Palace of Ghosts: Singapore's Untold History

I've often said that Palace of Ghosts: Singapore's Untold History  spans a vast timeline—from the 1780s all the way to the present day. Without giving anything away, I wanted to share a small teaser that hints at how the properties featured in Palace of Ghosts: Singapore’s Untold History have now evolved into the foundation of one of the city-state’s most enduring urban legends that seems to resonate deeply within contemporary Singapore culture. Find out more: read the book These videos and photos aren’t mine, and full credit goes to their original creators. I'm sharing them here simply to show how the myths, mysteries—and perhaps even hauntings—surrounding these old palaces have taken on a life of their own in the 21st century. The internet is full of intriguing bits and pieces about the location some of which I will post over the next few weeks. Here’s a great example from a YouTuber who goes by “Simon Says.” ( Simon Says ) Enjoy! Find out more: read the book

The "Unserene Sultan" In Palace of Ghosts , the untold story is narrated through the lens of a mysterious ruined palace. Pinpointing a lead character is no easy task. In fact, such a description rightfully belongs to the palace itself, as the narrative continually circles back to the Tyersall estate and the grand palaces that once stood upon it. Find Out More: Read the Book However, it is also true to say that the span of the Palace of Ghosts story arc, starting in the 1780s and reaching up to the present day, does include one human character whose life plays such an important role in the events that unfolded. That person is Sultan Ibrahim of Johor (1873-1959) and one of the reasons he stands out is how long he ruled as Sultan of Johor. The previous post introduced this remarkable man.  His astonishing tenure as Sultan of Johor alone – an incredible 64 years – qualifies him as a major figure in the region’s history and the story of Palace of Ghosts . But, of course, there is...

Sultan Abu Bakar passed away in London, UK, on 4 June 1895 only months after the grand ball at Istana Tyersall. His body was shipped back to Johor where he was laid to rest at the royal mausoleum at Makam Mahmoodiah on 7 September 1895. The creator of Istana Tyersall, his Sultana Fatimah, had been buried there four years earlier in 1891.  His son, Tunku Ibrahim was installed as the new Sultan of Johor in November 1895. Sultan Ibrahim’s reign was to span more than six decades, encompassing two world wars and a host of sensational and dramatic events. Palace of Ghosts dedicates five chapters to this transformative period, during which the Tyersall estate underwent significant changes that in many ways mirrored the sweeping geopolitical and social shifts in both Singapore and Johor. A frequently controversial figure, Sultan Ibrahim's life is a fascinating tale of immense wealth, power, heartbreak, and tragedy—recurring themes woven throughout the narrative of  Palace of Ghosts: ...