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.

Singaporeans love ghost stories. Our chalets? Haunted. Schools? Haunted also. And then you have our trains – if you think the scariest thing that could happen is a track fault announcement while rushing to work, think again. Turns out, we’ve got haunted MRT stations in Singapore with alleged sightings of headless ghosts and undead commuters.

Here are 7 locations that’ll make you think twice about tapping in the next time you’re getting around the island.

If this is too much for you, read our less scary MRT articles:

• Prettiest train stations in Singapore
• MRT hacks for kiasu commuters
• MRT design secrets

1. Woodleigh – Pocong sightings

Image credit: Evensi

I live in the East, so forgive me for not knowing of Woodleigh MRT’s existence prior to searching for “scary MRT stations”. 

And what a scary MRT station it is indeed. This humble pitstop runs through Bidadari Cemetery – or what it used to be, at least. A whopping 143,000+ graves were exhumed in the early 2000s to prepare the land for redevelopment, so I wouldn’t be surprised if anyone spots a hantu or two around these parts.

Artistic rendition of a pocong so as to not terrify our unsuspecting readers.
Image credit: @jereldye

People have said to see a pocong around the station, which in Indonesian and Malaysian folklore is said to be the spirit of a dead person still wrapped in burial cloth. This could be dialled back to Bidadari Cemetery being a multireligious resting ground.

Creep factor: 7/10

2. Tampines – Jumping male spirit

Growing up in Tampines, I’ve heard many things about my kampung. Nenek keropok lah, Pontianak lah, head in the trees lah. Our MRT station isn’t spared either.

Some claim to have seen a male apparition jumping to his “death” onto the tracks towards the back end of the platform. While there haven’t been any recorded cases of suicides at Tampines MRT station to back this up, there’s no denying how terrifying it’d be to see this while waiting for your train. 

Creep factor: 4/10

3. Novena – Phantom funeral pallbearers

Image credit: zhenkang via Wikipedia

The grounds we now know as Novena MRT used to be the Jewish Cemetery, which held burials from the early years of 1904 to 1973. However, the site was cleared and relocated a few years later in 1985 to make way for the train station’s developments.

Image credit: Jewish Welfare Board

Now, one can only imagine the supernatural ramifications of a mass exhumation. It is said that Novena’s tunnels don’t just see corporeal commuters on the daily, but also apparitions of corpses and even pallbearers carrying coffins come nighttime.

Creep factor: 6/10

4. Bishan – Headless apparition on the tracks

Image credit: Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng Heritage Gallery.

Joining the legion of stations that rest on ex-burial grounds is Bishan, which sits atop the old Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng Cemetery that was established in 1870 by early Chinese immigrants. The site was exhumed over a century later in 1979 to make way for the Bishan Town we see today, with remains from graves being cremated in the 80s.

The columbarium today.
Image credit: @peiqiax

While the cemetery has since been relocated with new temples and a columbarium in place, the ghosts of its past are said to still roam Bishan station. Like Novena, maintenance staff on the graveyard shift have claimed to see figures carrying coffins through the tunnels – possibly between the 2 stations.

The origins of this photo remain a mystery – could this be the headless apparition some claim to have seen? Or is it a photoshopped hoax?
Image credit: qintai/PropertyGuru

But if regular ghosts are too passé, you’ll be thrilled to know that Bishan’s tracks also have a resident headless apparition that hangs around. If you’re suay enough to spot it, don’t think hopping onto a train will whizz you away from your problems – undead passengers are said to board the trains here, and who knows where they’re off to.

Creep factor: 7/10

5. Toa Payoh – Ghostly commuters

The very first MRT line ran between Yio Chu Kang and Toa Payoh.
Image credit: Land Transport Authority

Speaking of phantom commuters, Toa Payoh station finds itself on the list for that very reason. It is the oldest MRT station in Singapore after all.

Now, we’re going to take this story with a pinch of salt. Research brought me to a portal for netizens to share their “real ghost stories”, and one user by the name of AngeLeeS wrote about a time she was at Toa Payoh station when she noticed a middle-aged lady on the platform looking into the train.

According to her account, the lady was in a kebaya and had pale-white skin with “jet black” hair. The story would be unnerving enough if it just ended there – creepy lady looking into your compartment without getting into the train? Goosebumps.

Unfortunately, the user continued to say that she spotted the lady at the platform of the following station (Bishan, yikes) as well, seemingly “defying” the laws of time. The last straw was when the lady suddenly appeared in the train cabin, which was when the user noticed she couldn’t spot the mysterious being’s feet.

This could simply be a well-spun tale to rack up some internet points, but look out for the pale lady of Toa Payoh the next time you’re in the area.

Creep factor: 2/10

6. Lakeside – Resident pontianak on the trees

Lakeside MRT might just be the scariest of the lot, no cap. For starters, one person claimed to have spotted a Pontianak in the area. According to their story, they were on their way to the station’s convenience store – which some say is haunted itself – when they saw something flying around. Thinking it was a piece of paper, they looked up to investigate, only to realise that was not the case.

Imagine this, but not in puppet form. Bye Felicia!

And if that wasn’t enough, the poor commuter also saw a pocong and had to break out in prayer before it disappeared.

A Pontianak, also known as Kuntilanak, is a vengeful spirit of a woman who has died during childbirth. According to Indonesian legends, the spirit often takes the form of a beautiful woman in white with long black hair to lure her prey – only to unleash her terrifying, airborne self once you get close enough.

True to its name, Lakeside MRT is located next to Jurong Lake and also quite a fair bit of greenery – perfect for any arboreal ghosts.
Image credit: Wikipedia

Some also recounted the time they saw a tree near the station with a “piece of cloth” hanging from it – one user tried to take a photo, only for a pair of red eyes to stare back at them through the screen, while another got a fever after looking at the spirit.

Westies, beware – remember to walk fast the next time you’re in the area. One telltale sign of a Pontianak nearby is the sweet smell of frangipani…or rotting flesh. 

Creep factor: 9/10 

7. Teck Lee LRT – Previously abandoned train station in Punggol

Teck Lee LRT station before it reopened to the public
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

We’ve seen abandoned houses, hospitals, and even reservoirs – but an entire train station? Enter Teck Lee LRT, which is part of Punggol LRT’s West Loop. Though it was technically never abandoned, this train station had been unopened since its completion in 2004.

