Why are S'poreans talking about Larspura, an island that doesn't exist?

Have you, by any chance, seen videos of local influencers raving about a trip to Larspura?

Or maybe you’ve noticed signs pointing to a place called Larspura?

Because I certainly have.

And if you’re scratching your head wondering what Larspura is and where it might be, you’re not alone.

Influencers raving about Larspura

It all started during one of my late-night social media doomscrolling sessions, you know, the kind where you’re supposed to be asleep but somehow it’s 2am.

That’s when I stumbled upon a video by SGAG’s Syafiqa (@syafiqapls), talking about a flight ticket she received.

I almost swiped past it — until I heard her say, “Larspura.”

Larspura? Where’s that?

She flashed her boarding ticket, which showed Larspura as a travel destination.

Interesting.

Maybe it’s some hidden gem, an island belonging to one of our neighbouring countries?

Curiosity piqued, I opened my maps app and searched for “Larspura”.

Nothing. Not a single pin.

Cue my confused face.

I shrugged it off, skipped the video, and finally surrendered to sleep.

Not done just yet

But Larspura wasn’t done with me yet.

The next morning, during my usual social media scroll on the commute (because priorities), I saw another video — this time from local influencer Kai (@pale.nerves) — also talking about Larspura.

Wait, again? What’s with this Larspura?

Why is everyone hyping up this island that doesn’t even exist on the map?

Here’s the kicker: Kai didn’t seem to know either.

He looked just as perplexed, so much so that he decided to Google it (which, in hindsight, I probably should’ve done too).

His search led him to a website about an escape room experience.

Now I was officially intrigued.

The truth about Larspura

I finally Googled it for myself and landed on visitlarspura.com.

Turns out, Larspura isn’t a real island.

It’s the centrepiece of an immersive escape room experience called, “The Trip: What Happened in Larspura?”.

Here’s the premise: a group of five friends visit Larspura together, but one comes back not quite himself.

Cue the goosebumps.

The influencers? You probably won’t need me to spell out what they were doing.

Now that I know Larspura isn’t a secret tropical paradise, I should feel relieved… but instead, I’m even more curious about this escape room.

It’s supposedly a sinister drug-themed mystery featuring real-life simulations testing your susceptibility to influence.

If you’re as intrigued as I am and want to uncover the mysteries of Larspura for yourself, you can do so at Stamford Arts Centre, held exclusively from Feb. 28 to Mar. 6 only.

Admission is free, but slots are limited, so make sure to secure yours here now.

The Trip – What Happened in Larspura?

Address: 155 Waterloo Street, Stamford Arts Centre, Singapore 187962

Date: Feb. 28 - Mar. 6, 2025

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 12pm to 9pm

Saturdays & Sundays: 10am to 9pm

This article sponsored by the Central Narcotics Bureau got this writer as curious as a cat.

Top photos from @samanthatyf/Instagram, @syafiqapls/Instagram and the Central Narcotics Bureau