Top 4 most haunted places in Singapore according to a local paranormal investigator

Istana Woodneuk interior

As SingapoRediscovers with promotions on hotels, attractions, and tours, some of you are searching for a bit more ‘adventure’ than what’s available out there. If you’re up for a spooky one, take it from a local paranormal investigator on the top most haunted places in Singapore.

#1: Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin in the evening

Image Credits: Culture Trip

A ‘beautiful’ voice

Honestly, I’ve been to Pulau Ubin many times during the day so I’m not sure what comes out to greet you if you’re there when the sun goes down. But according to Noel Boyd, a 42-year-old Singaporean paranormal investigator, it’s all about creepy experiences.

Part of his own personal experience 13 years ago, Boyd recounts of being with a group of ghost hunters at Pulau Ubin. While they were outside the island’s Muslim cemetery, the group heard a female voice singing.

The highlight of the story was that Boyd found the voice very beautiful, but his fellow companions thought otherwise. “I spoke to a few people after that and they tell me that if she sings, she would sound beautiful if she wants you,” he said.

Thank God Boyd left with the rest of the group who did not want to dig further into the source of the sound. That’s because, following the next two weeks, Boyd kept having recurring nightmares. And yes, as you’ve probably guessed it right… it’s that of a female calling out to him. Each time he would wake up with a fever which would go away after some time.

To counter the issue, Boyd visited a medium which put an end to his nightmares after two weeks.

But that’s not all.

Invisible handprints

This incident happened five years ago on Pulau Ubin’s Mamam beach. Boyd was camping with his companion on the beach when he heard footsteps around the tent. Eerily, when they got out of their tent to investigate, the sound would cease.

“We heard female laughter, so I thought there was somebody else camping on the other side.” But what gave them goosebumps was the fingers pushing into the tent and slowly moving downwards, Boyd shared.

Want a first-hand experience? You know where to go now.

#2: Istana Woodneuk
Istana Woodneuk

Image Credits: TripAdvisor

For those who’ve not heard of Istana Woodneuk, it’s an abandoned two-storey palace located at 766 Tyersall Avenue, Singapore 257699.

Owned by a Malaysian royal family, Boyd pointed out that the mansion was used as a hospital for soldiers during the second world war. But it was later bombed. In more recent times, the building has seen various satanic cults trespassing for their rituals.

Just last week, a British YouTuber uploaded a video on Sep 26 with a tour of the run-down residence. But it seems like the video has been taken down following his comments:

**UPDATE**: Since posting this video it has been brought to my attention that I was possibly trespassing. If this is the case then I apologise unreservedly. It wasn’t my intention. So please bear this in mind if you decide to visit this site, and that you do so at your own risk!

#3: Bukit Batok Nature Reserve
Bukit Batok Nature Reserve

Image Credits: Travel Triangle

Who would have thought that Bukit Batok Nature Reserve would end up on our list of the most haunted places in Singapore?

The unsolved case of the rape and murder of a 27-year-old jogger in 2000 and a decomposed body of a woman found in the reserve in 2008 are enough to set things right in the spine-chilling direction.

Boyd also shares that there is a Japanese war memorial on one of the paths at Bukit Batok Nature Reserve.

#4: Changi Beach & Old Changi Hospital
Old Changi Hospital

Image Credits: Must Share News

Boyd states that because of the Sook Ching massacre, he regards Changi beach as the most haunted beach in Singapore. He and his team have always managed to record “good activity” in that location so you might be keen to give it a try.

As for Old Changi Hospital, it probably needs no further explanation. Opened in 1935, the now-defunct general hospital closed in December 1997 following a merger.

Paranormal encounters have been told by many who’ve treaded the grounds. Among the people Boyd has interviewed, a former nurse reported always feeling like someone was watching. Probably it was something and not someone?

Anyway, coming later this month on Oct 17, ExplorerSG is hosting a Halloween Special: Haunted Old Changi Hospital Night Walk. The group will meet at Changi Village at 7pm and visit the Old Changi Hospital from the main and back entrance. Please note that they will not be entering the premises, only walking around the perimeter of the compound. The event will end at 8.30pm.

ExplorerSG has noted that those who are uncomfortable with paranormal activities should not RSVP for the event. Also, you will be required to stay together with the group at all times.

If you’re looking for more ghostly adventures within the hospital grounds, you would be better off going alone. Good luck!

