few locks of Cui’s hair, but it was exactly what the authorities needed to identify the murder victim.

Image credit: SPF

The hair which police collected as evidence were missing their roots which possessed crucial DNA used for DNA matching, and so the HSA scientists relied, for the first time ever, on mitochondrial DNA sequencing. They did so by attaining a hair sample from Cui’s mother, and a match confirmed that the hair found at the crime scene was indeed Cui’s, which was enough to charge Khoo with murder.

4. 2016 St. James Power Station molotov cocktail incident

DNA match on evidence resulted in speedy 1-day solve

The St. James Power Station in Sentosa.
Image credit: Roots.sg

The 2016 case of mischief by fire at St. James Power Station is by no means as ghastly as the ones we’ve touched on so far, but it’s a stellar example of how efficient DNA testing is when it comes to solving cases in a jiffy.

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Wikipedia

In September of 2016, 2 brothers were caught in an altercation with a group of clubbers at Club Hollywood Thai disco at St. James Power Station, and so the bouncers had to throw them out. The brothers would then seek revenge the very next day, armed with molotov cocktails fashioned from petrol-filled glass bottles.

Because Club Hollywood Thai Disco was pretty far from where they were discreetly positioned, they opted to lob their weapons at a closer bar. Thankfully no one was hurt as the bouncers managed to put out the fire swiftly. The police were soon alerted and began their sweep of the area for clues, which resulted in them finding a lighter left behind by the arsonists.

The police then ran DNA tests on the lighter; the samples returned a match in their database to someone who was previously convicted of a crime, and they managed to close the case within the next day. They would’ve caught the brothers eventually, but in this case, DNA testing was crucial in speeding up their investigations.

5. 2010 Mandai Tekong Park stabbing

Blood on knife sheath helped in investigations to stop serial stabber

Image credit: Outgress

You’ve probably never heard of Mandai Tekong Park, but a horrific murder took place on its grounds in September of 2010. 32-year-old Hoe Hong Lin was returning home after seeing off her relatives who visited her flat in Woodlands, when she was stabbed by an unknown stalker in Mandai Tekong Park.

She was stabbed 9 times in total, and succumbed to her injuries even after intervention from a group of teenagers who rushed over to help after hearing her piercing screams. The police were contacted, and a knife with a plastic sheath was recovered from the scene.

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: SPF

And this is where DNA testing swoops in to shed some light on the case. The police were able to develop a partial DNA profile from a swab taken from the knife’s sheath and used to search against their DNA database. Along with extensive ground enquiries and investigations, they identified the murderer – 20-year-old Soh Wee Kian.

He was a full-time National Serviceman who went AWOL at the time of stabbing, and suffered from an adjustment disorder which led him to commit the heinous act. In the end, he was spared the death penalty but sentenced to life imprisonment on 22nd August 2013.

6. 2018 bomb threat to Parliament House & other key installations

DNA sample from stamp helped crack anonymous bomb threat case

As far as acts of terrorism within the country goes, Singapore’s law enforcement will bring down the hammer as soon as it catches the slightest whiff of something suspicious at play.

Image credit: SPF

A 46-year-old man had to learn the hard way, as he was the culprit behind mailing at least 5 bomb threats in the form of written letters to the Parliament House. He also sent some to other key installations like the headquarters of the police’s Special Operations Command unit, and curiously, to a 7-Eleven convenience store in Tanjong Katong.

He even resorted to using a stencil to craft his ominously worded threats to mask his identity. The letters were also anonymous with no return address, and so the police had their work cut out for them. However, when mailing out his letters, he forgot to account for one thing.

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Tolga deniz Aran via Pexels

His saliva was found on the adhesive side of the stamps he used, and the police were able to get a DNA match with someone on their database. In the end, he was caught, and was slapped with a 6-month staycation in Changi Prison.

Try your hand at cracking cases at UNTAME Breach Resort

Well, if you’d like to do some sleuthing yourselves and solve forensic-inspired mysteries like these, then look no further than Science Centre Singapore’s UNTAME Breach Resort. Yes, you read right, you won’t be frolicking in the ocean or catching some sun on sandy white beaches, but instead tasked with cracking a slew of crimes.

