ARTICLE
A Tale or Two to tell after our Sentosa Spooktacular trip
By InCinemas / 15 Oct 2012 (Monday)
We survived the Sentosa Spooktacular trip at Fort Siloso so that we can live to tell our tales.. Let us begin by an introduction with reference to the conversation between Gandalf and Bibo Baggins in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Gandalf (InCinemas): You'll have a tale or two to tell when you come back (from Sentosa Spooktacular).
Bilbo Baggins (You): Can you promise that I will come back?
Gandalf (InCinemas): ...No. But if you do, you will not be the same. (*smirks*)
Hit the jump for our tale of Sentosa Spooktacular experience! You'll have yours to share when Sentosa Spooktacular opens this Friday, 19 October!
It's hard not to notice what's spooktacular when you are looking to visit Sentosa via the tram at VivoCity level 3. The entrance and the entire tram stop have been decorated extensively into a Halloween themed ride that promises you a 'fright night' should you decide to go for Sentosa Spooktacular.
Fright Night may link one to the movie where super-strength vampires haunt the human beings. But there are a lot more iconic ghosts of the Asian folklore in Sentosa Spooktacular to hunt us in our darkest fear, after successfully recruited over 200 paranormal beings in September.
Besides, when you put up an advertisement like this, you shouldn't underestimate what's about to come. Level of anticipation increases when you see the warning signs that writes 'Return trip is not guaranteed'.
This year, Sentosa Spooktacular invades the popular tourist attraction at Fort Siloso, a venue used for the first time in Singapore's Halloween history, and introduces 5 new Horror Trails that is set to scare the living out of the thrill-seekers. Rich in its historical background, Fort Siloso serves as a robust breeding ground and sanctury for the ghostly beings.
(Visit Sentosa Spooktacular Official Website for its ticketing details!)
Here's the overview of the map we've included for your easy reference. Continue below for my rough score on the 5 spooky trails! (*Contains no spoilers!*)
'Trail' - Up to 5 Points based on the overall enjoyment / duration / length.
'Ghost' - Up to 5 Points based on the fear level / performance of the paranormal beings
Camp Berhantu
Camp Berhantu, my first stop at Fort Siloso. Something above has already attracted a number of people's attention. I stop to take a shot of what in the trees, keeping in mind to stay aware of my surroundings. Then, a tunnel, which is narrow and restricted, forces the group to enter in a single file. A voice in my head says, "Follow closely".
Next, we walk into a maze filled with mist and awful creatures. Screams can be heard as you explore into the unknown territory. Not sure if it belongs to the living or the 'dead'. This has got to be one of the most memorable trails in Sentosa Spooktacular, although I've yet to try out the others. It's simply because of the fear for the unknown. The fog is so thick that you can't see what lies ahead. The flashing light is so blinding and it isn't helping at all. Stop for a second and you lose the sight of the person in front of you. That's what happened to me when I stopped to take a picture. And at a turn, you become unsure to proceed left or right. Would you dare to advance alone? The ghosts might guide you. But you can't really trust them, can you?
Score: Trail (5) + Ghost (3) = 8/10
Additional Note: Not recommended for the claustrophobic.
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Phews, so glad to have survived the first trail. First trail sets the standard! Can it go any worse? The stretch of road ahead is filled with more paranormal beings. Also watch out for the shadowy figure in the dark!
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The Land Of Lost Souls
Second stop. The Land Of Lost Souls. Flight announcements were made as you make your way along the eerie pathway. It sounds as though you're going to board an air plane. I notice some activities going on in that tunnel on my left. But it's not wise to linger on when there are a couple of air stewardesses to answer your queries. True enough, the steep steps lead you to a tunnel and what lies ahead can be quite entertaining and alarming too! Ask for permissions, says the signboard. (Thai ghosts inside!)
This has got to be the longest trail of all. Expect to climb a lot of steps, up and down through the creepy tunnels of Fort Siloso. Stay close in your groups and don't venture alone!
Score: Trail (4.5) + Ghost (4) = 8.5/10
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The third stop that follows along the slope near the cemetery is The Last Sequel. However, I didn't enter this next. Following the media group, we arrived next at the Ouija Board.
Ouija Board
This short but effective tour has some quality paranormal beings lurking in the dark. The Ouija Board writes 'We Are Here', giving a little suspense of the dark house we are about to enter! There is this witch-like being whose sinister laughter gives us the chill in the creepy apartment. I did a video recording using my mobile phone so you can get a brief preview of the Ouija Trail.. (Watch a short clip for an idea of the spookiness in Ouija Trail!)
