Experience A Haunting Adventure

written on February 1st, 2017 by Rafia Abubakar

Everyone needs a spooky haunting story. The best way to get one is to experience it for yourself. Scrolling down my newsfeed I read something interesting, a mysterious place, the Invisible City of Samar in the Philippines, Biringan City.

In my younger years, I heard about urban legends of places such as Biringan. People always point to different locations but the gist is the same: hidden or visible only at night. Those who stumble unto it were either lured by the inhabitants or overstepped a boundary. Usually they are not of this realm, they are typically missing the Philtrum – the line at the center, below the nose, and above the lips. These dwellers are Elementals or enchanted beings, who can change forms to lure visitors (or victims).

But this is the first I heard of a given name and location of the aforementioned mythical cities. People are wondering if it can indeed be found. And who are daring enough for such an adventure.

So here I am wondering: what other places are sought for their unique and spooky charm?

In my search I stumbled on a blog post listing the scariest places on Earth. While there could be more, these seem like a good start. Here are places I found interesting from the blog post 21 MOST HAUNTED PLACES IN THE WORLD – THE VERY SCARIEST PLACES ON EARTH!

Of the 21, here are 10 that I found personally interesting (text from the aforementioned website):

1) MONTE CRISTO HOMESTEAD – NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA

The historic Monte Cristo Homestead in Junee, New South Wales is regarded as the most haunted location in Australia. Its reputation is believed to stem from the amount of tragic events that have occurred there since it was built in 1885. From the time of its construction up to 1948, the Crawley family owned and resided in the property. During this time the family laid witness to many deaths, including the tragic death of a young child who was dropped down the stairs. A maid to the family is believed to have fallen from the balcony, and a stable boy apparently burned to death on the property.

 

2) THE TOWER OF LONDON – LONDON, ENGLAND

With a history of torture and execution going back over 900 years, the Tower of London is regarded by many as one of the most haunted places in the UK. It was originally built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, and has served a major role in the history of England ever since.

3) CHÂTEAU DE BRISSAC, MAINE-ET-LOIRE, FRANCE

Originally built in the 11th century as a castle by the Counts of Anjou, Château de Brissac was rebuilt in 1502, by Charles II, Duke of Brissac, who gave it its name. This noble castle is the tallest in France, and it exudes old world charm, but one of its past residents has shocked more than one visitor.

4) BORGVATTNET (THE HAUNTED VICARAGE) – SWEDEN

Borgvattnet is a small village in Jämtland County, Northern Sweden. It’s renowned for having one of the most haunted houses in Sweden, The Old Vicarage, which was built in 1876.

5) LAWANG SEWU – SEMARANG, INDONESIA

Lawang Sewu (meaning “Thousand Doors”) was Built in 1917 by the Dutch East Indian Railway Company. During World War II the Japanese occupied Indonesia, and Lawang Sewu was taken over by Japanese forces. The basement of B building was used as a prison, where many people were treated harshly, with many of them being executed. When Semarang was retaken by the Dutch in October 1945 at the battle of Semarang, Dutch soldiers used the tunnel underneath A building to sneak into the city. A battle ensued and numerous Indonesian soldiers were killed, as well as 5 employees.

 

6) ISLAND OF THE DOLLS – XOCHIMILCO, MEXICO

Located on Lake Teshuilo in Xochimilco, Mexico City, the island La Isla de la Munecas (The Island of the Dolls) is certainly one of the strangest haunted locations in our list. In the 1950’s, a man named Julian Santan Barrera moved to the island (despite being married with a young family). Julian was unaware of the dark history of the area when he moved there to become a recluse. Legend says that three young girls were playing near the water in the 1920’s, when one of the girls fell in and drowned in the murky waters. Locals believed that ever since her death, the young girls’ spirit has been unable to leave the island. It soon grew quite a reputation as a haunted place, and locals wouldn’t go near it at night for fear of what they may see.

7) EDINBURGH CASTLE – EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

The site on which Edinburgh Castle sits has history dating back to the Iron Age. Situated overlooking what many people believe to be the most haunted city on Earth, Edinburgh Castle has been the site of torture and many bloody battles during its time. Recipes for many a haunted location.

8) AKERSHUS FORTRESS – OSLO, NORWAY

Built around 1300, Akershus Fortress (aka Akershus Castle) is a medieval castle that served as a defensive stronghold for the city of Oslo. It has served as a prison during the late 18th-19th centuries, with many prisoners dying during their imprisonment. Nazi’s also occupied the castle during World War II, carrying out many executions on the site.

9) OLD CHANGI HOSPITAL – CHANGI, SINGAPORE

The Old Changi Hospital is a former hospital in Changi, Singapore. It was built back in 1935 as part of the old Changi military base. During the occupation of the Japanese the compound was used by the notorious Kempeitai (the Japenese Secret Police) as a prison and torture camp. After the end of World War II, the building was again a hospital, and remained so until 1997, when it was replaced by the Changi General Hospital. It has stood derelict and decaying ever since.

10) THE WHITE HOUSE – WASHINGTON D.C., USA

Perhaps the world’s most famous residence, the home and office of the President of the United States. It has been the official residence of every president since 1800, when John Adams first moved into the house. With the vast amount of history and historical figures that have graced its rooms, it’s very little wonder that the White House has a tale or two of hauntings. In fact, it’s considered to be the most haunted house in America.