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Guide to Amber Beacon Tower, Singapore’s Haunted Seaside Secret
I’ve been to Amber Beacon Tower more times than I can count, and it never feels quite the same, especially at night as the sun dips and the shadows stretch long.
There’s something about the contrast between its bright yellow structure and the dark history it holds that keeps pulling me back. Whether you’re into ghost stories, true crime, or just curious, this place has layers worth uncovering.
History of Amber Beacon Tower
Amber Beacon Tower looks like a harmless yellow spiral by the sea, but once you know what happened there in 1990, it stays with you. A young couple was attacked—he survived, but she didn’t, and her killer was never found.
The case shook Singapore and turned this lookout point into one of the country’s most infamous murder sites. Locals say her spirit lingers, and I’ll admit, it does get eerily quiet after dark.
Maritime Significance
Most people come for the ghost stories, but what first drew me to Amber Beacon Tower was its role as a coastal marker. It’s one of those rare places where functional maritime history and eerie urban legend intersect.
That bright yellow spiral structure isn’t just for show, either. It was built to guide ships and mark underwater telecom cables. Climbing it gives you a clear view of the sea lanes that made Singapore the port city it is today.
Things to Know
Address: Parkland Green, 920 East Coast Parkway
Hours: Open 24 hours
Accessibility: Paved walkways are accessible for PWDs and mobility-challenged, no ramps or elevators in the tower, the spiral staircase could be challenging for some
Pet-friendly? Yes, but clean up after and keep dogs leashed
Rules and restrictions:
- No littering
- No feeding of wildlife
- Cycle only on designated paths
- No smoking
- No loud noises/voices
- No camping or overnight stay at the tower
How to Get There
By MRT and bus: Take the East-West Line to Paya Lebar MRT station. From there, transfer to bus 48, 76, or 135 and alight at Parkway Parade Mall.
From the mall, walk to the underpass near FairPrice Finest leading to East Coast Park. After crossing, continue straight until you reach the beach, then turn right and walk along the coast until you see the distinctive yellow tower.
By car/taxi drop-off: Set your destination to Carpark C1 at East Coast Park. This car park is the closest to the tower and provides ample parking spaces.
From Carpark C1, it’s a short walk south along the park’s pathways to the beach, then turn left and continue until you spot Amber Beacon Tower.
Things to See and Do
Learn about its murder mystery
Media from abriefcasepodcast
The first time I read about the 1990 murder at Amber Beacon Tower, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, especially with Singapore being widely known as a low-crime and safe place.
The romantic seaside date night that turned into tragedy was never solved, and to this day, police still have no clue about the murderer.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into the haunting mystery of that tragic event, check out this video that presents a visual exploration of it (I found it extra insightful).
Pro-tips:
- Start with the Wikipedia entry for verified facts, then dive into blogs and YouTube videos for eerie retellings (just don’t read or watch them on the premises at night!).
- Check local forums like RedditSG and search for “yellow tower stories”. You’ll find firsthand accounts and eerie retellings you won’t see in guidebooks.
Ghost Hunting
Media from donaldpwee
I’ve stood at the base of Amber Beacon tower at night, and it’s a different place entirely—dead quiet, except for the occasional crash of waves and a chill that creeps in fast. A few of us swear we heard a faint woman’s cry after midnight, but saw nothing.
Some claim to have seen a figure in white drifting near the stairs, always vanishing before you get too close. The tower lives up to its reputation as one of Singapore’s most haunted spots, whether it’s our collective imagination or something else.
Pro-tip: Go in a group and bring a flashlight, especially after midnight; the area gets pitch dark and oddly silent.
Climb the staircase for panoramic coastal views
Media from framedmundanity
The view after climbing the Amber Beacon Tower staircase never gets old, no matter how many times I’ve done it, especially when the sky turns gold at sunrise. I can see tankers anchored in the distance, and on clear days, even make out Batam on the horizon!
It’s quiet up there with just the wind and the sea, and the occasional jogger passing below. If you’re into coastal photography or just need a moment away from it all, this spot does the trick.
Pro-tips:
- Go after sunrise on a cool day, so it’s cooler, quieter, and you’ll likely have the tower all to yourself (or maybe with an eerie presence or two).
- Watch your step! The spiral stairs are steep, and there’s no handrail at the top.
Enjoy nearby recreational activities
Media from mewithwheels
After visiting Amber Beacon Tower, I usually rent a bike and ride the stretch along the coast. It’s one of the best ways to wind down, with the breeze, the sea, and the occasional otter sighting making it feel far away from the city.
Sometimes I just lay out a mat nearby with a book, or head to hawker stalls for cold drinks or a fried prawn mee. Coastal Playgrove is just down the path, too, if you’ve got kids in tow.
Pro-tip: When renting a bike, pack light and loop the tower into your route, then cool off with snacks at East Coast Lagoon Food Village just 10 minutes away.
Have a breezy picnic
Media from truffletales
My friends and I have had a few picnics (special occasions and otherwise) near Amber Beacon Tower. We just brought a mat and snacks, and the area provided the ambience and a steady sea breeze.
It’s quiet enough on weekdays that you can hear the waves and your thoughts (or the chatter of your pals). There’s something oddly calming about lounging in a place with such a heavy past.
Pro-tip: Stay until dusk for safety, but if you’re feeling brave, you can stay on until nighttime when it gets really silent, really fast.
