Where The Fearless Are Tested
Delve into the sciences behind the very things that keep us awake at night, our fears.
Story and Illustrations by Nur Wafeeqah
“What is there for a daredevil and thrill-seeker to fear?” As someone who is relatively fearless, Science Centre’s award-winning exhibition certainly poses a challenge to all who dare to visit.
Welcome to ‘PHOBIA2 : The Science Of Fear’. Filled with entertaining and interactive set ups, this exhibit encourages visitors to discover and learn about the various aspects of psychology and physiology behind common fears.
Upon entering the nostalgic Science Centre, I followed the signs that led to the exhibit, where I was abruptly greeted by a gigantic mad-looking skull whose eyes almost popped out of its sockets. This magnificent piece of ‘horror’ was accompanied by an electric chair that was placed right outside the pathway. Although I was convinced that I would be able to brave the entire exhibition, I admit that the whacky and spooky atmosphere that had aroused from the different set-ups caught me off-guard and made my heart quicken a little bit.
With bated breath, I took my first step past the curtain. The forest-like atmosphere sent shivers down my spine as I caught a glimpse of a giant bipedal animatronic monster standing amongst the trees, similar to the likes of the mythical creature Bigfoot. As I took in my surroundings, I noticed an elephant’s head pressed against the wall that was accompanied by exhibit labels that explained the elements of the forest that were commonly feared by many.
Within the room, there was also a hidden display of a tiger jumping out from the woods, meant to depict the fear of getting attacked. Although I acknowledge that the jungle may give the men of our nation horrifying flashbacks to experiences in the army, I was not fazed by the elements in the section; instead, my amusement surpassed my fear of getting eaten alive.
Moving onto the next room: “The Graveyard”. This room sought to explore the fears behind being buried alive. Lined up with death-like elements such as a coffin where visitors could slide under, the room also included several spider props on the walls, which went to the extent of featuring a person who would look fully spiderwebbed. Although I felt that this room was more eerie than the previous room, I was still determined to hold onto my pride of being brave and was indeed more fascinated by the structures than scared.
This was when I faced my biggest challenge. In order to go to the next area, I had to walk through a pitch-black passageway, which supposedly aimed to push the limits of visitors’ fear of the dark. Upon reflection, this passage was the most intimidating part of the entire exhibit for me, solely due to the reason of not knowing what was to come.With deep breaths, I prayed that nothing would reach out for me from the ‘depths of nothingness’. After what seemed like forever but was actually only five metres of a dark tunnel, I made haste towards the exit as soon as I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
After what I thought was freedom, alas, I was rudely startled by a seven-foot killer clown figure in the middle of the next room. Dressed in its typical rainbow suit, bright red pants,white-painted face that was completed with lines of blue paint surrounding its eyes, and ridiculously unsightly hair, it was enclosed within the carnival-themed room. This room was sure to depict the epitome of death for anyone with coulrophobia, also known as the fear of clowns. As crazy as it may sound, I had a blast screaming my head off in a screaming booth where I “competed” with other visitors on who could scream the loudest. What I truly enjoyed from this room however was being able to gain insight on how the different senses and different smells, sights and sounds alone could trigger fear in the human mind.
Phobia2: The Science Of Fears was in essence, a mini educational version of Halloween Horror Nights. Filled with endless rooms of terror, I believe that nothing can compare to the first-hand experience that one shall go through as they immerse themselves in this exhibit. Apart from all that I have shared above, I can testify that visitors (or victims) can anticipate so many more ‘fear-stimulators’ of which I shall not spoil for those interested.
Science Centre Singapore
Address: 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
Permanent Exhibit @ Hall B
Recommended Experience Time: 45-60 Minutes
Admission Fee
(Singaporeans & PR): Free on weekdays during the school term | $4/child and $6/adult on weekends & PH
(Standard): $8/child and $12/adult