This isn’t for a spooky reason though – it was unused due to low development and demand in the area. That is, until it finally reopened on 15 August 2024 for easier access to locations like Punggol Digital District and SIT’s Punggol campus.

Its once-rundown facade with overgrowth and stained walls probably added to why this station used to give people the creeps.
Image credit: Land Transport Guru

While it was closed, the station still received maintenance to ensure everything was working properly.  During this time, trains still stopped at Teck Lee briefly while going about the LRT route, and some passengers claimed to get strange chills and goosebumps while here. We can only imagine how it must have felt to be on the last train home.

Creep factor: 3/10 

Ghost stories about haunted MRT stations in Singapore

The scariest thing I’ve ever encountered while running for the train was getting kiapped by the gantry gate as I made my way through, but it still beats spotting a spooky spectre at these haunted MRT stations in Singapore.

Our country may be small and relatively young when you compare her to our neighbours like Malaysia and Thailand which have their own horrifying tales up their sleeves, but she’s still chock full with history enough to have mustered up some haunts of her own.

More spooky stories here:

• Types of Singaporean ghosts
• Haunted schools in Singapore
• Real ghost stories
• Singaporean conspiracy theories

Cover image adapted from: Street Directory, Evensi
Originally published on 29th May 2021. Last updated on 1st October 2024.

The post 7 Haunted MRT Stations That Are Scarier Than The Train Breaking Down During Peak Hour appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

As Singaporeans, we’re no strangers to boarding an SMRT or SBS bus to get to work or school. I’m sure we all have our fair share of horror stories – like accidentally hitting the “stop” button early when it’s not your stop and accidentally blaring tunes from your Spotify Singapore Regions playlist because your wireless headphones just won’t connect.

But passengers and bus captains of bus service 975 probably have some spooky encounters worthy of being told in True Singapore Ghost Stories. 

We mean incidents like riding headlong into pitch-black darkness to ulu stops, and stopping to alight intangible “passengers”. There has to be a reason why it’s been dubbed as “Singapore’s most haunted bus route”, anyway. Read on for how you can experience it for yourself. 

Board bus 975 from Bukit Panjang Bus Interchange, if you dare

For the most authentic experience, arrive at 11.35pm – that’s when the last bus of service 975 operates.
Image credit: Zhenghua: Where We Belong via Facebook

There are tons of other less frightening things to do in Bukit Panjang – but if you’d like to mentally steel yourself for Halloween Horror Nights 2023 IRL, head right on to Berth 2 of Bukit Panjang Bus Interchange. We’d recommend bringing a gung ho friend along – after all, there’s safety in numbers. 

This is where you can board bus 975, a loop service heading towards Lim Chu Kang Road. The bus operates at 7-minute intervals all day. After 7pm, it comes every 9-12 minutes. 

Zip past ulu army camps & cemeteries along Lim Chu Kang

Image credit: @twi_sparks via Instagram

Once on board, grab a seat but leave your bags either on your lap or on the floor; it’s only polite to leave space for your fellow passengers, apparition or not. As expected, the bus roams the west region of the country, alighting passengers along streets such as Teck Whye Avenue, Old Choa Chu Kang Road, and Lim Chu Kang Road.

Much like the other haunted roads in Singapore, these roads have been privy to their fair share of spooky occurrences. If the overgrown vegetation, forested flanks, and sightings of fair ladies in white aren’t enough to deter you, take note of the bus stop names along these roads. 

“Aft LP 93”, “Opp LP 173” – these might seem cryptic at first, but “LP” is actually an abbreviation of “Lamp Post”. That’s right, these roads are so desolate that there aren’t any other landmarks around to indicate the location of the bus stops. 

They say the only thing scarier than the trip to Sungei Gedong camp is actually getting posted there.
Image credit: Lee Andy Aloysius via Facebook

NSFs and NS men might find some of these bus stops annoyingly nostalgic, as the bus will make its rounds at Keat Hong Camp and the infamously ulu Sungei Gedong Camp. The latter depends on bus 975 as its only bus-led link to civilisation, as no other bus service operates there.

A sneak peek of the “views” from bus 975.
Image adapted from: YourBusCaptainInAdelaide via TikTok

If we’ve managed to creep you out so far, buckle up. The highlight of the eerie bus service 975 is undoubtedly the stretch of darkness that envelopes the bus midway into the trip. After passing by Neo Tiew Estate, the road heading towards the Police Coast Guard isn’t illuminated at all by street lights.

Image credit: @floatingmayfly via Instagram

Not to mention, bus stops such as “Aft Chinese Cemy Path 11” are in close proximity to the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex, Singapore’s largest cemetery. 

Ghost stories from bus captains & the internet

Kudos to this bus captain for braving the roads of Lim Chu Kang, you most definitely deserve a raise.
Image credit: Raymond Tan Yong Pin via Facebook

Of course, bus captains aren’t exempt from the horrors of this journey. In a viral TikTok video of a bus captain driving the 975 bus route, he corroborated a comment enquiring about having to stop at a certain bus stop “to alight someone”. 

Spirits can’t miss their stop too, you know.
Screenshot from: @yourbuscaptain via TikTok

Another TikTok user also documented their experience aboard bus 975, as a passenger this time. In their video, the bus captain had to stop along Lim Chu Kang Road to go to the loo. To make matters worse, he switched off the engine, so the passenger was left to his own devices in pitch darkness on the bus. 

Other folks online have shared similar anecdotes; some swear the winding roads of Lim Chu Kang are never-ending, while others have recounted tales of seeing a priest dressed in a robe conducting rituals along the roads leading to the cemeteries, perhaps to ward off Singapore ghosts.

Ride bus service 975 for a ghostly adventure

You might just run into someone who needs some company.
Image adapted from: Cici Castello via Facebook

Are you afraid of the dark? If you’re a brave soul, you might want to check out bus service 975. 

Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, there’s no denying that the bus route is nothing short of creepy, from what we’ve seen and heard. This Eastie will leave it to the Westies to investigate this; I admit, y’all have got us beat as far as freakishly paranormal bus rides go.