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Science Centre Singapore

UNTAME Breach Resort is an after-hours event for visitors aged 15 and up, and it’s happening at Science Centre Singapore from now till 15th December 2024 on Fridays to Sundays, 5pm-10pm. Tickets start from $20/pax, and visitors can expect to explore various forensic-inspired zones, which will have them analysing blood spatter patterns, creating composite sketches, and decoding witness testimonies.

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Science Centre Singapore

Besides, there’ll be plenty of IG-worthy photo ops along the way, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks on-site to fuel your investigations. You’ll also get same-night access to Science Centre Singapore’s galleries for some major Night at the Museum vibes.

Escape room enthusiasts are also in luck, as they’ll be able to bundle your UNTAME Breach Resort tickets with an Escape @ Science Centre experience for just $10. P.S. Our readers can snag a 10% discount on their bookings with the code <BRTSL10>.

Learn more about Science Centre Singapore’s UNTAME Breach Resort

This post was brought to you by Science Centre Singapore.
Cover image adapted from: @calvin_lim105 via Instagram, SPF, Tolga deniz Aran via Pexels

The post Singapore’s Most Spine-Chilling Crimes & Murders That Were Solved By DNA Testing appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Just when you think we’ve exhausted the list of the scariest things to do in the country, we’re hitting you with another one: the scariest bus rides in Singapore.

From whizzing past cemeteries to possibly sitting beside “otherworldly” passengers, here are some bus services for chill (read: bone-chilling) night rides that’ll have you thinking, “Maybe I should have just Grab-ed instead.”

1. Bus 975

Passes by forested roads with no street lights

Let’s start strong with what many claim to be the most haunted bus route in Singapore: bus service 975. But why is it so scary?

Imagine waiting here at night.
Image adapted from: Google Maps

For starters, it operates in the West, which is horrifying. This bus will take you from Bukit Panjang Interchange to Lim Chu Kang Road, with the last bus operating at 11.35pm. Keep your eyes peeled for stops like “Opp LP 173” – you know it’s ulu af when your stop’s landmark is a lamp post (LP).

Other sights to look out for in the dark are army camps like Sungei Gedong Camp, the abandoned Neo Tiew Estate, and Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.

Night rides will have you cruising along darkness at certain stretches.

Creepy tales of bus 975 include stories of bus drivers stopping at seemingly empty bus stops to let “something” get off, and even sightings of a mysterious priest walking along the route’s pitch-black roads.

Bus service 975 route: Bukit Panjang Interchange ⭤  Lim Chu Kang Road

2. Bus 72

Goes through Old Tampines Road

As a Tampines kia, I can tell you that bus 72 is great if you’re in the mood for a chill ride from one side of Singapore to the other. Going from Tampines to Yio Chu Kang, 72’s route will take you through quiet roads that are perf for staring out the window. Nighttime, however, is a whole different story.

Like 975, bus 72 is known to stop at empty stops at night sometimes.
Image adapted from: Google Maps

This bus goes through Old Tampines Road,  one of the most haunted roads in Singapore. Some bus captains and passengers claim to have spotted (and smelled) the legendary pontianak here – you’ll know she’s near if you smell the sweet fragrance of frangipani on your ride. Take the last bus at 11.45pm from Tampines Interchange for maximum thrills.

Bus service 72 route: Tampines Interchange ⭤  Yio Chu Kang Interchange

3. Bus 29

Drives by Old Changi Hospital 

Fun fact: Bus service 29 will bring you the closest to Old Changi Hospital (OCH), traversing where no other bus dares to go. But it’s not just OCH that’s spooky – the general Changi area does have a reputation for being eerie, with haunted chalets and a beach that was the site of a WW2 massacre.

Get off at “Aft Turnhouse Rd” if you’d like to cop a peep at OCH.
Image adapted from: Google Maps

The bus operates daily from 5.20am till 11.42pm, so you have the option of spotting Changi’s hantus in the wee hours of the morning or night, hehe.

Bus service 29 route: Tampines Interchange ↺ Tampines Interchange (Loop at Changi Village Terrace)

4. Bus 172

Along Jalan Bahar’s ulu “cemetery route”

Image credit: Singapore Ghost Club

Joining Old Tampines Road as a certified freaky street 7 days a week is Jalan Bahar, infamous for being surrounded by several (definitely more than 4) cemeteries. If you’d like a humble tour, hop on bus 172, which will take you to and fro Choa Chu Kang and Boon Lay interchanges through the entire graveyard stretch.

