Top Haunted Spots in Singapore to Avoid During Hungry Ghost Month
Hungry Ghost Month, also known as the Ghost Festival, is a time of great spiritual significance in Singapore. During this time, the underworld’s gates are believed to open, allowing spirits and ghosts to roam the earthly realm. This period is marked by various rituals and offerings to appease these wandering spirits.
While the festival is an integral part of Singaporean culture, many locals and visitors exercise caution during it, particularly avoiding places reputed to be haunted.
Here are the top haunted spots in Singapore to avoid during Hungry Ghost Month:
Old Changi Hospital
Old Changi Hospital is perhaps the most infamous haunted location in Singapore. Built in 1935, it served as a British military hospital and later as a prison during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The hospital was eventually closed in 1997, but its eerie presence remains. Many believe that the souls of tortured prisoners and deceased patients still linger within its dilapidated walls. Reports of ghostly apparitions, disembodied voices, and sudden drops in temperature are common among those who have dared to explore its haunted halls. In 2010, it was also turned into a movie titled Haunted Changi. This found footage film featured filmmakers exploring the abandoned Changi Hospital, trying to catch paranormal sightings.
Bukit Brown Cemetery
Bukit Brown Cemetery, a historic graveyard dating back to the early 20th century, is another site shrouded in supernatural lore. It is the final resting place for many prominent Chinese individuals and is known for its ornate tombstones and lush greenery. However, it is also reputed to be one of the most haunted spots in Singapore. While it’s not uncommon to see joggers or people walking their dogs here, it’s also rumoured to be a hotspot for Pontianak (spirits of women who died whilst pregnant or during childbirth) sightings.
Haw Par Villa
If you thought Haw Par Villa was eerie during the day, how about dropping by at night? This eccentric theme park, built in 1937, is famous for its vivid and sometimes grotesque dioramas that depict scenes from Chinese mythology and folklore. Among its attractions is the Ten Courts of Hell, a graphic representation of the afterlife according to Chinese beliefs.
While the park is a unique cultural experience, many statues and dioramas seem creepier at night. Whether it’s paranormal activity or just your imagination, the unsettling presence is hard to ignore.
Pasir Ris Park
Pasir Ris Park is a popular recreational area known for its tranquil beach and lush mangroves. However, it also has a darker side. There have been reports of paranormal sightings, particularly near the mangrove swamp area. Sungei Api Api is also rumoured to be the site of black magic, various murders, and suicides. The next time you decide to exercise there, be sure to leave before it gets dark!
East Coast Park
This is a beloved seaside destination offering a variety of recreational activities. Despite its lively atmosphere, the park has a reputation for being haunted. Amber Beacon Tower, a yellow tower, is said to be one of the most haunted spots here. Over three decades ago, a gruesome crime was committed at that very spot. A couple was attacked by two unknown assailants in masks, and the lady succumbed to her injuries. Since then, many have reported seeing her ghostly figure near the tower, often accompanied by the sounds of her cries.
Bishan MRT Station
Bishan MRT Station is built on the former grounds of the Peck San Theng cemetery, which was exhumed to make way for development. Despite its modern appearance, the station is reputed to be haunted by the spirits of those once buried there. It is also said to be haunted by a funeral procession on the train tracks with a headless ghost. While taking the train, you might also catch a glimpse of ghostly passengers who do not cast any reflections on the windows.
From the eerie halls of Old Changi Hospital to the unsettling dioramas of Haw Par Villa, these spots are believed to harbour increased spiritual activity during this period. Whether you are a sceptic or a believer, it is always wise to exercise caution and respect during Hungry Ghost Month, steering clear of these haunted spots and allowing the spirits to roam undisturbed.