For more things related to the paranormal:

• Haunted schools in SG
• Singaporean office ghost stories
• Ghost hunting in Pasir Ris Park

Cover image adapted from: @arthurjie via Instagram & Cici Castello via Facebook
Last updated 14th September 2023.

The post This Is The Most Haunted Bus Route In Singapore, Bus Captains Stop To Let Ghosts Alight 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 Shaitaan 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 10 Netflix horror movies and series. You’re guaranteed to find something from supernatural to psychological thrillers that’ll make you cover your eyes and squirm.

– Movies –

1. 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.

2. The Pope’s Exorcist

Inspired by a true person

Fans of the famous The Conjuring franchise should check out The Pope’s Exorcist, which is 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.

3. Nope

Sci-fi comedy horror movie taking place during daytime

Most horror movies take place in the dark. But the “scary” scenes in Nope, a sci-fi comedy horror film, take place during daytime. We’re introduced to siblings OJ and Em, who’re desperately trying to save their family business.

But just as they think it’s a lost cause, they suddenly spot a UFO in the sky. They try to document the UFO sighting, in hopes that the footage will get them rich and famous, but soon realise that they have messed with the wrong entity.

What sells the horror is the chemistry between the siblings; their witty dynamic would even make you forget that you’re watching a scary film. Jump scares are also almost non-existent, and it’s director Jordan Peele’s uncanny ability to build suspense using unsettling visuals that makes this a great horror film.

Tomatometer: 83%
Recommended for: Sci-fi fans, fans of Get Out
Trigger warnings: Some violence

Watch Nope on Netflix.

4. The Black Phone

Horror thriller where the main character gets help from the dead

The Black Phone sees young 13-year-old Finney held captive by a serial killer whose moniker is The Grabber. He is trapped in a soundproof basement with no means of communication, except for an ominous rotary phone.

He soon discovers that the phone actually allows him to talk with The Grabber’s past victims, who don’t want Finney to share the same fate as them, so they try to help him escape. The question is, how long can Finney execute his escape without The Grabber catching on to his plans?

Tomatometer: 82%
Recommended for: Horror thriller fans, fans of Don’t Breathe
Trigger warnings: Violence, gore, and drug use

Watch The Black Phone on Netflix.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Don’t Breathe 

A great plot twist weaved into the story

Home invasion movies are typically about the house owners falling prey to some psychotic serial killers and whatnot. But Don’t Breathe flips this premise around and turns our trio of invaders into unknowing victims. You could say they had it coming since they’re robbing an old, blind man who lives alone.

The Netflix horror movie is ripe with suspense from the beginning and you’re served a chilling reveal about the owner of the house that’s sure to make you cringe or scrunch up your face in disgust.

Look forward to Stephen Lang’s portrayal of the blind homeowner – it’s impeccable and blood-chilling. We can imagine the other actors not having to fake being scared with him stalking them around his house.

Tomatometer: 88%
Recommended for: Fans of Get Out, suspense lovers
Trigger warnings: Violence, sexual assault, kidnapping

Watch Don’t Breathe on Netflix.
You can also catch the sequel Don’t Breathe 2 instead.

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. 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.

10. 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 movie 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.

11. 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 explodes 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 every episode has its own handful of jump scares, you won’t be able to help but to 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.

Netflix horror movies & series

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 Netflix horror movies and series 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
Last updated by Syahiran Sean on 26th August 2024.

The post 11 Horror Movies and Series On Netflix That Are As Creepy As Netflix’s Shaitaan appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

If you’re reading this, congrats on surviving the 7th month. But unlike durian and mooncakes that are seasonal, hantu stories never get stale throughout the year.

While most of us can’t see these beings, they’re actually closer to you than you think – even in your own estate. So, if you’re feeling brave and curious, read on for these most haunted neighbourhoods in Singapore. Who knows, yours might just make the list. 

1. Elias, Pasir Ris – Eerie paths & haunted chalets

As if Pasir Ris Park isn’t haunted enough, turns out other parts of the neighbourhood are just as creepy. Yes Elias, we’re talking about you. 

There’s a long and narrow park connector that goes from the HDB estates at Elias to Pasir Ris Park. Residents who have walked that path have claimed that the vibes are totally off, especially at the landed housing area along the infamous Sungei Api Api. 

Imagine walking in total darkness with no sound, and just tall bushy trees surrounding you. One of my colleagues said she was walking along this path with her friends at night and saw a black figure looking at them from one of the house’s balconies. Spooky encounters here have been such regular occurrences that regulars have learnt not to look around while walking or just avoid the park connector altogether. 

Image credit: CSC Loyang

The PA Holiday Bungalow chalets is another alleged well-known ghost hotspot. There have been rumours of guests being trapped in a trance, possessed, and hearing eerie laughs in the middle of the night. 

One Reddit user mentioned he was walking past the chalets with his friend until they saw an eerie figure sitting alone, staring into the darkness. But who knows, maybe ghosts have feelings and need some alone time to emo, too. 

2. Siglap – Has tombs for the mythological Orang Bunian

Image credit: Edge Prop

I was today years old when I found out that the name Siglap was derived from “Si gelap” – which means “the dark one”. Shivers. But here’s another mysterious thing about this estate – tombs for Orang Bunian are believed to be present at Kubur Kassim Cemetery, one of the oldest burial grounds in Singapore. 

According to Malay folklore, they are elf-like magical beings that take the form of humans but cannot be seen by us at all.  

Image credit: Claus Nehmzoe via Google Maps

Other spirits like pocong and potianak are also said to haunt the grounds. In fact, the cemetery is rumoured to have inspired the 1957 film Pontianak – some scenes were even shot nearby. 

Beyond spooky sightings and mythical creatures, atrocious war crimes were also committed here. Siglap Hill was the site of mass killings during the Japanese Occupation, which explains the stories of residents who’ve heard sounds of men crying and wailing in the area. 

3. Kallang Bahru River – Sightings of ghostly apparitions

Image credit: @kenichiro_chan via Instagram

Most Singaporeans have probably heard of the gruesome Kallang Bahru River murder that happened back in 2005. It involved a 50-year-old man who killed his lover, severed her body parts, and dumped it into the river. In a separate case, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found right below the Kallang Bahru Bridge. 