The bus stop along Jalan Bahar is also pretty infamous for being the “most haunted bus stop” in Singapore, with tales of phantom passengers waiting for the bus and odd smells at night.

Bus service 172 route: Choa Chu Kang Interchange ⭤  Boon Lay Interchange

5. Bus 200

Late-night rides along “99 Bends”

Anyone into the supernatural in Singapore would have heard of the 99 Bends – what many paranormal aficionados call South Buona Vista Road. Besides being one of the scariest roads in Singapore, it is also one of the most dangerous, no thanks to its sharp turns and blind spots.

If you’d like to experience this for yourself, board bus 200, which will take you along the 99 Bends’ steep lanes. The last buses are at 11.35pm (from Buona Vista) and 11.59pm (from Kent Ridge), so make sure you enjoy a late-night ride for maximum creeps.

Bus service 200 route: Buona Vista Terminal ↺ Buona Vista Terminal (Loop at Kent Ridge Terminal)

6. Bus 856

Stops near an abandoned hospital

Image adapted from: Google Maps

For scaredy cats, this is probably the least spooky route on the list. While most of the journey on bus 856 is uneventful, it does pass by one significant landmark – View Road Hospital. Think of it as the sibling in Old Changi Hospital’s shadow; most people don’t know this abandoned hospital exists.

You won’t get to see the building from the bus itself, but get off at ‘Aft View Rd’ bus stop if you’d like to walk around the area to really soak it all in.

Bus service 856 route: Yishun Interchange ⭤  Woodlands Interchange

7. Bus 51

Goes past Haw Par Villa & Labrador Park

The thought of Haw Par Villa and Labrador Park is enough to send shivers down one’s spine – so why not hit two haunted birds with one stone by getting on bus 51? It’ll take you past both spooky sites all on a single ride.

The latest bus departs at 11.45pm daily from Jurong East Interchange, so maybe jio a date for this one. It’ll give you guys a good excuse to grab each other in fright, not once, but twice!

Bus service 51 route: Hougang Central Interchange ⭤  Jurong East Interchange

8. Bus 405

Only operates 7 times a year

We’ve saved the best – in this case, possibly the “scariest” – for last. What makes bus 405 so special is that it runs only 7 times a year, namely during religious holidays. Its route takes passengers from Boon Lay Interchange to a number of cemeteries in Singapore, and is even known as the “worship bus” amongst some.

Pitstops include Masjid Pusara Aman, Nirvana Memorial Garden, and Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Chapel, amongst various religious cemeteries.
Image adapted from: Google Maps

According to SBS Transit, here’s when the bus operates:

• Qing Ming Period
• First Ramadan
• Good Friday
• Hari Raya Puasa
• Hari Raya Haji
• Deepavali Period
• All Souls’ Day

Despite the mystery that surrounds the cemetery route, bus 405 makes visiting departed loved ones so much more accessible for family and friends looking to spend some time with them on these special occasions.

You can still catch the bus on 31st October and 2nd November this year, on Deepavali (and coincidentally, Halloween) and All Souls’ Day respectively.

Bus service 405 route: Boon Lay Interchange ↺ Boon Lay Interchange (Loop at Choa Chu Kang Rd End)

Scary bus rides in Singapore

You know we love a good bus ride where we can sit back, plug in, and just stare out the window. Well, maybe not so much on these buses, because who knows what “sights” you’d end up looking at, unless, of course, you’re actually trying to have a scary date night.

If you’re looking for non-scary relaxing things to do, then check out:

• Scenic bus routes in Singapore
• Best sunrise & sunset spots in Singapore
• Picturesque park connectors

Cover image adapted from: Singapore Ghost Club, 

The post 8 Scariest Bus Routes In Singapore For “Relaxing” Night Rides Away From Humans appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

While it may be almost time for Halloween, we think our ghosts got no season one. From the one and only Miss Ponti to historic ghosts from WWII, here are the scariest Singapore ghosts you can spot right here on our Little Red Dot.

We’ve even kindly included tips on what to do in case you see them, because we’re all damn brave, right?

