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Indonesians are known for their deep affinity for mystical experiences. Digital travel platform Agoda reveals thrilling locations in the five most popular domestic destinations in Indonesia according to booking insights. Each destination is home to a variety of mystical places and urban legends. Whether you’re a believer or not, these destinations are sure to add a touch of excitement and mystery to your journey.
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Bali – Island of Phantoms and Legends
Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali boasts natural beauty and a rich culture. Beyond the beaches and temples, the island harbors a mythical side. From Tanah Lot, an ancient temple said to be protected by a giant sea snake known as Baruna, to Taman Festival, an abandoned amusement park that now attracts mystery lovers, Bali offers a wealth of mystical experiences for the adventurous.
Other eerie destinations on the island include the Klungkung Japanese Cave, a complex of caves built by Japanese soldiers during World War II and said to be haunted by their ghosts, Dam Oongan, a dam built on the site of a cemetery and believed to be haunted by the spirits of the local residents buried there, and Pi Bedugul, a luxurious hotel abandoned after the Bali bombings in 1999.
Jakarta – City of Ghostly Secrets
Jakarta, the vibrant capital of Indonesia, is home to a few haunted places that draw thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. One of the spookiest spots is Jeruk Purut Cemetery, where stories are told of a headless priest who roams the graveyard at night, clutching his severed head. Another is Taman Langsat, a park said to be haunted by a kuntilanak (a ghostly woman with long black hair and a white dress). Her eerie cries are said to echo through the trees at night, and some have even spotted her ghostly figure in the shadows.
And then there’s Menara Saidah, once a bustling office building, now empty, with boarded-up windows and echoing halls. Legend has it that the tower is haunted by a woman in a red dress who cries and wanders the corridors. Lastly, Toko Merah, a historic red building that witnessed a tragic event during the Japanese occupation, is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of the Chinese people who were killed and buried within its walls.
Batam – Island of Eerie Enigmas
As a popular tourist destination, Batam also has a few haunted places inhabited by spirits. Mata Kucing Tourist Forest, known for its unique rock formations, is said to have been a transfer place for genies and spirits. Visitors have reported eerie sounds, ghostly apparitions, and chilling encounters in the forest, with claims of spectral touches and scratches.
Sei Ladi, a small lake in a dense forest, is believed to be a gathering place for lost ghosts, some of whom are rumoured to have been dumped into the lake as corpses. Barelang Bridge, a series of six bridges connecting Batam to several other islands, is spot which has witnessed numerous accidents, and some believe there to be an otherworldly presence around the bridges.
Lombok – Mystical Haven
Lombok, a hidden gem in Indonesia, is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, friendly people, and mystical legends. One of the most popular mystical stories involves Desa Besari, a mysterious village rumored to have disappeared mysteriously in the late 17th century. Some believe that the village moved to the spiritual realm, while others think it was destroyed, and its inhabitants killed. Today, Desa Besari is a popular tourist destination for those interested in the supernatural.
Another mystical destination is Gunung Wayang Island, believed to be inhabited by spirits and other supernatural creatures. Visitors must seek permission from traditional authorities before visiting, as anyone who visits without permission is said to experience bad luck or even death.
Yogyakarta – Realm of Spirits and Shadows
Yogyakarta, a special region in Central Java, Indonesia, is famous for its rich culture, history, and mystical heritage. Selarong Cave is said to be home to a gamelan orchestra that can only be heard on Tuesday Kliwon nights, a sacred night in Javanese culture when the spirits of the ancestors are particularly active. Vredeburg Fort, located not far from Jalan Malioboro, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Dutch woman on horseback and a group of headless soldiers. Visitors to the fort have reported seeing these spectral figures marching through the fort grounds at night.
Mount Merapi, an active volcano located near Yogyakarta, is also a place of mystical significance. According to local legend, there is a magical market on the slopes of the volcano, where buying and selling transactions are carried out not by humans, but by supernatural beings. Plunyon Kalikuning Bridge, once a beautiful natural tourist attraction, is now a haunted destination in Yogyakarta. It is said to be home to a variety of ghosts and other supernatural entities, including those depicted in the horror movie ‘KKN di Desa Penari’.