Maybe it’s the souls of these victims who can’t rest in peace, but people jogging around the area at night have reported seeing some ghostly apparitions roaming around.

The Kolam Ayer Bridge, suspended above the Kallang River. 

Just a lil FYI, the TSL office sits right beside this same river and yes, some of us have had our fair share of ghostly encounters. 

According to a colleague of ours, his Grab driver saw a pontianak chasing him as he was walking towards the cab. The driver then signalled him to dash quickly into the cab, which he did. Whether the ghost stepped foot into the car, we’ll never know. 

4. Bedok Reservoir – Entity “living” in the waters

Image credit: @yongsukhur via Instagram

Bedok Reservoir is not excluded from this list of haunted estates. The place is notorious for its multiple suicide cases that took place over the years. There was even a rumour going around that an entity “lives” in the water body and lures people to come closer – kind of like a siren, but a Singaporean one.

You won’t be the only one levitating above Bedok Reservoir.

Another colleague of mine experienced something odd himself at the reservoir. On one of the nights he went jogging, he felt super uneasy – as if someone was constantly looking at him. After turning multiple times, he finally saw a black shadow dash across him quickly, which made him sprint home ASAP.

These spooky occurrences got so bad that the authorities eventually called for a mass cleansing session. According to news sources, 8 religious leaders got together and did their own prayers each to cleanse the area and protect residents.

5. Spooner Road – Presence of spirits in flats

Image credit: @havealittlemaya via Instagram 

Everyone knows Spooner Road as one of the oldest estates to exist. It’s one of the most haunted places, too. In the past, these HDB houses were used to shelter staff working at the nearby Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. 

When the station shut down, workers left their homes, leaving the block of flats abandoned. That was when other “guests” were believed to have started occupying these spaces. 

Image credit: @limkokwahjoseph via Instagram 

While the place has been turned into housing for lower-income individuals, there are stories from residents living in the flats claiming to hear the sounds of a woman crying at night. And not just that, it’s as if there’s someone or something watching their every move in the house. 

6. Changi Village – Abandoned hospital & site of WWII massacre

Image credit: @cakrawala.zen via Instagram

Those living in the East might have been told to avoid the area around Changi Village because of Old Changi Hospital’s and Changi Beach’s reputation. It was alleged that the former was a place for Satanists to carry out rituals, therefore attracting supernatural beings and spirits. 

Changi was also the internment camp for POWs during WWII, so dark energies are believed to still linger around. Old Changi Hospital was also rumoured to have Kempeitai torture chambers during the Japanese Occupation, and till today has kept its title as Singapore’s Most Haunted Spot. 

The former hospital has been abandoned since 1997 and is currently restricted to the public, but there have been proposals to turn the site into an observatory. Hey, at least you know you won’t be alone. 

As for Changi Beach, history buffs would know that it was one of the sites of the Sook Ching massacre. Today, some people claim they can still hear the voices of people crying and experience sightings of headless bodies. 

7. Nee Soon Road – Sightings of Pontianak at former rubber estate

Image credit: H-Mill Architects

Nee Soon Road is one of the more haunted neighbourhoods that Singaporeans often hear about. The estate was previously known as Nee Soon Rubber Estate – and we all know that pontianaks love hiding in rubber and banana trees.

According to some rumours, a gambler back then poked needles into a banana tree to summon a pontianak living there. He won the lottery with the help of Ms Fatimah Rocker, but failed to remove those same needles stuck in the tree. This made the spirit vengeful, which probably explains sightings today despite the area being redeveloped long ago. 

A 13-minute drive from Nee Soon Road is another road called Jalan Mempurong, and yes, it’s reportedly haunted. Accounts from cab drivers passing by claim that there’s a creepy figure in white and long hair that will walk along the empty road at night. 

8. Woodlands St 83 – Lurking ghouls of SARS patients

The Blk 852 today doesn’t seem too scary, right?
Image adapted from: Google Street Maps

When Blk 852 at Woodlands Street 83 was used as a quarantine spot during the SARS outbreak, nobody thought it’d also be occupied by other occupants. It’s believed that the souls of the SARS patients who passed on stayed put in the same units. 

Adding fuel to the fire, the same block also became a crime spot in 2009, when news emerged of a mentally unstable mother stabbing her daughter to death. 

Image credit: @singaporeviewaround via Instagram

These are probably the reasons why residents often hear weird whispers and even sightings of apparitions in this area. They are said to be souls who haven’t been able to move on. 

9. Bishan – Headless lady roaming the MRT station

Said lady that surprised residents walking past.
Image credit: PropertyGuru

You might have seen posts of the “lady” who stood on the tracks of Bishan MRT. Well, we’re not sure if that’s a real lady or not, but it does seem suspicious. But perhaps Bishan being a former cemetery provides some sort of explanation to the situation. 

Before the estate was redeveloped, Bishan was actually called the Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng Cemetery, a burial site for Cantonese and Hakka immigrants. The land was acquired by the government in 1979, and the exhumation of about 100,000 graves took place between 1982 and 1984. 

Maybe one of the spirits was unhappy about the demolition of graves and just wanted to make her presence known. 

Till today, Bishan MRT Station still tops the list of the most haunted MRT stations in Singapore. 

10. Toa Payoh Lorong 7 – Wailing of victims from a 1981 murder case

Image credit: @blackbox_oe via Instagram

The case of the ritual murders that happened at Block 11, Toa Payoh Lorong 7 will always haunt residents in the estate. Years later, it remains one of the most horrifying murders that happened in Singapore. 

For those who haven’t heard of the tragic case, a 9-year-old girl and 10-year-old boy were killed as part of a satanic ritual. Their blood was presumed to be drunk by their killers, a 50-year-old man, his wife and mistress. 

The unjust death of these young kids is probably why their souls are believed to still roam the estate. Residents who live in the same block have heard chilling sounds of children screaming and wailing in the middle of the night. Well, if that doesn’t prove that the estate is haunted…

11. Jurong West St 81 – Shadows darting in the dark

If you’re planning to move to Jurong West soon, you may want to reconsider. A family that stayed in the maisonette at Jurong West Street 81 can definitely vouch for this. 

