5 spooky places that will give you the creeps

Are you ready to be scared out of your wits this Halloween? Why not get your fix of holiday horror by travelling to these spooky destinations on Halloween?

Holiday experiences spiked with creepy encounters and supernatural commotion always make travel stories a whole lot more interesting… well at least for the readers or listeners. While most of us would rather steer clear of the spirit world, some people love a good scare. After all, there’s a reason why haunted tours, ghost-hunter shows, and horror movies find such success around the world. If you love being spooked, there are numerous ways to incorporate a little bit of mystery and mayhem into your travels, if you dare. So, grab your flashlight and running shoes and get ready for a swashbuckling ghost-hunting adventure!

PS – Even if you’re a skeptic, book your flight ticket to one of these destinations anyway. Who knows, maybe the ghosts will change your mind?

The Island of Dolls in Mexico

Remember Chucky, from the movie Seed of Chucky? The cheeky, ghostly-doll possessed by the evil spirit of a serial killer? That was one movie that really gave me the creeps! Imagine being surrounded by hundreds of decaying dolls. Welcome to La Isla de las Muñecas, the Island of Dolls! No, this is not a nightmare and nor is it an eerie film set. It is real and it’s one of the creepiest places in Mexico. The decomposing, mutilated dolls hang from trees, lay strewn across the ground, and sit bunched on the wooden fences. Their skin is scabbed and peeling, their filthy hair hangs in a tangled, lifeless mess and their dead eyes stare at you from half empty sockets, following you everywhere you go. According to popular folklore, the owner of the island, a local farmer, was haunted by the spirit of a little girl and so he hung dolls around the place to please her and protect himself from her. The current owner who now lives on the island says the dolls come alive at night, turning their heads and whispering to each other, and they cannot be removed for it will anger ‘the little girl’.

Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India

Built in the 17th century, this fort is believed to be the scariest of all the haunted places in India. Steeped in history and folklore alike, the abandoned ruins of Bhangarh arouse a feeling of gloom and bone-chilling hollowness. The last few residents who fled the town claim that restless spirits roam in Bhangarh Fort at night and one can hear strange noises like screaming, crying voice of women, and the sound of bangles clinking. While there are varied versions of the mystery surrounding Bhangarh, the most popular story tells the tale of a magician called Singhia who falls in love with the local princess Ratnavati, and tries to bewitch her. When the princess learns of his evil plan she orders him dead, but before dying the magician curses the town and its residents. And, nobody has been able to live there in peace since.

Aokigahara Forest in Japan

Aokigahara Forest is a dense, dark woodland located at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan. Better known as the Suicide Forest, it is covered with thick bushes and twisted trees and is said to lure many innocent visitors and hikers into its demonic trap. Almost devoid of animal life, the forest is eerily quiet and a popular place for ending one’s life. It is said that these ghastly spirits of unsettled souls glide between the trees with their white, shifting forms being occasionally spotted by unsuspecting visitors out of the corners of their eyes. No nighttime hiking for me please!

Changi Beach in Singapore

Located at the northern tip of Changi in the eastern region of Singapore, Changi Beach is one of the oldest beach parks and is popular among locals as a hangout for family picnics. However despite its serene and peaceful surrounding, the pristine beach is said to be haunted by its grim past. Changi Beach served as a killing ground for the Japanese during The Second World War. Thousands of Chinese were tortured and killed during the war. Locals have often reported hearing mysterious crying and screaming and seeing bloody stains on the sand. People have even reported seeing headless bodies walking by the water. Care for a swim?

The Tower of London in England

London is said to be the most haunted city in the world and one of the spookiest places in the city is the Tower of London, a historic castle. Tainted by centuries of bloody history, this beautiful medieval castle is said to be home to the tortured souls murdered and executed in the castle. Night guards have often reported hearing strange noises seeing the headless ghost of Anne Boleyn wafting around the castle with her head in her hand. Perhaps the most spine chilling of all reports is that of the mysterious appearance of two terrified children whimpering for help. It is believed these are the two princes said to have been murdered by their uncle, Richard III, in 1483.

Got any spooky experiences that you’d like to share? We would love to hear about them, so feel free to comment.

By Fatema Salim