The most haunted places in Singapore

In a land-scarce city that hardly sleeps, even the dead can’t always find a proper resting place. We wander across the island in search of the most haunted places.

Take note, while some are free and easy for you to explore, some of these spots are located on state land or private property so we wouldn't recommend checking it out – lest you get caught by something scarier than the ghouls: law enforcement. Happy hantu-hunting – and remember to wear a mask while you're at it.

1. Spooner Road

Haunted by Disturbances, weird unexplained sounds and sightings in the flats, darting shadows, the list goes on. The story behind it The HDB blocks at Spooner Road are some of the oldest in Singapore. The few blocks were built in the mid-1970s and were formerly used as the quarters to house personnel of the staff and families who worked at the nearby (now defunct) Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.

The flats were left empty for years when operations ceased at the railway station but are currently used as rental apartments for low-income residents. There have been many stories from residents and explorers about the eerie things they experienced at Spooner Road.

Accessibility Spooner Road is quite easily accessible from Kampong Bahru Road in Tanjong Pagar or by the Rail Corridor. Do note that residents are living there so be respectful of their space.

2. Sungei Api Api and Pasir Ris Park

Haunted by A band of mischievous pontianaks. The story behind it While there's no macabre history in Pasir Ris Park, there are rumours that Sungei Api Api is infamous for being a place where murders and suicides have occurred. Other stories include the area to be where black magic was practiced in the past because it used to be heavily forested.

Accessibility Sungei Api Api is now part of a park connector and is a popular jogging spot and one of the many entrances to Pasir Ris Park. Jog at your own risk – especially if its going to be late at night!

3. Nee Soon Rubber Estate

Haunted by Pontianaks – waiting on residents’ balconies and doorsteps, calling out to those fishing at the canal, or staring at people crossing through Sembawang Park. The story behind it Sembawang is where the Nee Soon Rubber Estate used to sit. Yup – that’s a whole field of rubber trees, which are known to be the favoured residence of these restless female vampire ghosts.

They sure love those trees – their spirits apparently still remain even though the estate has since been cleared to make way for flats and industrial buildings.

Accessibility The rubber plantations covered a vast area around Yishun, Sembawang and Seletar, but your best bet is to take a night walk in Sembawang Park if you dare.

4. Pulau Tekong

Haunted by Among many others, the ghost of a disembowelled recruit, a white, long-haired figure at Jacob’s Ladder and a grandma and grandson duo who wander the bunks at night to disturb sleepless recruits. The story behind it There’s no saying if the ghost stories have roots in the early history of the island when it was inhabited by a majority Chinese population, or if they sprang up after Tekong was taken over for military use. But these spooky stories have become something of a rite of passage for fresh recruits – just ask anyone who’s gone through National Service and they’ll have a tale or ten to tell you about Tekong.

Accessibility Fall in recruits, there’s no escaping this one. The rest of us might have the chance to visit if we’re sending a family member off for Basic Military Training.

5. Old Tampines Road

Haunted by Pontianaks (yup, more than one apparently!), the vengeful spirits of women who have died during their pregnancy or childbirth that continue to linger in the area.

The story behind it While there is no official recorded history – as with most ghost stories – many riders and cyclists have said to feel 'extra weight' when passing through the long and quiet stretch late at night. On top of that, there is always a sweet, floral scent lingering in the air during these incidents.

Accessibility The road has been upgraded and a lot of the spooky trees have been cut down but you can cruise through at 2am if you dare.

6. Matilda House

Haunted by No one actually knows! There were rumours that there was a lady with long hair in the trees in the surrounding area and that some workers actually died while working at Matilda House.

The story behind it Matilda House was built in 1902 by Irish lawyer Alexander Cashin for his wife – and was named after his mother. The house stayed in the Cashin family for a while until it was left abandoned before the government acquired it. Legend has it that the house 'refused' to be demolished with stories saying unexplained forces would always get in the way of tearing down the house or any major renovations. Accessibility In the end, Matilda House was incorporated as the clubhouse of a private condominium in Punggol. We haven't heard any spooky stories... yet.

7. Every Singapore school

Haunted by Spirits of girls who committed suicide in toilets, shadowy figures (especially in the Design and Technology block), Pontianaks with a penchant for education.

The story behind it There really is no science behind it but every school in Singapore seems to have its own spooky stories. Just ask your friends about their own school horror stories and you'll notice there will be some parallels.

Accessibility You won't walk into someone else's workplace so don't be dropping by other people's schools.

8. National Museum of Singapore

Haunted by The wandering spirit of former museum director, British doctor and naturalist Carl Alexander Gibson-Hill whose death was regarded as suicide. The story behind it We don't know the exact tale but many have claimed to have seen and felt unnatural forces at the notorious Victorian-style spiral staircase which has a reputation for being the most haunted spot in the century-old museum.

Accessibility Visit the museum all you want but the staircase are closed off to visitors. We wonder why.

Ref: The most haunted places in Singapore (timeout)