Another mysterious encounter by one of the residents living at St 81.
Image credit: Asia Ghosts 

The family who stayed here experienced quite a number of ghost encounters. We’re talking mysterious shadows darting in the dark, door handles turning in the middle of the night, and a mysterious “boy” that was seen by neighbours although the family only has 1 daughter.

Image credit: SRX 

While there’s no specific explanation for these ghostly happenings, you’d probably want to avoid being on this street alone at night so you don’t “bump” into any ghosts. But if you do decide to go ghost busting, why not grab supper in the area after, or check out our list of things to do in Jurong? 

Explore these haunted neighbourhoods in Singapore

You’d probably be quaking in your boots by now if your estate appeared on the list. But if you do run into any entities while walking home at night, just make dash out of the area ASAP. 

For the ones who love chasing horror and don’t want to go to a haunted house this upcoming Halloween, we hope this list comes in handy. Just bring along a friend, say some prayers, and look out for anything following you. 

For more spooky stuff, check out:

• Haunted schools in SG
• Scariest Singapore ghosts 
• Haunted parks in SG

Cover image adapted from: Asia Ghosts
Last updated on 20th September 2023.

The post 11 Most Haunted Neighbourhoods In SG That Only Brave Souls Should Explore appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Every country has their fair share of horror stories; they are passed down from generation to generation, and hella spooky. For those who haven’t heard of them, we’ve rounded up a list of the most haunted places in Singapore and ranked them from least to most scary. You know, in case you’re planning a visit over.

15. Tanglin Hill Brunei Hostel – Abandoned hostel in 1980s

Image credit: The Daily Brunei Resources

At the end of Tanglin Hill lies an abandoned Brunei Hostel, untouched and uninhabited for more than 25 years. Although dilapidated and in a state of ruin, the unguarded old Brunei Hostel draws in many looking for spooky late-night adventures – or rather, encounters.

What appears to be spirits lurking around the compounds were spotted by paranormal investigators.
Image credit: Supernatural Confessions & G.H.O.S.T Club SG

The Legend

In the early 1950s, Brunei was a very poor nation. They had a shortage of teachers and many students were sent overseas in an effort to educate the young. Singapore was one of those destinations. In 1958, this 4-storey hostel was erected to house the Brunei students until 1983, when the foreign study programme ended.

Explorers of the old Brunei Hostel have reported strange encounters and weird feelings, but nothing close to anything violent or sinister. It’s probably an abandoned place more steeped in history and memories than any paranormal activity.

Spook Factor: Low

14. Coloured Houses – Strange “lady” guarding the house

The white house and green house.
Image credit: Urban Redevelopment Authority & James Tan

There are supposedly 3 haunted coloured houses in red, white, and green. The red is a chalet at Pasir Ris, the white is Matilda House in Punggol, and the green is Hillview Mansion. It’s not unusual for paranormal investigators to visit these locations in search of ghosts and ghouls.

The red house before it was converted into a preschool.
Image credit: Entree Kibbles

The red house has since been transformed into a preschool, the white is now a condominium clubhouse that’s off-limits to the public, and the green has been demolished. 

The Legend

At the red house, there are reports of a doll that sits in a rocking armchair that would scream if you tried to move her. There are also lion statues that sit at the entrance that seem to watch your every move as you make your way in.

Over at the white house, there’s said to be a spirit that looks after the property, preventing anyone from tearing down the house. In fact, a story goes that 3 workers died when they tried to demolish the building. The house was given conservatorship by URA and converted into a clubhouse as part of a condo’s facilities.

As for the green house, rumour has it that the house was intended for the owner’s partner, who unfortunately fell to her death while inspecting its construction. Her weeping spirit now roams the estate. Another tale states that a family living here was burned in a fire and now they haunt the place.

Spook Factor: Low

13. Old Tanglin Camp – Sounds of people being tortured

Tanglin Barracks’ officers’ mess in the 1910s.
Image credit: Roots

The Tanglin Barracks was home to military troops in Singapore but was captured by the Japanese during WWII and said to have housed Australian POWs. The camp had blocks including a hospital, psychiatric branch, and a “Dead House” where bodies of deceased soldiers were kept before being dispatched for burial.

The Legend

Naturally, with such an interesting background, there are bound to be rumours of ghosts lurking. Visitors to the barracks have reported hearing sounds of metal studded footwear and creaking floorboards followed by the sounds of people crying out – as if they were being tortured.

Spook Factor: Low

12. Nee Soon Rubber Estate – Hotspot for Pontianaks

Image credit: Melanie Mel via Facebook

​Think you’re safe from pontianaks? Think again – these bloody banshees live in rubber trees as well. 

The Legend

In Singapore’s early days, Sembawang was home to the Nee Soon Rubber estate. That’s right, an entire estate of rubber trees, also known as pontianak magnets. 

Even though the plantations have since been cleared to make way for flats and industrial buildings, the spirits remain. Sembawang residents have reported pontianak sightings everywhere – from the edge of the park to their own balconies. 

There are also tales of a “kindly” ghostly woman in white who turns up at night. She greets HDB residents by saying she’s been “waiting for them” at their doorsteps or the stairs to their homes. Watch out – she teleports. 

Spook Factor: Low

11. Kopi Hill AKA Bukit Brown Cemetery – Laughter during the night

A statue of a Sikh guard protecting a Chinese tomb.
Image credit: @roxtarlette via Instagram

Avoid entering forests, as pontianaks have also been sighted amongst the branches. This time, they’ve got some flamboyant company – visitors sometimes spot an old lady in a red cheongsam, fanning herself while sitting atop a tombstone. 

The Legend

George Henry Brown, who arrived in Singapore in the 19th century, owned this plot of land and used it to grow coffee. 3 clansmen from China later bought it and donated it to Hokkien clans to use as a burial ground. There are also a number of watchful statues at the graves, likely a reference to the Sikh and Indian bodyguards of wealthy Singaporeans in the old days.  

It sounds harmless, but Singapore Paranormal Investigators once set up camp there to scope out potential supernatural disturbances – only to have the batteries in their equipment drain without explanation.  

