The pandemic may have ensued a steady stream of lockdown measures for a prolonged period, but there’s no stopping us from seeking some halloween thrill. With halloween around the corner, we’ve decided to suss out the top 5 most haunted houses around Southeast Asia — which you can virtually “walk-through” from the comfort of your own home! Enter if you dare.
Top 5 – Kellie’s Castle, Malaysia
Perched on top of a hill, Kellie’s Castle is named after its Scottish owner William Kellie Smith who built this British Raj for his beloved wife, Agnes. It was meant to be a home away home for the couple. Building began in 1915. Unfortunately, Smith died before it could be completed in 1926. Some claimed to have seen a young girl, believed to be his daughter in one of the bedrooms, adding to the mystery and romance of the place.
Top 4 – Lawang Sewu, Indonesia
Lewang Sewu (meaning “Thousand Doors” in Javanese) is an iconic colonial building in Semarang, Central Java. It was built as the headquarters of the Dutch East Indies Railway Company. The horror house is rumoured to have a young dutch woman and headless spirits of those executed during World War II loitering through the labyrinthe halls. Click here to view 360 of the various halls.
Top 3 – Old Changi Hospital, Singapore
Built in 1930s as a military hospital for prisoners of war, Old Changi Hospital is Singapore’s most well-known haunted site. The place has been abandoned since 1997, and a hotbed of paranormal activity for aspiring Ghostbusters.
Top 2 – Aokigahara, Japan
Aokigahara forest, also called the Sea of Trees, sits at the base of the majestic Mt. Fuji. It has had a dark reputation for decades. More than 100 people from around the area have committed suicide in the forest between 2013 to 2015 alone. There is even a signage at the entrance that reminds visitors to, “Quietly think once more about your parents, siblings or children. Please don’t suffer alone, and first reach out.” Take a slow stroll into the forest or camp overnight in 360 virtual experience below. Make sure to keep your audio on! We also advise that, it’s probably best to keep on trail.
Top 1 – The Killing Fields, Cambodia
For a happy and vibrant place, Cambodia has a terribly dark history. Less known compared to the Jewish halocust, the Cambodian genocide is no less terrifying. Under the revolutionary leader, Pol Pot, begun heinous murders that lasted four brutal years.The Khmer Rogue aimed to establish a classless communist state based on rural agrarian economy, in complete rejection of the external world. A Chankiri Tree (or “Killing Tree”) is known to be used to smash infants’ heads against so they would grow up to seek revenge.
Cover Image Credit: @fin.barr