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Lower Prices That Last At Giant

The pandemic has led to unprecedented economic contraction and retrenchment. In a pandemic-ravaged economy, a new normal has emerged whereby most households are looking to tighten their purse strings and demand for low-priced everyday essentials take utmost priority. During unprecedented times of changes and challenges, shoppers are looking for consistency and certainty when shopping for groceries.

However, promotions at supermarkets are often fleeting and short-lived. It has become a daily battle to figure out where and when has the best deal. Furthermore, these promotions can sometime lead to impulse buys and unintentional hoarding which is unhealthy for shoppers’ wallets. Fret not, Giant presents “Lower Prices That Last” so shoppers can now shop smarter without planning their lives around promotions.

Lower Prices That Last at Giant

Giant has dropped prices of hundreds of Singaporeans favourite brands/essentials. It is committed to keeping them at “everyday low price” for a long time so that customers need no longer wait for sales nor constantly monitor for promotions. These savings will make a ‘Giant’ difference in customers’ grocery bills in the long run. Here are some examples of Lower Prices That Last:

Grocery Staples

  1. Cabbage Vegetable Oil 2L ($4.30, price before $5.65)
  2. Ibumie Mi Goreng 5packs ($1.80, price before $2.35)
  3. Lee Kum Kee Panda Oyster Sauce ($3, price before $3.70)
  4. Gold Kili Traditional Kopi O 20 x 20g ($2.20, price before $2.70)
  5. OSK Japanese Green Tea 50 x 2g ($5, price before $6.95
  6. Dove Shower Beauty Nourishing 1L ($5.90, price before $9.70)
  7. Top Detergent Powder Anti Bacteria 5.5 Kg ($9.80, price before $13.55)

Fresh

  1. Minced Pork ($0.90/100g, price before $1.29/100g)
  2. Golden Pomfret (2 for $6, price before 2 for $11)
  3. China Fuji Apples (5 for $2.50, price before 5 for $3.95)
  4. Assorted Leafy Vegetables Chyesim, Kangkong, Spinach (3 for $2, price before 3 for $2.70)

For more items, check out LOWER PRICES THAT LAST on LPTL catalogue. These prices will stay low today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next quarter…and maybe even longer!

Other Exciting Changes And Offerings

All these changes are part of Giant’s transformative refresh that comes with a brand-new look and coupled with new offerings across the board that will excite and delight Giant’s customers! Changes rolled out are improved lightings, cleaner stores, neater navigation and new designated zones such as:

$1 zones for bargain hunters

Decked-up general merchandise area with home & living appliances, electronics and even tableware.

Snack World featuring a whole range of your favourite snacks – ranging from super healthy to indulgences for you and your family

World of Food featuring the best curated products from all around the world, now that we can’t travel.

Guardian Store-in-Store – 1st ever integration for our customers to have the best health and beauty range

Giant’s 100% Freshness promise ensures that shoppers will always get the freshest fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats or you can get them exchanged!

Not forgetting shoppers can always look forward to the warm, authentic service across all touchpoints when shopping at Giant.

Little Things Makes a Giant Difference

Every little savings counts and you can achieve that with “Lower Prices That Last” on hundreds of your grocery essentials at Giant. It is Giant’s long-term commitment to deliver everyday low prices that last. It seeks to be consistent in delivering a ‘Giant’ difference in all that it does by offering fresh value, variety and convenience for Singaporeans to lead a better life!

Stand to win Giant Vouchers from 1 Oct till 22 Nov by playing the “Lower Prices That Last” game! The more items you catch, the higher you score. Be the top 3 scorers of each round to win $100 Giant vouchers!

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You can now get a Nespresso Coffee Machine for $1

Bring home a new Nespresso Coffee Machine for just a dollar

If you love a cup of freshly brewed coffee every morning, check this out.

Nespresso, one of the best-known household name for espresso machines and coffee capsules, is offering customers a chance to own their popular coffee machines for just $1.

Here’s how it works:

To enjoy the offer, customers have to subscribe to their 12-month plan at either S$35/month, $45/month or a $85/month plan and pay just $1 for their coffee machine.