If that wasn’t enough, evil laughter has been heard ringing through the cemetery at night – though why anyone would want to be there at that hour is beyond me. 

Spook Factor: Low

10. Neo Tiew Estate – Sightings of Pontianak

Image credit: Neo Tiew Estate via Facebook

Deep within the recesses of the Lim Chu Kang area lies an abandoned HDB estate that’s probably the closest thing Singapore has to its very own Chernobyl.

Image credit: Ah Teo via Google Maps

The Neo Tiew estate is currently being used by the SAF to conduct Urban Warfare training and is out of bounds to the public. 

The Legend

There apparently was a powerful spirit that dwelled in a banana tree at the estate. A man, hoping to strike it rich, stuck 7 needles into the tree in hopes of summoning the spirit to get lottery numbers.

The man managed to win but failed to remove the needles, which caused the tree to die. The angry spirit continued to linger around Neo Tiew. Some say the spirit is a pontianak, who’s constantly on the prowl for new victims to kill.

Another urban legend tells of taxi drivers picking up a lady in white or red, requesting for a ride to Lim Chu Kang Cemetery or Kranji. All seems normal until it’s time for payment when the passenger forks over “hell notes” to the driver.

All’s said and done, the spookiness of this place lies more in the dilapidated state of Neo Tiew, rather than myths about this place. There probably isn’t much to actually fear here.

Spook Factor: Low

9. Haw Par Villa – Route to ‘Gates of Hell’

The first picture is scary. The second picture is just plain disturbing.
Image credit: The Dead Cockroach via Facebook & @dailylifeinasia via Instagram

Even without the ghost stories, Haw Par Villa, with its graphic presentation of the 10 Courts of Hell is quite freaky. It’s currently a tourist hotspot that depicts various aspects of Chinese Mythology.

The Legend

There have been rumours that Haw Par Villa is where one of the gates to hell lies. If that isn’t scary enough, other people have said that the statues are actually dead humans covered with wax.

Whether you believe those stories or not, security guards have been heard to have spoken about how the place comes alive at night and have also mentioned hearing screams coming from the “10 Courts of Hell” area. The fact that not many people visit this attraction gives it a very eerie and creepy vibe in the evenings.

Spook Factor: Medium

8. Devil’s Bend – Infamous road that’s home to many accidents

Image credit: Foursquare

Most of us visit Old Upper Thomson Road for scenic views at Thomson Nature Park or Upper and Lower Peirce Reservoir. But what many may not know is that this road is home to the infamous Devil’s Bend. 

The legend

The Singapore Grand Prix we know today is a fun fiesta located at bustlin’ Marina Bay. But back in the 60s and 70s, it was held along the Old Upper Thomson Road – AKA one of the most haunted roads in Singapore. 

Due to its sharp corners, this dangerous bend has claimed the lives of many drivers. But that’s not all. Cab drivers have also shared many stories about picking up a “lady” dressed in white in the area, who then pays in hell notes. WTH, right? All that petrol consumed just to be paid in a currency that can’t be used on earth. 

Spook Factor: Medium

7. Bedok – Sounds of spirits wailing

Bedok Reservoir.
Image credit: @clarissagoenawan via Instagram

Bedok is apparently a literal ghost town. It appears to be your average neighbourhood, but if the stories that have been told are anything to go by, it apparently has a rather shady past. 

The Legend

The scariest story is set in Bedok Block 99. A jilted wife committed suicide with her son after writing “It’s not over, darling” on the walls in blood. Her adulterous husband moved into the house with his mistress and later had a son who complained about being bullied by his “older brother.” The family also claimed to have heard cupboard doors banging at night.

Another urban legend features a boy who died near the Bedok North PIE. The area is reportedly haunted by his grandmother’s ghost. There’s also an abandoned hut on a hill near Kaki Bukit – the site of numerous hangings.

Then there’s a string of suicides that took place at Bedok Reservoir as well, where 5 bodies were found in 5 months. Some joggers have since complained about hearing ghostly wailing at night, and an invisible force pulling them toward the waters while on their runs at the reservoir. 

Spook Factor: Medium

6. Woodleigh MRT – Pocong sightings

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons 

Woodleigh MRT is on the list of haunted MRT stations that you might want to avoid when you come home late at night. Apparently, there’s been sightings of a type of Singapore ghost – Pocong – which is a Javanese ghost wrapped in white cloth that hops on 2 feet.

The Legend

Unlike other MRT trains that pass through our HDBs and city buildings, Woodleigh MRT actually passes through an area that used to be Bidadari Cemetery. Back in 2000, close to 143,000 graves were demolished to make space for new developments, and half of these belonged to burial sites for Muslims.

One can only assume that the souls of these dead people can’t lay in peace because of reconstruction plans, but some people have claimed to see a pocong or 2 in the MRT station. 

Spook Factor: Medium

5. The Yellow Tower @ East Coast Park – Gruesome death of a young lady

Image credit: @misspang22 via Instagram

East Coast Park is one of the most frequented places in Singapore. But every single time you stroll, cycle, or jog past this yellow tower in the park, have you ever wondered if there’s a story behind it? There certainly is – and it’s a tragic one at that.

The Legend

Years back, a couple was strolling around this area at night. It was precisely at this Amber Beacon Tower that the poor lady was brutally gang-raped by a group of thugs and subsequently stabbed to death, while her boyfriend was knocked unconscious. The criminals were never apprehended.

From then on, there have been claims of sightings of a female figure near this tower, while others allegedly heard screams of help. The Yellow Tower has been said to be haunted since.

Spook Factor: Medium

4. Old Changi Hospital – Torture spot during WWII

Image credit: @search.singapore via Instagram

Old Changi Hospital has gone from being a British-owned hospital to being captured by the Japanese in WWII. It was used as a healthcare facility for prisoners of war then by Commonwealth Forces before being passed on to the SAF to treat servicemen. Currently, the hospital is completely vacant and has been for several years. 

Image credit: @liamwillettsnaps via Instagram

The Legend

Rumours have been spread that the Japanese used this place to torture POWs rather than to treat them. Since then, there have been screams and shadows heard amongst the halls of the hospital. 

