For many Singaporeans, including myself, October was a month to look forward to because of Universal Studios Singapore's (USS) annual Halloween Horror Nights.
Alas, thanks to Covid-19, this is the second year in a row we'll have to give the event a miss.
However, that doesn't mean there is a lack of spooky-themed activities to get you into the festive spirit. From dining on a ghost ship to a "haunted" staycation, here are some events you can look forward to this Halloween.
Attractions
Trick or Thrills by Universal Studios Singapore
While Halloween Horror Nights won't be happening this year, USS still has a few spine-chilling activities lined up for their visitors.
The overall theme is Trick or Thrills and the different zones of the park will be decked out in Halloween decor.
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Visitors can also snap photos with the resident mascots who will be dressed up for the spooky occasion.
If you're planning to get into the Halloween mood by donning a costume, look out for the Candy Ambassadors in the New York zone who will be doling out prizes for the best costume.
Those of you who are visiting the park on a Friday or Saturday should also keep an eye out for characters from the Universal Monsters franchise such as Wolfman, Dracula and Frankenstein at Scream Alley.
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Additionally, visitors can fuel up at the park's restaurant, KT's Grill, which will be serving up a special Halloween-themed dining experience called Die-ning with the Dead. This will feature a three or four-course gourmet menu that comes with drinks.
For the less fainthearted, there is also the Halloween Horror Nights Exhibition.
Not to be confused with the popular annual event, the exhibit gives visitors a peek at what went on behind the scenes during the previous years' Halloween Horror Nights.
Here, old props and costumes will be on display and you'll also be given a chance to revisit some of the past haunted houses and shows.
There will even be a line-up of the scariest icons from the event's past nine years — it'll definitely be a nightmarish walk down memory lane!
While entry to the exhibition is included in a regular Trick or Thrills USS park ticket, you are still required to make an advanced booking here.
Tickets start from $69. Click here to book.
When: Now to Nov 7
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Halloween at The Museum by Museum of Ice Cream
Joining in on the Halloween festivities this year is the Museum of Ice Cream which opened its doors to the public in August.
Just for the occasion, its 14 installations will be transformed into a haunted town.
There will also be an unlimited amount of ice cream with "spooktacular treats".
While ticket sales start online on Oct 8 at 5:01 pm, Customers with a Citi credit or debit card can enjoy early access from today.
According to the attraction's website, ticket prices start from $40 per pax (for a group of two). Click here to book.
When: Oct 28 to 31
Address: 100 Loewen Rd, Singapore 248837
Ghost Ship Cruise by Royal Albatross
Forget celebrating Halloween on land — you can do so at sea too!
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Set sail on the eerie Ghost Ship Cruise by Royal Albatross. The entire journey will last two hours and thirty minutes with the ship departing each evening at 8.30pm.
You'll get to enjoy a three- or six-course meal onboard with free-flow soft drinks. Apart from that, you'll also get an opportunity to visit the Haunted Captain's Cabin.
While it isn't a must to come in costume, you're encouraged to do so as the best-dressed cruiser will receive a reward worth $200.
Tickets start from $195 per adult. Click here to book.
When: Oct 27 to 31
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Murder at Old Changi Hospital escape room by The Future Stage
The now-abandoned Old Changi Hospital is infamous for being one of the most haunted places in Singapore, so you can imagine how terrifying a virtual escape room inspired by the place could potentially be.
Instead of heading down to the physical location, the entire game can be experienced at home on The Future Stage, an online platform that aims to provide people with an immersive digital theatrical experience.
The script for the escape room experience, Murder at Old Changi Hospital, was written by award-winning playwright Chong Tze Chie and will star familiar faces including actress Munah Bagharib and actor Joshua Lim.
As a participant in the escape room, your quest will be to find the culprit behind the death of of canteen worker Farah Aiyah, who was allegedly murdered in the hospital over 25 years ago.
Using augmented reality, spatial audio surround sound and 360-degree videos, players need to sleuth out the clues and solve puzzles within the 90-minute time frame.
As the virtual escape room allows you to customise your own adventure, your experience will be unique to you too.
Tickets start from $45. Click here to book.
When: Oct 8 to Nov 7
SuperSpook by SuperPark
For Halloween, SuperPark, Singapore's largest all-in-one indoor activity park, will be transformed into a hair-raising themed activity zone inspired by the British Occupation.
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Here, you can try your hand at pedalling through the Devil's Bend, escaping a horror maze and wandering around a haunted playground.
Ticket prices start from $39.90. Click here to book.
When: Oct 22 to 24 and Oct 29 to 31
Address: #02-477, Suntec City (North Wing, 3 Temasek Blvd, Tower 1, 038983
Fright Night at The Museum by Xperience DMC
Go on an eerie 90-minute tour around Joo Chiat where you'll learn about the untold story of Rose, a Nyonya who tragically died in the area.
The package will bring you to places such as a private Peranakan museum — which is still believed to be haunted by Rose — the former Joo Chiat Maternal and Child Health Clinic as well as Koon Seng Road.
Tickets start from $60. Click here to book.
When: Every Friday and Saturday, and Oct 31
Staycations
Andaz's Halloween
Just for Halloween, Andaz Singapore has collaborated with travel booking platform Klook and local bookstore cum cafe The Moon to organise a mystical staycation experience.
The package comprises a one-night stay in a Halloween-themed room, welcome snacks and drinks, a 15-minute tarot reading session by Pearlyn Siew of The Moon and a pair of crystals. Breakfast for two and $50 worth of dining credits are also included in the package.
The Andaz Singapore's Halloween Package is priced at $460 per room per night for two pax. Click here to book.
When: Oct 29 to 31
Address: 5 Fraser St, Singapore 189354
Scary Sleepover at Equarius Hotel Singapore
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The package includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room for two pax. The room will be decorated for the occasion. On top of that, you will also get complimentary parking or valet service as well as a scare package containing Halloween treats and two masks.
Prices for each room start from $298++. Book via Klook or Resort World Sentosa's website.
When: Now to Nov 7
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
melissateo@asiaone.com