RaufThe things that go bump in the night present some with the thrilling prospect of a good scare that can be hard to resist. It may be the adrenaline rush that keeps them coming back for more. Not knowing what lurks in the depths of abandoned structures and isolated locations may get you going if you’re the sort that gets your kicks out of all things ghoulish and ghastly.
If this describes you well, then you should take note that Malaysia has no shortage of terrifying haunted spots for you to choose from, as well as ominous historical landmarks just oozing with notoriety and the echoes of less than savoury events.
Thrill-seeking ghost hunters rejoice. This list contains just some of the spookiest haunts in Malaysia. Be forewarned, however. You may catch something on camera or even have something follow you home so make sure you keep your wits about you.
Karak Highway
Image credit: stratman²
You may have used this highway to get around but the extremely notorious Karak Highway has its fair share of stories. There are those that may be able to tell you an experience either they or an acquaintance had while driving down its path.
The highway leads up to two of Malaysia’s popular destinations, Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands and this winding stretch has been the site of some horrific accidents. It is perhaps due to this (according to some people) that hauntings and strange occurrences are said to happen here and drivers are often warned to stay vigilant while travelling along this highway.
Commuters have been known to encounter the Pontianak (a female ghost of local lore), a driverless yellow Volkswagen which will continue to appear in front of you even after overtaking it and a lost young boy looking for his mother. The Karak Highway turned into such an iconic horror hotspot that a movie (titled ‘Karak: Laluan Puaka’) was even made based on eyewitness stories.
Shih Chung Branch School
Image credit: Teoh WeiKeong
Located near Lebuh Farquhar, the Shih Chung Branch School has a history that goes back to the days of the Japanese Occupation. It was once a military administrative building where numerous people had been tortured to death.
Now, it stands as a painful reminder of past atrocities, draped in overgrown vegetation and left to deteriorate over time.
According to some, the sight of the building is enough to send shivers down your spine. Reports from visitors of the site of sudden and unexplained attacks of hysteria suggest that this is one dark area that shouldn’t be messed with. Apparitions of Japanese soldiers have also been seen wandering the vicinity.
Ria Apartment, Genting Highlands
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As it is, Genting Highlands is a massive location and it has gained a reputation for being haunted in certain areas. The Ria Apartment is probably considered one of the most infamous, with an overwhelming number of stories told by the guests that have stayed there. Apparitions, disembodied whispers and unexplained voices are just a handful of the experiences that have been documented. If you have the stomach for it, the Pahang Block of the apartment seems to have displayed the most activity.
Highland Towers, Bukit Antarabangsa
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This place is arguably one of the most notorious haunted spots in Kuala Lumpur and is home to the infamous Highland Towers which collapsed tragically. Homeowners here apparently heard people screaming for help from the direction of the site. From that fateful day onwards, its menacing reputation has attracted droves of ghost-hunters including groups of teens looking for a bit of a fright.
Kellie’s Castle
Image credit: musimpanas
Known as a mysterious and creepy landmark as well as an attraction steeped in intriguing history, Kellie’s Castle was built by William Kellie Smith in 1915 as a tribute to his wife. During its construction, several issues emerged such as workers being infected by the Spanish flu and the owner himself dying of pneumonia in 1926. Today, visitors drop by to learn about the interesting story of William Kellie Smith and his family. Ghost hunters may be interested in catching a glimpse of the apparitions that have been said to wander around the castle.
99 Door-Mansion at Nibong Tebal
Image credit mypenang.gov.my
This absolutely frightening abandoned mansion hidden in a quiet corner of a palm-oil plantation in Nibong Tebal has a story that’s fit for a Hollywood film. This eerie abode has been empty for over 50 years and is designed with 99 doors within its layout, hence the name. As the story goes, the elaborate home was once owned by an extremely wealthy family who lived a lavish lifestyle, that is until 1948 when brutal murder visited the home and the killer was never found.
Since then, locals will tell you that the site was settled in by a popular witch doctor who used it as a platform for summoning spirits. Such a violent and tragic history is bound to be linked to some kind of paranormal activity. An overwhelming and foreboding sense of evil, the sounds of inhumane growls and ominous apparitions are just some of what you can expect to encounter here. Some even say that you could chance upon the elusive 100th door, an unofficial mysterious portal to the spirit world.