Spook Factor: Medium

3. Pulau Tekong – Former recruit’s spirit roam the bunks

Bunk in Tekong where a similar one was rumoured to have an extra door for spirits to get out.
Image credit: ​​Basic Military Training Centre Media Team via Facebook

EVERYBODY has heard the ghost stories from Pulau Tekong. Boys, you shared them in your bunks and then didn’t sleep at night. Girls, you heard them from your dude friends and thanked your lucky stars for the comfort of your own homes. 

The Legend

The most frequently told tale is of a young man for Charlie Company who went for his 16km route march and got separated from the pack. He was later discovered by his platoon commander with all his insides laid out next to his body. 

Beds in the recruit’s former bunk often shake for no reason and some people even report hearing his voice at night. Apparently, a 3rd door was built in the bunk to let his spirit out but he continues to roam the halls.

Spook Factor: High

2. Changi Old Beach Houses – Site of massacre

Image credit: Rayna Tours

On paper, this place seems like a good idea. Need a break from hectic work life? Renting a house near the beach would be the perfect getaway. However, you might be in for something a little more sinister. 

The Legend

People have reported feeling like they were stared at and some have even returned home with scars. People have also complained about doors creaking open and shut non-stop, and at night, witnesses claim to have heard a woman wailing. 

The Sook Ching massacre that killed those who were suspected of being “anti-Japanese”.
Image credit: Humanities Portfolio

Changi Beach was used as the site of the infamous Sook Ching massacre during WWII and many people say the souls of the innocent slain continue to roam the beach, weeping, and wailing in the night. Passers-by also claim to have spotted bloodstains. 

Spook Factor: High

1. St. John’s Island – Prisoners beheaded in the past

Most of us know St. John’s Island as the place for a relaxing getaway. Just southeast of Sentosa, the island is a big hit with would-be fishermen and nature lovers, with white sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant plant life. It has bungalows and a holiday camp for stressed-out city-dwellers.

The chess board that was rumoured to have been used by the Japanese to torture POWs.
Image credit: 3 Playgrounds

Not many know about St. John’s Island and fewer know about its gruesome history.

The Legend

Cholera and leprosy were a big deal in the late 19th century, so St. John’s Island was converted into a quarantine station and burial ground. All vessels heading into Singapore were forced to call at this port before passing through to the mainland. The island was also used as a penal settlement for political prisoners and gangsters.

In the heart of the compound lies a human-sized chess board of unknown age, likely built at the height of British colonialism. During the Japanese occupation, the Imperial Army took over and used the island to house prisoners-of-war (POWs) en masse.

Legend has it that the Japanese soldiers lined the POWs on this board and used them as live chess pieces – with every “captured” prisoner being beheaded on the spot. Even today, people hear screams coming from the board at night.   

We think this landmark is one of the most frightening – it reminds us all that there are times when human nature is darker and more violent than any ghost story.

Spook Factor: High

Explore these haunted places in Singapore

If you’re a brave soul who’s always looking for new things to get your heart pumping, consider dropping by these haunted places – but don’t say we didn’t warn you. And maybe bring a pal or 2, just in case.

For other spooky stories, check out:

• Haunted parks in Singapore
• Office ghost stories 
• Haunted schools in Singapore

Cover image adapted from: The Daily Brunei Resources, Urban Redevelopment Authority & @roxtarlette via Instagram
Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow on 31st October 2023.

The post 15 Most Haunted Places In Singapore History & The Legends Behind Them appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Let’s be honest, ghosts of all walks of life – or should I say afterlife – are scary af. Most people who encounter them would probably agree, unless you’re a ghost hunter or priest of some kind. 

That being said, ghosts in Singapore have always been more jialat as compared to Western ghosts, and we’re sure many would agree. To put our observations to the test, we’ve picked out some comparisons that will have you sleeping with your lights on tonight.

1. They like to inhabit trees…in a city full of trees

This is probably the most obvious difference between Singaporean and Western ghosts. After all, there’s a geographic union between actual jungle and our concrete jungle here.

Ghosts like Pontianak and other spirits are famous for inhabiting banana trees. But unlike us humans, ghosts don’t need to wait for BTO slots – some also take up residence in trees more commonly found in and around our neighbourhoods. 

Hot spots like Bedok Reservoir Park and Pasir Ris Park are rumoured to be haunted areas with blood curdling stories about black magic and suicides. So if you’re out late and around places that are said to be haunted, don’t disturb the trees or you could end up getting a visit from Kakak Ponz. 

The good news is that if you want to siam Kakak Ponz, you can check out places like Matilda House and get haunted by the extravagant angmoh ghosts instead. 

2. There’s a higher chance of offending them by accident

Offerings and burning incense are a common sight even if it’s not the 7th Month.
Image credits: @issac_lkl

One of the reasons why Singapore only has one cemetery left for burial is due to our land constraint issue. Much of the land is used for urban development – therefore, over 20 burial grounds needed to be cleared for new projects.

Unfortunately, that means that quite a few places and buildings are sitting on top of former graveyards. Couple that with unmarked graves littered around the island before graveyards were introduced and you’ve got yourself a minefield of spooky activity. We’re pretty sure you’ve heard of sightings at MRT stations like Novena and Woodleigh, which is near Bidadari Estate. 

Image credit: @saf.bmtc

This is especially true on the island of Tekong where major expansion and development is occurring for military training purposes. For ah boys going into army, it is critical to make sure that you’re not doing your, er, business at the wrong place during exercises. If so, you risk a f2f about how it’s not polite to defecate where someone else sleeps. 

Western countries in contrast, have much more space to segregate graveyards and housing estates. You’re only really likely to offend a Western ghost if you visit an actual graveyard or if you’re one of the few unlucky people to move into a property built on the site of a tragic death. 

3. Our HDBs are too small to run or hide 

Unlike most Western ghosts that haunt old mansions, castles, or hotels, most of Singapore’s population reside in HDBs. So, it’s only natural for us to encounter ghosts in our flats, especially flats whose previous owners have passed on but their spirit still lingers. 

