Khaizuran RashidSingapore’s dazzling skyline might make you think everything here is modern and spotless. Yet, if you venture off the beaten path, you’ll uncover relics that whisper stories of the past. In this article, we invite you to journey through five abandoned sites that offer a window into Singapore’s history. Whether you live in Singapore or travel here from overseas, get ready to explore places brimming with character, mystery, and a splash of fun!
Also read: 5 Unique Places in Singapore That Even Some Locals Don’t Know About
1. Marsiling Tunnels: The Underground Enigma
Image credit: Sunriseodyssey | Flickr
Step into the unknown at the Marsiling Tunnels and discover a subterranean world filled with WWII artefacts. Many believe this eerie maze once stored oil, but today, only the scuttle of lizards and the hushed voices of explorers echo through its corridors. You’ll feel a surge of excitement as you navigate its muddy floors and narrow passageways. For safety, join a guided tour instead of going it alone. Undoubtedly, the Marsiling Tunnels offer an eerie thrill that brings Singapore’s wartime history to life.
2. Tanglin Hill Brunei Hostel: Where Student Spirits Linger
Image credit: National Heritage Board | Official Website
Next, make your way to Tanglin Hill Brunei Hostel, hidden at the end of Tanglin Road. This abandoned hostel once housed Bruneian students in the mid-1950s. Now, its decaying corridors and graffiti-strewn walls whisper tales of ambition and camaraderie. As you wander around, you might feel the echoes of young dreams in every dusty room. The hostel gives urban explorers a rare, raw look at Singapore’s past. However, tread carefully: Its charm balances on a razor’s edge between enchanting and eerie.
3. Fort Serapong: Sentosa’s Spooky Stronghold
Image credit: National Heritage Board | Official Website
Look toward Sentosa’s jungle interior and find Fort Serapong, a haunted fortress from the late 19th century. Built to protect against pirates, it also played a defensive role during wartime. Now, crumbling tunnels and overgrown artillery batteries create an unsettling yet fascinating atmosphere. Guided tours will unravel the secrets within these walls. Truly, moving from sunny beaches to this hidden fortress feels like stepping into another world!
4. Bukit Brown Cemetery: Nature’s Haunting Gallery
Image credit: Jacklee via Wikimedia Commons
Next, venture to Bukit Brown Cemetery, where history meets untamed greenery. This historic burial ground doubles as a quirky hiking spot, complete with a 3km path scattered with ancient graves and old vehicles. You’ll also spot “avatar trees” that rise like living sculptures from the undergrowth. As you walk beneath the forest canopy, weathered tombstones murmur stories from long ago. In essence, Bukit Brown Cemetery becomes an open-air museum that celebrates Singapore’s roots while thrilling anyone who enjoys nature’s hidden corners.
5. Seng Chew Quarry: The Hidden Oasis
Image credit: Jnzl | Flickr
Finally, head near Little Guilin to stumble upon Seng Chew Quarry. Once a busy granite mine, it has since transformed into a glittering pool encircled by lush greenery. Reaching this hidden gem can be an adventure, as you’ll navigate unmarked paths, stray drains, and fallen logs. Each step feels like a secret rendezvous with nature and history. For safety reasons, admire the quarry from behind the fence and marvel at how wildlife has reclaimed this industrial relic.
The Hidden Side of Singapore
In conclusion, these forgotten corners of Singapore offer more than empty buildings and crumbling ruins. They invite you to step back in time and experience an intriguing side of local history. Whether you descend into the shadowy depths of Marsiling Tunnels or stroll through the nostalgic trails of Bukit Brown Cemetery, each spot promises a thrilling mix of mystery and charm.
So, lace up your walking shoes, grab sunscreen, and follow your curiosity. Your next adventure awaits in the hidden nooks of Singapore’s past!
Also read: 9 Retro Places to Explore in Singapore for Vintage Lovers
