Singaporeans may have a taste for all things modern, but we have a quirky little tradition up our sleeves. We absolutely love a good haunting story, especially during Ghost Month (this year’s Ghost Month ends on September 14). This is that special time in the Chinese lunar calendar when superstition takes the spotlight, and we dive headfirst into sharing spooky tales, ghostly encounters, and eerie happenings.
Ghost Month has become a perfect excuse to get together, chat about the supernatural, and have a good old-fashioned scare while sipping on kopi or teh tarik.
Kranji Beach
Kranji Beach was the site of a brutal massacre during WWII when hundreds of Japanese soldiers were burned alive on 10 February 1942. The Japanese, advancing by land, were stranded in the swamps surrounded by oil slicks created by Allied personnel. The oil slicks were created by the Allieds by emptying the nearby Woodlands oil depot to prevent its capture. When the Japanese were in place, the oil was set alight, charring those who were stuck. Today, the beach is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of those who suffered and died there. Visitors have reported hearing cries and seeing apparitions, even in the day.
Old Upper Thomson Road (Devil’s Bend)
Part of the Old Upper Thomson Road, Devil’s Bend is a sharp v-shaped turn near the entrance to Upper Pierce Reservoir. It was part of the Sembawang Circuit of the Singapore Grand Prix from the 1960s to early 70s. The Grand Prix ended due to a string of high-profile fatal accidents over the years. Then in 2008, two polytechnic students died there when their car plunged into a ditch. The bad visibility, mist, and looming trees of the Central Catchment Area in the night makes it notorious for its eerie aura.
Jalan Mempurong
The area is said to be haunted by the lost souls of those who were once forced to abandon their fishing village. There have even been reported sightings of a pontianak. Local shamans are also said to have released dark entities they’d captured, resulting in the presence of aggressive spirits capable of causing harm. So, for those brave enough to visit, exercise caution as you pass the residential blocks near Admiralty Road. Then follow the small lane that leads to a bend, eventually arriving at the eerie Jalan Mempurong.
Amber Beacon Tower
Located in East Coast Park, the Amber Beacon Tower (aka Yellow Tower) is known for a tragic incident in 1990. Kelly Tan, 21, was on a date there with her boyfriend, but they were stabbed by two masked assailants. While he survived the ordeal, she succumbed to her neck injuries. No one was ever arrested and to this day, the heinous crime remains unsolved. Many people have claimed to see her ghost floating on the upper deck of the tower. Some claimed to have heard screams of help when they pass by in the middle of the night.
Bedok Reservoir
Bedok Reservoir is a peaceful recreational area, but it has had a dark history of mysterious deaths over the years. In 2011 alone, there were six deaths in as many months. The multiple deaths sparked a government intervention: in the form of religious leaders from eight faiths blessing the site. Ironically, the sixth body was found on the morning of the ceremony. The frequency of these incidents led to eerie tales of paranormal activity in the vicinity. People have reported seeing apparitions, especially near the water’s edge, and feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness.
These haunted sites in Singapore may not have the same level of notoriety as some of the more famous locations, but they carry with them the weight of real-life tragedies and eerie experiences that continue to intrigue those interested in the island’s supernatural history. If you’re interested in the supernatural, check out some more haunted sites in Singapore.