There’s literally no place to run in a HDB. You’ve got 3 to 4 rooms to hide in –  a far cry from a landed residence with 2 or 3 levels and multiple rooms to keep the ghost guessing. 

Image credit: @threadsoftheunknown

And since the layout of most HDBs are pretty much the same, the ghost can easily figure out your open floor plan. It doesn’t matter if you’re hiding in your Scandinavian style master bedroom or behind your custom-built PC in your man cave, the ghost will find you in no time. Unless, of course, you are higher SES and live in a maisonette.

They also make weird noises at night, like dropping marbles or scraping chairs against the floor, solely designed to convince you to pull up your duvet.

So the next time you’re convinced your house is haunted, maybe spend the night in a hotel. That way you have multiple corridors and stairwells to escape from the Western ghosts living on that floor. 

4. Singapore’s ghosts are just as rojak as its humans 

Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, so it’s no surprise that the ghosts we have are multicultural too. Our little island is jam-packed with ghosts from all walks of life. So regardless of race, language, or religion, there will always be a ghost that suits your worst nightmares – from Japanese ghost soldiers to Malay ghosts that lack a full body like the penanggal.

Imagine a ghost popping up in front of your car like this.
Image adapted from: SG Road Vigilante

They also take on uniquely local traits. Just like us, SG ghosts are kaypoh, kanchiong, and like to kacau or attack people, sometimes for no reason at all. They like to invade the personal space of unwitting people, follow them around, and sometimes stand in front of your car – because it’s just what Singaporeans do. 

But when it comes to Western ghosts, they are not kaypoh at all. They pretty much mind their own business until you invade their space and that’s when they come alive with the intent of chasing you out. So take it from us, it’s better to leave them be.

5. They’ll catfish you with their “chio-ness” & nice scent

Image credit: Unsplash

We’ve all been there when you feel a strange presence through sensory alerts – like the hair on the back of your neck standing or a sudden chill down your spine. These are usually indicators that you have someone following in your footsteps, and not in a good way.

On the other hand, Western ghosts like to slam the doors shut or play with the light switch like a kid to scare you away, basically giving away the fact that they are there. 

Frangipani trees are common in Singapore – but they’re also a certain someone’s favourite.
Image credit: Unsplash 

In Singapore, the ghosts are more creative when it comes to getting you to turn around for a jumpscare. Just like how you’re compelled to turn when you smell a nice perfume, the ghosts here like to use their own brand of local flowery fragrance. Frangipani is often the first thing you smell in the dead of night – and that’s your cue to run straight ahead and not look back. 

Other ways our ghosts bamboozle you is with their appearance. Essentially, they try to catfish you with their white skin and demure features that look like something out of a K-Drama. That’s before you walk closer and realise it’s a “damsel” deep red eyes that stare straight into your soul. Talk about the wrong type of ghosting. 

6. They literally have a whole month to run free

Image credit: @hungryghostfestivalsg

The Hungry Ghost Festival is a big event for the Buddhist and Taoist community and probably one of the most haunted periods in a year. Literally thousands of ghosts are released from the gates of Hell and are out on the streets seeking food and money.

It’s a long-standing tradition that every family needs to burn offerings and present them with food and drinks because a hangry ghost is a scary ghost. Just remember not to kick, touch, or otherwise disturb the offerings or you might get a rude awakening at night. 

Aside from food, hell notes and paper effigies of gold ingots are burnt to provide the ghosts with some form of allowance to take back to Hell. While the amount is usually fairly substantial, it’s important to remember that not even spirits can escape inflation, so it never hurts to burn a few more hell notes.

7. Many Asian cultural practices are shrouded in mystery

Another reason why Singaporean ghosts are scarier is the fact that Asian cultural practices remain a mystery to many new generations of locals. While knowledge of such practices may have been more widespread during the olden kampung days, much of it has been lost to time.

However, you’ll still find stories surfacing about how cultural practices have been used as a way of besetting bad luck on someone or in a bid to gain fortune or love. Often through darker means, these stories confirm that there are people with such knowledge that could potentially do us harm. 

Black magic is surprisingly very common in Asian culture.
Image credit: @abundance168

This could be why our horror movies are that much scarier, because of the traditions tied to the storyline that is relatable to us. We can see ourselves being stuck in this ominous situation with no idea on how to shoo the ghosts away by ourselves, making us kind of helpless against the supernatural. 

Getting possessed is another problem where we really have no idea how to resolve ourselves. The only way to stop someone crawling on the ceiling on all fours is to call a priest who is well versed in returning the spirit to the shadow realm.

8. They love ride–sharing just as much as we do

Image credit: Unsplash

It’s no secret that Singaporeans love to book a private hire car for almost all their trips. Many of us have earned enough points to claim a high membership tier.

With that in mind, this could be why SG ghosts love to hitch a ride. Since buses and MRTs are not readily available near the ulu places, they often like to hail oncoming drivers for a ride. Drivers who had the misfortune of encountering “special” passengers tell a tale of a young lady sometimes with a child looking for a ride along roads like Old Upper Thomson Road 

Image credit: foursquare

The driver would then be paid in hell notes after driving through a haunted road and stopping near a cemetery. So the next time you’re driving on a creepy road, remember to keep your car clean and have a charger ready if you want a 5 star rating from your long haired passenger in white. 

Western ghosts, on the other hand, can fly and float about at great distances. Much like Casper, they have the zoomies and can get from one place to another without the need of transport. While that may seem scarier, no one wants a ghost sitting in their backseat – which is why our ghost wins, hands down. 

Why ghosts in SG are scarier

While American ghosts are definitely spooky, we believe that our local ghosts are just that much more terrifying in every way possible and a lot of that is down to the cultural associations that we have with the folktales and the legends surrounding our ghosts. 

So, if there’s something strange in your neighbourhood, who you gonna call?

For more ghost related stories, check out:

• Most haunted parks in Singapore
• Most haunted roads in Singapore
• Things to avoid doing during 7th Month
• Office ghost stories
• Ghost hunting at Pasir Ris Park

Cover image adapted from: Remember Singapore, Warner Bros. Entertainment
Last updated 18th August 2022.

The post 8 Reasons Why Ghosts In Singapore Are A Crap Ton Scarier Than Ang Moh Spirits appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.