Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Asia is a land of deep-rooted history, ancient traditions, and spine-chilling legends. Among its breathtaking landscapes and architectural marvels lie eerie places that send shivers down the spine. From abandoned forts and cursed islands to haunted hospitals and ghostly forests, Asia’s most haunted places have baffled paranormal experts and intrigued adventure seekers for centuries. These sites are not just urban legends but locations filled with unsettling stories of spirits, apparitions, and unexplained phenomena. Brace yourself as we delve into the top 10 Asia’s most haunted places, each with its own dark history and spine-tingling tales.
Top 10 Asia’s Most Haunted Places
These Top 10 Asia’s Most Haunted Places combine history, Modernisation, and scenic beauty in a Romantic Getaway.
1. Bhangarh Fort, India
Photo: Chainwit / Wikimedia Commons
Bhangarh Fort, located in the desert state of Rajasthan, is often considered one of the most haunted places in India. The fort, built in the 16th century, has an eerie reputation, especially after sunset. According to local legends, a wizard fell in love with the beautiful princess of Bhangarh and tried to win her over using dark magic. When his spell backfired, the wizard cursed the fort, and since then, strange happenings have been reported. Visitors claim to hear unsettling noises, see strange lights, and feel a sense of dread when they approach the fort at night.
Location: Alwar, Rajasthan
2. Gunkanjima Hashima Island, Japan
Photo: ノーマルエディタ / Wikimedia Commons
Once a booming coal mining hub, Gunkanjima, or “Battleship Island,” is now an eerie ghost town. The island’s abandoned concrete structures and crumbling buildings make it one of Asia’s most haunted destinations. The silent streets and decaying homes tell the tragic stories of miners who lost their lives in harsh conditions. Visitors report an eerie sense of being watched and claim to hear unexplained whispers in the wind.
Location: Nagasaki, Japan
3. Aokigahara Forest, Japan
Photo: ajari / Wikimedia Commons
Aokigahara, also known as the “Suicide Forest,” sits at the base of Mount Fuji. This forest has a dark history, known for being a common site for people to take their own lives. Due to this, many believe that the souls of the deceased linger in the forest. The dense trees block out sunlight, creating an atmosphere of stillness and isolation. Some visitors claim to hear whispers or see figures moving between the trees. It is also easy to get lost due to the high iron content in the ground, which disrupts compasses.
Location: Honshu, Japan
4. The Forbidden City, China
Photo: kallgan / Wikimedia Commons
The Forbidden City in Beijing, once the home of Chinese emperors, is filled with tales of supernatural activity. It is said that the spirits of former emperors and concubines still roam its corridors. Guards and visitors have reported hearing mysterious footsteps and ghostly figures appearing in the quiet hours of the night. Some even claim to have seen a woman in white crying near the palace walls before disappearing into thin air.
Location: Beijing, China
5. The Changdeokgung Secret Garden, South Korea
Photo: Tungdangthanh / Wikimedia Commons
The Changdeokgung Secret Garden, hidden within the grandeur of Seoul’s royal palaces, is said to be haunted by the spirits of former royals. The garden, once a place of peace and retreat, has been the site of eerie occurrences. Visitors have reported ghostly figures, chilling whispers, and an overwhelming sense of unease. Some even claim to have seen the shadows of past kings walking near the pavilions. The rich history of sorrow, betrayal, and tragedy makes this garden more than just a scenic spot.
Location: Seoul, South Korea
6. Wat Samian Nari, Thailand
Photo: กสิณธร ราชโอรส / Wikimedia Commons
Wat Samian Nari in Bangkok is infamous for a chilling ghost story involving two mysterious women. Taxi drivers report eerie encounters with ghostly passengers who vanish before reaching the temple. The temple is now a key stop for paranormal enthusiasts seeking the truth behind the legend. Many believe the spirits of the deceased still linger, and some claim to have felt a ghostly hand touch them while praying at the shrine.
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
7. Penang Hill, Malaysia
Photo: Renek78 / Wikimedia Commons
Penang Hill, a picturesque retreat on the tropical island of Penang, is not only famous for its breathtaking views but also for its unsettling ghostly tales. The hill was once home to a British military station, where many soldiers lost their lives during World War II. Some say their restless spirits still haunt the area, appearing in old British military uniforms and wandering the misty forests. Visitors have reported hearing eerie footsteps behind them, only to turn around and find no one there. Others claim to have seen shadowy figures near the colonial buildings that remain on the hill.
Location: Penang, Malaysia
8. Agrasen ki Baoli, India
Photo: Aayush Agarwal / Wikimedia Commons
This centuries-old stepwell in Delhi is as haunting as it is architecturally magnificent. Built during the reign of the legendary Maharaja Agrasen, the baoli is an impressive structure of stone and terracotta bricks, featuring 103 steps leading deep underground. However, its eerie reputation overshadows its beauty. According to folklore, the well was once filled with dark, cursed waters that hypnotized visitors into jumping in, never to return. Though the water has long since dried up, eerie occurrences persist. Many visitors report feeling an inexplicable pull toward the stepwell’s depths as if something unseen is calling to them.
Location: Delhi, India
9. Old Changi Hospital, Singapore
Photo: Lajmmoore / Wikimedia Commons
Old Changi Hospital is one of Singapore’s most notoriously haunted locations, with a chilling history that dates back to World War II. Originally built as a British military hospital, it was later occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army and used as a prisoner-of-war camp. The building bore witness to gruesome war crimes, including torture and execution, leaving behind an aura of suffering and unrest. To this day, visitors report spine-chilling encounters, from ghostly apparitions of soldiers and nurses to blood-curdling screams echoing through the deserted hallways. Some have seen shadowy figures moving in the darkness, while others describe an overwhelming sense of dread upon entering.
Location: Changi, Singapore
10. Robinsons Galleria, Philippines
Photo: Matthew Gan / Wikimedia Commons
Robinsons Galleria, one of Manila’s upscale shopping malls, hides an urban legend so bizarre that it continues to haunt the city decades later. The tale revolves around a terrifying creature known as the “taong ahas” (snake-man), allegedly lurking beneath the mall’s dressing rooms. According to rumours, this half-human, half-serpent creature is a descendant of the mall’s founder and preys on unsuspecting women, pulling them through hidden trapdoors to be devoured. The legend gained national attention when popular actress Alice Dixson claimed she had survived an encounter with the monstrous being.
Location: Manila, Philippines
Asia’s most haunted places are shrouded in mystery, fear, and chilling tales that have captivated people for generations. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these destinations offer an unforgettable journey into the unknown. From eerie whispers in abandoned hospitals to shadowy figures in ancient temples, the supernatural lurks in every corner. Ready to experience the paranormal firsthand? Book your haunted adventure with TripXL today and explore the creepiest locations in Asia.
Cover Photo: Deepak Kosta / Unsplash