There's also an eerie chant to the rhyme of the 'Twinkle twinkle little star' song and a wall that pushes you away from the exit. Then, there is this dark narrow alley that looks too simple to move on. Can you spot anything amiss from this photo?
It puts a stop right on your track. Assuming that the paranormal beings don't change their looks or job scope, you should take a good look at what's behind these clothes. *shivers*
Score: Trail (3) + Ghost (4.5) = 7.5/10
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Out into the open once again, the path leads you right to the start point near the Fort Siloso entrance. There, instead of entering Camp Berhantu, I turn to the outskirt that leads the way back to The Land Of Lost Souls. Remember, I have yet to complete The Last Sequel and Deadly Doll Studio.
And just along the way, there is this 'thing' near to the trees that caught my attention - A beautiful 'ghost' laying on a huge slab of stone. It was very dark and eerie but there is something mesmerizing about her that makes you want to find out more. I thought I could not take my eyes off her but professionalism got the better out of me. There are still two more trails to cover... So it is with a heavy heart that I leave this captivating 'ghost' alone. (Back then, it was just me and her alone in the dark..)
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The Last Sequel
My fourth stop. The Last Sequel. Of course, you can choose to make this the last. But it matters not. More blinding flashes amidst the dark tunnels with lurking creatures ahead! Admirable but not the best. This trail has a pretty unexpected treat in it if you allow yourself some space between your fellow dare-seekers.
Score: Trail (2.5) + Ghost (4) = 6.5/10
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While they can be terrifying and unfriendly, they wouldn't exactly reject you if you ask to take photos of/with them nicely. Near the colourful cemetery, there is this canteen (rest area) where you can grab a drink or two. Songs played through the ghostly speakers (didn't get to spot the speakers!) include Chinese, English and even Korean titles! It's pretty funny to hear Wonder Girl's 'Nobody But You' as you continue your adventure! Oh.. And if you're 'lucky' enough, there's 'Gangnam Style' dance performance by the night-stalkers too!
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Deadly Doll Studio
Last but not least, the Deadly Doll Studio. I must admit that I find dolls rather disturbing, whether they are intact or not. Before entering, the dolls in The Woman In Black movie trailer comes to mind. But thankfully, this trail shows more of the bigger size human 'dolls' which is eerie but not too scary. Mind you, there is one fierce ghost in cheongsam that is serious about being disturbed!
Score: Trail (2.5) + Ghost (3) = 5.5/10
Our Spooky Encounter with the Cheongsam lady
Upon returning to InCinemas, I was rather shocked by this photo I've taken of this 'ghost' in cheongsam. There's only white in her eyes and it seems quite unlikely because our group was leaving the place and, being the last in the group to leave the room, I turn to took this one last photo. And there she was, still grumpy-looking. But what's the chance of her rolling her eyes at that precise moment? Was it intended? Did she really do that just for the sake of me taking this one last photo of the place? But then, she wasn't even looking at or posing for the camera!!
This photo gives me the creeps.. Where did her iris go? By the way, she isn't wearing any coloured contact lense as seen in the photo below. Comment how you think about this spooky photo on InCinemas Facebook page and do share with us your Spooky experience when Sentosa Spooktacular opens this Friday 19 October 2012.
Continuing the last (and probably the Best) of my Spooky Adventure
On my way back to the main entrance, the ghosts from before are still commited to 'doing their job'. But what's about to happen made my heart skip a beat.
It's the beautiful 'ghost' from before! This time she's on 'mobile mode' with a 'friend' and she looks even more elegant on a closer look. Still not uttering a single word, the geisha-like beauty, in what-seems-to-be a Korean tradition dress (correct me if I'm wrong), continues to work her charms through her cool and graceful demeanour. Her electrifying eyes.. Check your lens again. It might crack due to the intensity of the alluring gaze.
If I find myself returning to visit Sentosa Spooktacular, it's probably because of the working of her charms.. At this turn, I must ask you readers, yes you adventure-seekers, that should you find this amazing ghost during your Sentosa Spooktacular trip, please send my regards to her.
I leave you with this precious photo of her (and her friend).
Be sure to 'like' us on InCinemas Facebook page! We hope you've enjoyed our tale~
(Want to hear more 'Horror Stores'? Click to find out if you dare!)