1. Pontianak

Miss Ponti, Kak Ponz, Fatimah Rocker. Whatever you want to call her, she’s Singapore’s most iconic hantu. Period. Also known as kuntilanak in Indonesia, pontianaks are spirits of women who have died during pregnancy or childbirth. 

She is known to reside in banana trees.

The OG lady in white, she’s been terrorising people since the dawn of time and continues to do so till today. Besides also haunting our neighbours in Malaysia and Indonesia, she’s known to make frequent appearances in estates like Nee Soon and Jurong Lake.

The ghost usually takes the form of a pretty woman, only to unleash her terrifying visage once she gets to her victim.
Image credit: IMDA

So how do you know she’s near? Some signs include the scent of frangipani flowers and the disembodied cries of a baby. Don’t be fooled if the sound gets softer though – that only means she’s getting nearer. 

Some people have claimed to be followed, but those whom a pontianak has a personal vendetta against can expect to be viciously clawed to death. Literally bye.

What to do: If you haven’t already GTFO-ed, then you’ll probably be brave enough to actually fight her. It’s all melee combat here; we’re talking about cutting off her nails and hair and squashing it into a “hole” at the nape of her neck. If that doesn’t work then just run lah.

Scare factor: 10/10

P.S. One of our colleagues allegedly spotted Kak Ponz near our office. Watch his story on this episode of the S-Files. Residents of Kallang beware.

2. Pocong

Y’know how cartoon ghosts have a white cloth draped over themselves? Pocongs are like that, but 5 million times scarier. 

In Javanese culture, pocongs are said to be reanimated corpses still wrapped in burial cloth. They can do anything from giving you a message from beyond the grave to scaring people on purpose.
Image credit: Mubi

Just like us mere mortals subjected to workplace hierarchy, pocongs come in various “ranks”. They’ve been known to form colonies with a leader in place – a pocong army if you will.

Itchy backsides looking to spot them might have a good chance at estates like Woodleigh in Toa Payoh. This ‘hood was once home to Bidadari Cemetery, which has since been redeveloped to make way for new homes in the area. Over 143,000 graves were said to be exhumed, so get ready to face a serious showdown if you bump into any corpses during your visit.

What to do: Because of their swaddled nature, pocongs can’t really get too far, too fast. Chances are, you’ll be able to outrun them pretty quickly, so just stay on your toes.

Scare factor: 9/10

3. Jiangshi

Image credit: Mythus

Also known as hopping vampires, the Jiangshi is an undead ghoul much like the pocong. Spotting one is easy – they’ve got nasty pale skin, outstretched arms, and are dressed in traditional Chinese robes. Some also have paper talismans hanging from their foreheads, covering their faces.

A jiangshi can be “created” in a variety of ways, such as a corpse being struck by lightning or a pregnant black cat jumping over a dead body in a coffin. The latter is a common Chinese funeral superstition, which is why you’ll see bereaved relatives “guarding” caskets throughout the night.

They might not be as commonly spotted as some of the other ghosts on this list, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less horrifying. Jiangshis are known to have a voracious appetite for “qi” – this refers to the life force or energy that runs through the living, which makes them more powerful when consumed.

What to do: Some easy ways to ensure they don’t come close to you or your qi is by warding them off with fire, brooms, or vinegar. 

Scare factor: 6/10

4. Restless WWII spirits

With so many WWII sites and remnants peppered around our island, it’s no wonder that the ghosts of our dark past still linger. Many have shared their encounters with apparitions of British and Japanese soldiers, with haunting tales of disembodied sounds of marching and gunfire.

The Marsiling WWII Bunkers is known to be a spooky spot amongst believers.

Hotspots include historic sites like Sentosa’s Fort Siloso, where sensitive visitors have claimed to see wax figures move on their own, and Old Changi Hospital, which used to house POWs during the Japanese Occupation. Recreational spots like Changi Beach are haunted by ghostly energy too – this was one of the sites of 1942’s grisly Sook Ching Massacre.

What to do: WWII spirits are stuck in a loop of their tormented past, so they’re probably not going to do any harm besides giving you a shock if you do see or hear them.

Scare factor: 3/10. More sad than scary.

History fiends can check out this list of secret WWII landmarks in Singapore.

