Haunted Places in Asia: Exploring Dark Histories and Ghostly Legends

If you’re the type of traveller who seeks a little thrill, Asia has no shortage of spine-tingling stories and eerie ruins to explore. From misty hilltop hotels to abandoned hospitals and ghostly parks, these haunted places are steeped in folklore, war history and local superstition.

Also read: 5 Abandoned Theme Parks in Asia That You Can Visit (If You Dare)

Abandoned Bedugul Taman Hotel, Bali, Indonesia

Also known as The Ghost Palace Hotel, this unfinished luxury resort was reportedly abandoned in the late 1990s. Some say the project was cursed from the start, tied to a disgraced developer, while others believe workers died during construction.

Left to decay, the hotel has become a surreal site of moss-covered corridors, grand staircases leading nowhere, and the occasional rumour of ghostly sightings: shadowy figures, cold spots and whispers in the silence.

Diplomat Hotel, Baguio, Philippines

This former Dominican retreat turned wartime refuge sits on a hilltop in Baguio City. During World War II, it was occupied by Japanese forces and became the site of brutal executions.

Later converted into a hotel, it was abandoned in the 1980s after the death of its owner. Today, it’s a favourite for ghost hunters, with countless stories of disembodied voices, headless nuns, and doors that slam on their own. The site is open to visitors during the day. You’ll get great views of the city, just don’t stay too long after dark.

Old Changi Hospital, Singapore

Built in the 1930s, this colonial-era hospital served British troops before being taken over by the Japanese during their occupation.

It’s now sealed off, but stories of paranormal activity persist: glowing orbs, crying sounds, and sightings of a Japanese soldier’s ghost patrolling the halls. Despite its derelict state, it remains a key player in Singapore’s urban legends.

Penang War Museum, Malaysia

Once a British military base, this hilltop site in Batu Maung became a torture and execution centre during World War II. Today, it’s a museum, but the energy of its dark past lingers.

Visitors have reported hearing screams, feeling cold drafts in sealed rooms, and even seeing shadowy figures. Some even claim the former execution chambers are still “active”. You can explore during the day, or join one of the after-dark tours.

Tao Dan Park, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tao Dan is a lush green space by day, but locals avoid it after sunset. According to legend, a man was murdered here decades ago while waiting for his lover. His restless spirit is said to still wander, searching for her. Park-goers have reported a chill in the air, whispers from nowhere, and the eerie sense of being watched.

Lawang Sewu, Semarang, Indonesia

This grand Dutch-era building known as Lawang Sewu, which means “Thousand Doors”, has seen everything from train offices to wartime imprisonment. The basement was used as a torture chamber by Japanese forces during World War II.

Ghost sightings here are so frequent that it’s featured on local paranormal shows. Echoing footsteps, ghostly women, and sudden cold gusts are just part of the experience. Guided tours are available, so stick with a group if you’re easily spooked.

Bokor Hill Station, Cambodia

High in Cambodia’s southern mountains sits Bokor Hill Station, a former French colonial resort abandoned in the 1940s. War, isolation and time have turned it into a chilling ruin, especially the Grand Bokor Palace Hotel.

The building has seen everything from elegant parties to violent takeovers. On foggy days, it feels like the ghosts of the past are still checking in.

Mae Nak Shrine, Bangkok, Thailand

According to Thai legend, Mae Nak died in childbirth while her husband was away at war. When he returned, she welcomed him home as if nothing had happened, but neighbours who tried to tell the truth met a grim fate.

The shrine is situated next to Klong Phra Khanong, within Wat Mahabut, a revered site that holds great significance to locals, especially women seeking blessings for safe childbirth.

Yeongdeok Haunted House, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea

Nestled near the coastal village of Yeongdeok, this dilapidated two-storey house is notorious among locals as one of South Korea’s most unsettling “evil houses.” Built, according to legend, atop a mass grave of student soldiers who perished during the Korean War’s Battle of Jangsari, the house carries a heavy aura of sorrow and unrest.

Visitors report sudden chills, headaches, and fleeting apparitions, especially around the creaking staircase. The chilling atmosphere is amplified by the surrounding rural quiet, making it a hauntingly atmospheric stop for those drawn to Korea’s darker history.

Bonus: Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear, Fuji-Q Highland, Japan

While not a haunted site in the traditional sense, the Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear at Fuji-Q Highland deserves an honourable mention for being one of the most terrifying horror attractions in the world. Set in a fictional, decaying hospital with a dark backstory of illegal surgeries and vengeful spirits, this immersive experience is designed to make you scream.

Redesigned in 2024, the attraction now spans around 900 metres and takes nearly an hour to complete, making it the longest haunted house in the world. From flickering lights and disturbing smells to creepy hospital corridors and full-blown chase sequences, every detail is engineered for maximum psychological dread.

Also read: 10 More Dark Tourism Destinations Around the World

Still feeling brave?

These haunted places in Asia aren’t just spooky for the sake of it. They’re steeped in local history, superstition and cultural memory. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, visiting them offers a unique window into the region’s past. Just remember: be respectful, tread lightly, and maybe don’t go alone.