Khaizuran RashidSingapore may shine with skyscrapers and modern living, but beneath its busy streets lurk eerie tales from the past. Whether you love thrills, a good ghost story, or local history, these five urban legends prove the Lion City has its share of spooky lore. So, dim the lights, gather your courage, and explore Singapore’s mysterious side. You might have trouble sleeping tonight!
Also read: 9 Fun Facts About Singapore & Its History That You Probably Didn’t Know
1. The Ghost of Bishan
Image credit: Zhenkang via Wikimedia Commons
Bishan might look like a typical suburb, but a chilling secret lies deep below. When workers built the Bishan MRT station on the site of Pek San Teng cemetery, strange sightings emerged. Many passengers claimed to see headless figures and drifting shadows. Some maintenance crews even reported glimpsing silent coffin bearers moving between Bishan and Novena MRT stations during late-night shifts. Hence, this eerie legend ties modern Singapore back to its buried past, especially when darkness falls.
2. Chinese on the Radio
Image credit: Tunafish1990 via Wikimedia Commons
For many Singaporean National Service recruits, the morning radio brought more than music – it sparked a haunting mystery. Legend says a strange voice hijacked the radio late at night, blasting a Chinese station. What began as an annoyance became a terrifying tale when one recruit claimed he saw a ghostly old man fiddling with the dials. Depending on who tells it, the spirit may appear as a young girl or an elderly woman, always surfacing when the radio slips into Chinese tunes. This odd legend blends everyday life and the supernatural, unsettling those who recall their early NS days.
3. Ghostly Passengers
Image credit: Ghost Files Singapore | Official Facebook
Imagine driving a late-night taxi, only to discover your passenger seems less than human! Many Singapore taxi drivers share this story. They describe a quiet, beautiful young woman who halts the cab and directs it to a remote cemetery (probably Lim Chu Kang, but who knows?). After a silent ride, she disappears into the night. By morning, the driver realises the cash she gave was actually joss paper meant for the dead. Whether fact or fiction, this ghostly rumour still haunts roads long after midnight.
4. Phantom Children
Image credit: Danial Zainudin via Pexels
In some HDB blocks across Singapore, residents complain of strange noises at night. They hear laughter, rolling marbles, or the patter of small feet. Yet, the neighbouring flat might be empty or never had kids at all. People say these are echoes of phantom children who once lived there but have passed away. The phenomenon lends a nostalgic chill to the urban skyline, reminding us how the past can linger in unsuspecting places.
5. Hungry Ghost Offerings
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Every seventh lunar month, Singapore’s streets fill with food, incense, and paper money set out for wandering spirits. During this Hungry Ghost Month, locals believe stepping on these offerings may anger the ghosts. Many Singaporeans take these customs lightly, but the idea of rousing vengeful spectres adds tension to a nightly stroll. So, whether you’re a firm believer or just curious, this month underscores how daily life in Singapore still links to ancient rituals.
Recharge Your Spirit with These Singaporean Spook Tales
Singapore’s urban legends remind us that, beneath the sleek skyline, the past still whispers its secrets. From ghostly figures at Bishan MRT and odd radio transmissions to phantom children in high-rises, these tales weave history, mystery, and a dash of cheeky terror.
The next time you wander after dark, keep your eyes open – you might spot a headless figure or hear tiny footsteps behind you. Embrace the spookiness, share the lore, and let these legends give your Singaporean adventure a thrilling twist. Happy ghost hunting!
Also read: 10 Most Haunted Places in Singapore for a Good Scare