Monthly Subscription Plan

Currently, they are offering 3 types of monthly plans:

  1. Innisia Coffee Machine Plan: $35 per month + $1 Coffee Machine
  2. Essenza Mini & Milk Plan: $45 per month + $1 Coffee Machine
  3. Lattissima Touch Plan: $85 per month + $1 Coffee Machine

You might be wondering what the monthly fees are for, since there must be a catch right? Well, no, you are not paying for the coffee machine via some-form-of-installment but rather the monthly fees comes as a credit to your Nespresso account for you to spend on any Nespresso product including the coffee capsules.

For example in a $35 per month plan, you get 35 Nespresso credits for you to spend on Nespresso.com, at selected Nespresso boutiques (ION, Takashimaya, Raffles City, Vivocity) or via their 24/7 toll-free hotline. Credits can be used on any Nespresso product including coffee and accessories.

What this means is that you can take this as you are paying for just the supply of the coffee capsules. (and you get a coffee machine for $1) Well, you can’t brew a coffee without the coffee capsules anyway right?

If you don’t use your Nespresso credits, it can be accumulated for up to 6 months for future purchase, say for example, you need to take a short holiday.

What happens if you cancel the plan?

Should you decide that Nespresso subscription is not for you anymore, you can cancel it at any time by calling the Nespresso 24/7 Customer service at 800 852 3525 (toll-free). If you cancel your subscription within the 7 days cooling-period, the cancellation fee is waived.

Should you cancel the subscription plan within the 12-month period, you need to pay a cancellation fee of $150 for the Inissia Plan, $190 for the Essenza & Milk Plan and $470 for the Lattissima Touch Plan. (perhaps to prevent people from taking advantage of the plan)

After the 12 months term, the coffee machine is yours to keep! There is no cancellation fee if you cancel after the 12-month term.

The Nespresso Subscription Plan will be automatically renewed (i.e. you continue to pay the Monthly Fee each month), and will continue until you cancel it. To thank you for being a loyal subscriber, Nespresso will offer 10% additional credit on top of your plan when you renew your plan for another 12 months, i.e. if your plan is $35, you will receive $38.50 credits in your account.

This is a good offer if you continue to subscribe to the plan after 12 months.

Paying $35 a month which you can buy enough coffee pods is the perfect excuse for you to buy something you have always been eyeing for and it will definitely make coffee drinking at home more convenient!

Click here to find out more on nespresso.com.

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Apps That Can Help You Sleep Better

fetal-sleep-position

Are you aware that the pandemic has caused many people’s sleeping patterns to shift? According to the World Economic Forum, COVIDsomnia has shaken not just our lives but the way we sleep as well. Other than increased stress-sleeping, people have begun to have more vivid dreams.

If you’ve been suffering from a bout of COVID-related insomnia, we’ve listed a number of apps that can help you wind down during the night.These apps soothe you into a more relaxed state so you can sleep better.

 

 

Available for free for both IOS and Android, Calm is user-friendly and has plenty of options for night-time listening. They have many options, such as calm music, nature sounds, and even audiobooks to help you meditate or ease into sleep.

If you want access to more features, such as more audiobooks voiced by your favorite celebs, you can subscribe to it for an affordable price.

 

 

Headspace is a prime app for meditative music and sleepcasts. They have plenty of adult bedtime stories and audio that can help you settle down. They even have sounds that can help you visualize a calming atmosphere and other sleep-inducing content.

The content is limited, but you can access the whole library through paid access. With around 40 themed meditation courses and other options for sleep, sleepcasts, and stories, you have a wide range of choices for relaxation sounds.

 

 

If you want to track your sleep cycles, something we suggest you should do, then Sleep Cycle is one of the best apps to download.

They don’t just do sleep tracking but give tips to fully optimize your sleeping time. The app also has a built-in alarm clock that gently nudges you out of sleep. 

Keep in mind, like all sleep trackers, this is not 100% accurate, but it won’t hurt to try. The best part about this app is that it is absolutely free! You don’t have to pay to access all its features.

 

 

Sleepa is an Android-only app that works as a sound mixer for different natural sounds. It creates a personalized atmosphere for you to fall asleep to. 

They also have non-natural sounds like the noises of a bustling city or a train ride, which you can mix with other noises as well. You can mix up to 8 sounds, which is more than most apps can offer. 

You can set it to a timer while you nap, making it a useful app for those who need a no-frills app that can be customized.

 

 

This is one of the best apps out there, with every category separated for easier access. They have a kid’s category, which contains lullabies and nature sounds as well as white noise. 

Of course, they also offer sleepcasts, adult bedtime stories, and even meditation stories. The app even has a timer with a gentle alarm that you can set.