5. Toyol

Children are scary. What’s scarier? Ghost children. And even scarier? Toyol. With roots going back to Malaysia and Indonesia, toyols are said to be stillborn babies brought back to “life” by black magic.

While most of us would say hell no and carry on, some people actually keep toyols in order to gain luck and wealth. This is done by getting the spirit to steal items like money and jewellery from others and bringing it to its master. In return, they must be kept in good spirits by way of sweets and toys.

I don’t wanna find a real pic, so this screenshot from the 2011 hit “Alamak… Toyol!” will do LOL.
Image credit: Movies and Mania

Those suay enough to have seen these creatures with their own 2 eyeballs have claimed that they look like little goblins, while some say they look like zombie children. Thailand also has its own counterpart called the Kuman Thong, whose origins are just as twisted as this.

What to do: Toyol lore is scary af, but they can be described as being more mischievous than malicious. If you think you’re getting looted, put needles and mirrors around your house to ward them away. They can also be distracted with toys and marbles, as per their childish nature.

Scare factor: 6/10

6. Phantom passengers

Who needs an EZ-Link card when you can walk on the tracks?
Image credit: qintai via PropertyGuru

Our nation’s public transport system is such a slay that our local ghosts seem to enjoy taking trains and buses too. We even have a whole article dedicated to haunted MRT stations to prove it.

Special mentions go to Bishan and Novena MRTs, which sit on what used to be cemeteries in the early 1900s. Maintenance staff have shared stories of spotting shadowy figures along the tunnels as well as phantom pallbearers carrying coffins through the stations.

Buses aren’t excused either, with reports of drivers stopping at bus stops along haunted roads like Tampines Road, although no one is seemingly there.

And of course, sometimes even hantus can get lazy. They get innocent cabbies to bring them back home (the cemetery), with a hefty payment of hell notes.

What to do: Close your eyes and hope they don’t get off at your stop.

Scare factor: 2.5/10

7. Nenek Keropok

Image adapted from: Weave

Y’all, I’ve got my own account for this. The year is 2009. I’m at home minding my own dang business when I hear her at my front gate.

“Dik, mau keropok?” (“Would you like crackers, kid?”) 

It’s her. The woman, the myth, the legend. Nenek Keropok.

I knew this situation all too well because in 2009, this was all everyone was talking about. My friends’ words are ringing in my head: “She will curse you if you don’t buy anything!” Siao liao, am I going to die?

Trust me when I tell you I ran straight to my mummy, who gently asked her to leave. It’s been 13 years and nothing has happened since, so that’s great. So who is she, and why does she want us to buy her keropok? Turns out, Nenek Keropok is no ghost at all – just some entrepreneurial makciks (aunties) trying to sell crackers at HDB estates. At least that’s what we’ll tell ourselves.

What to do: A simple “no thank you” will do. We hope.

Scare factor: 3/10

8. Hungry ghosts

Image credit: @hungryghostfestivalsg via Instagram

Ah, the 7th month. The time of year when Singaporeans collectively enter pantang mode.

For the uninitiated, it’s believed that this is when the Gates of Hell open, unleashing Hungry Ghosts that are allowed to roam our mortal realm. During this time, you’ll find food and joss sticks lining pavements and families burning paper offerings and hell notes for their ancestors in the afterlife.

Image credit: Lion’s Roar

Humans become easy targets for the lost souls looking for a feast of a different kind. Easy “traps” include hearing your name being called out late at night or them tapping your shoulder while walking alone.

What to do: Don’t. Turn. Around. And if you accidentally step or move any offerings on accident, apologise.

Scare factor: 7.5/10

If you want to protect yourself to the max, check out our guide to surviving the 7th month for scaredy cats.

9. Orang Minyak

Legend has it that a supernatural creature dripping in shiny black grease has a penchant for kidnapping young women in the middle of the night. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the orang manyik – literally translating to oily man in Malay.

Image credit: Mubi

Picture a cross between Spider Man villains Venom and Sandman. It’s black because it’s completely covered in thick crude oil and so much of it that it’s constantly dripping off the body. According to Malay folklore, the creature never gets caught because of its slippery skin but there have been claimed sightings since as early as 1957.

