Charmaine AchaI used to love horror stories and urban legends shared by my grandma when I was a kid. Kapre (a tree giant that smokes tobacco), tikbalang (half-horse, half human), aswang (vampire-like witch), manananggal (a blood-sucking witch who can detach half of its body), white lady, forest nymph — name all those scary mythical creatures usually featured on local television when November is approaching and I will never be afraid.
Until…
I experienced a hair-raising incident inside our dorm at Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City when I participated in a national conference in grade school. I honestly had no idea that Teacher’s Camp is considered by many as one of the most haunted places in the Philippines. Okay, no more details. Reminiscing my experience still sends chills down my spine. I’m not trying to scare you and I’m not trying to prove anything. But beware, you might just have the same unforgettable spine-chilling experience at these tourist spots in the Philippines.
1. Philippine Military Academy
Image credit: Shubert Ciencia
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is not really a tourist spot, but consider entering the premises of the military school to breathe fresh air and enjoy nature, and if you’re lucky, you might witness a platoon marching on its parade grounds.
With such a relaxing environment, you wouldn’t expect PMA to be one of the haunted places in the Philippines. Rumour has it that when it’s late at night, a platoon can still be heard doing their drills. A white lady, a ghost of a cadet, and a priest beheaded during the Japanese occupation are also believed to be lurking around the vicinity.
2. Mt. Makiling, Los Baños
Image credit: jaya
Mt. Makiling is one of the best hiking destinations in the Philippines not only because of its exciting hiking trail with flat rocks, mud springs and exotic flora and fauna but also because it is believed to be enchanted by a diwata or forest nymph named Maria Makiling who punishes those who try to destroy the forest.
3. Mt. Cristobal, Quezon
Image credit: Ervin Malicdem
While Mt. Banahaw is considered a holy mountain, Mt. Cristobal is the exact opposite. It has been called the “Devil’s Mountain” because of the horror stories and urban legend associated with it. It is said that a couple who hiked the mountain was lost and never found, and their spirits continue to haunt hikers and mountaineers.
4. Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila
Image credit: Shubert Ciencia
Fort Santiago in the walled city of Intramuros is a great place to learn about our rich history but what comes along with it are the stories of tragedy and suffering. The Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was imprisoned in Fort Santiago before his execution in Luneta in 1896. Many soldiers and prisoners also died in this defence fortress during the Spanish colonial era and the Japanese occupation. When night comes, screams and cries of tortured victims are said to be heard while ghosts of soldiers in old uniforms still patrol the area.
Also read: Exploring the Philippine Capital: Top 8 Things to Do in Manila
5. Corregidor Island
Image credit: Chill and Travel
Like Fort Santiago, Corregidor Island also played a significant role in defending the country from invaders. Countless American, Japanese and Filipino soldiers died on this island. While the Malinta Tunnel is the most popular haunted site on the island, try to walk around the other sites or stay for a night at its only hotel. See if you will experience anything out of the ordinary.
Also read: 9 Fun Things to Do in Metro Manila on Your Very First Visit
6. Malacañang Palace
Image credit: John Tewell
As the official residence of the Philippine president, the Malacañang Palace itself is off-limits to the public but you can explore the outer grounds and the attractions surrounding it. If your sixth sense is on, you might feel some unexplainable entities around or greet the said kapre guarding the state entrance. Rumour has it that the ghosts of former presidents Quezon, Roxas and Magsaysay still dwell in the palace.
7. Balay sa Agta cave, Argao, Cebu
Image credit: Cheonsa
Who wants to get inside a cave with a name that is already haunting? One of the largest cave systems in Cebu, Balay sa Agta, as the name suggests, is believed to be the dwelling of an agta, the Visayan version of kapre. If you’re curious about this mythical giant’s existence, head to Argao in Cebu south and go for a spelunking adventure in this enigmatic cave.
8. Enchanted balete tree in Lazi, Siquijor
Image credit: Lawrence Ruiz
You have probably heard of stories about balete trees being the dwellings of supernatural beings, and this gigantic centuries-old balete tree in Lazi, Siquijor is no exception. They say that dwendes (elves) live in this colossal tree. What makes it even more mysterious is that a spring flows from its roots. No one knows exactly where the water comes from. On a lighter note, you can swim or dip your feet into the man-made pool for some fish foot spa, if you dare!
Also read: 10 Strange Places in the Philippines You Probably Didn’t Know About
Whether you believe in otherworldly entities or not, there is no denying that these haunted places in the Philippines are too enthralling not to visit.