And the best part is that you can also download your favorite audio and save them.

We all have sleeping troubles due to the stress the pandemic has brought us, and these apps are small solutions that we can provide during these difficult times.

However, if your sleep troubles can be caused by physical factors, such as night-time urination, you may need other fixes. According to the specialists at Urologist Singapore, things like that have many causes… such as excessive fluid intake at night or conditions such as diabetes, anxiety, and more. 

Whether your insomnia is caused by stress or other physical or mental issues, finding the solution you need will be easier when you get help for it. So, try to consult an expert if you really don’t know the causes of your issue.

 

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Great Recipe YouTube Channels That You Can Try Out

YouTube-logo-full_color

If the lockdown brought out your inner chef or baker, then we’ve got something great for you here. We have a list of channels that you should check out for ideas on the next recipes or dishes to make. 

These channels offer plenty of great food recipes, as well as tips and tricks that you can use in the kitchen. From gorgeous cake recipes to fictional meals turned into reality, these channels can help you improve your cooking skills greatly! 

So check them out. They offer plenty of cuisines from different places or the most gorgeous desserts you can craft.

 

 

Cooking Tree is a Korean cooking channel that focuses on dessert. They make the prettiest cakes and pastries, as well as candies.

Cheesecakes, macarons, pies — you can learn how to make food that looks good and tastes good. Every once in a while, they upload a rare, non-sweet recipe such as their version of a Monte Cristo sandwich.

The best part is they’re minimalistic in their production, making them look polished and a delight to watch!

 

 

If you’ve ever seen food in a TV show, an anime, a video game, or a movie, Babish defictionalizes these dishes so you can taste them in real life! For example, he’s made different kinds of Krabby Patties from Spongebob. 

He makes other great desserts such as the sweet rolls from Skyrim and more. What’s unique about Babish is that he does two recipes, one normal one you can do in your kitchen, and a “Babish version” that is usually a gourmet version.

He even shows you the trial and error of his recipes, because no one becomes great at cooking without experimentation.

However, we do have to warn you, some of the recipes can give you a heart attack due to the serving size, which he retains to become TV-accurate. Talk about dedication!

 

 

Adam Ragusea is an amazing cook whose videos don’t bombard you with obnoxious, unnecessary intros: he gets to the point immediately. He doesn’t harp on welcomes and greetings or comments, but introduces you immediately to how the meal is made.

He cooks things like delicious roast chicken dinners with peas, mashed potatoes and gravy, which is made finely with minimal ingredients.

Some of his videos are educational and teach different aspects of food, cooking, and diets. He’s even well-versed in the history of food. He actually has a 12 minute video educating people on the safety of MSG!

This makes him one of the go-to’s for educational cooking and fun facts.

 

 

Nino’s Home has the same homey aesthetic as Cooking Tree. The difference is that he cooks with his pet cat and makes sharp, biting humor while explaining recipes (through captions, might I add).

He offers mouth-watering recipes such as mozzarella onion rings and Taiwanese pineapple cakes. Do remember to turn on captions so you can follow his instructions when watching.

He also has insights to his daily life, and spending time with his pet animals, giving his channel a cozy, warm atmosphere that makes you feel at home.

 

 

Have you ever seen those minute-long recipes from Tasty, Bon Appetit, or Delish? Have you ever wanted to try them out but wondered if the outcome of the recipe is worth it?

Well, if you watch David Seymour, you’ll have a better handle on which recipes are exactly as presented, and which are polished to make them look good.

He also compares different recipes of the exact same food from other channels and recipe blogs and tests which one is best. We advise going through his Viral Tiktok Recipes to see if those Tiktok recipes that you see going around hold water.

The transparency and realism that he brings to those viral recipes and testing if they’re as advertised or presented makes him deserving of a spot in this list.

Anyway, that’s our list of YouTube channels worth checking out for food and baking experiments. We hope you’ll check out these channels and even try out the recipes that they offer.  

However, as a friendly reminder, don’t make the mistake of overeating just because of these! For instance, if you’re doing the dessert ones, try not to eat all of the dessert yourself or you’ll quickly find yourself gaining unwanted weight. 

According to the experts at Gastroenterologist Singapore, a solution they recommend to patients is to get used to sharing meals with others. If you do that, you won’t have to feel obliged to eat everything you make!

 

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