What to do: Apart from making sure all your windows and doors are locked before going to bed? Women, just go a step further in your night skincare routine – apply lots of aloe vera gel or moisturiser on your body, so you’re equally slippery and hard to capture.

Scare factor: 2/10

Ghosts in Singapore

And there you have it, 9 ghosts you can meet and greet in your very own neighbourhood. That’s not to say Singapore doesn’t have other ghoulies, of course. Maybe we’re just too scared to write about them. After all, Singapore ghosts are scarier than Ang Moh spirits.

Places to spot hantu:

• Scariest roads in Singapore
• Haunted parks in Singapore
• Ghost hunting at Pasir Ris Park
• Ghost tours in Singapore

Cover image adapted from: DreadOut Fandom, Mythus
Last updated by Aditi Kashyap on 11th September 2023.

The post 9 Scariest Ghosts & Monsters In Singapore & What To Do If You Suay Suay See Them appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

From abandoned mansions to haunted MRT stations, Singaporeans are intrigued by all things supernatural. What if we told you that there’s a spooky mansion right across the Causeway? 

Villa Nabila, which sits atop a hill with a view of Danga Bay, has a reputation of being among Malaysia’s most haunted houses. After digging up Malaysian news reports, we also found out that it’s said to be owned by a Singaporean, which made this place even more intriguing. 

Villa Nabila’s haunted history

Image credit: Villa Nabila via Facebook

You may be wondering who owned this villa, and how it came to be surrounded by overgrown trees and creeping vines. According to a notice by the Johor Bahru City Council, it’s currently owned by a Singaporean named Lim Sue Heng.

Besides being the topic of local urban legends and rumours, it even inspired a  2015 film that goes by the same name, based on real stories that took place there.

Image credit: @elghassani via Instagram

Directed by Malaysian filmmaker Syafiq Yusof and filmed on location at the villa, the documentary commences with a series of interviews centred around the disappearance of 23 teenagers who ventured into the villa for a late-night exploration.

Image credit: @elghassani via Instagram

The building itself was built in the 1930s, and rumour has it that it was originally the residence of a wealthy family who named the villa after their only daughter, Nabila. After her father had gone through bankruptcy, he went mad and murdered the entire family, leaving only his daughter alive.

Others say that Nabila was later murdered and cemented into the walls by a jealous maid who wanted the family fortune for herself. 

Nevertheless, over the years, the villa has gained notoriety for its eerie occurrences, sightings of shadowy figures, and unexplained noises by those who dare explore its grounds.

Unique European & Malay architecture

Vandalised front gates of the entrance to Villa Nabila.
Image credit: Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia via Facebook

Besides the folklore surrounding it, an interesting fact about Villa Nabila is its unique architecture that combines European and Malay influences.

Image credit: The Patriots Studios via Facebook

The villa’s exterior resembles a traditional Malay theatre or rumah panggung, elevated on stilts. In contrast, the front courtyard is supported by Gothic-inspired pillars adorned with moss and vegetation. You may find it familiar, because this type of architecture can also be seen in certain abandoned mansions in Singapore such as the Matilda House in Punggol. 

While much about this villa’s history is unknown, it’s assumed that some parts of the mansion’s Gothic architecture was inspired by the British era. 

Grandeur staircase inside the villa.
Image credit: @elghassani via Instagram

Inside, visitors will come across the mansion’s grandeur staircases, mouldings, and spacious rooms that hint at a once opulent lifestyle. However, the crumbling walls and eerie atmosphere within the house are a stark contrast to its initial grandeur.

Admire Johor’s most haunted mansion from afar

Image credit: @elghassani via Instagram

Despite its gruesome rumoured history and odd incidents that have happened, Villa Nabila continues to be Johor’s most famous haunted spot.

Image credit: @elghassani via Instagram

However, the premise is strictly off-limits and has signs that indicate to the public that trespassers will be subjected to prosecution. If you happen to be near the area, perhaps you’d want to make a stop to admire this decaying beauty – from the outside of course. 

For more spooky stories:

• Singapore’s most haunted neighbourhoods
• Haunted schools in Singapore
• Singapore’s most haunted parks

Cover image adapted from: @elghassani via Instagram
Last updated on 22nd October 2023.

The post This Haunted House In JB Has An Eerie Past That Inspired A Horror Film, Said To Be Owned By A Singaporean appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.