The haunted mountains in Indonesia not only offer natural beauty, but are also inhabited by spirits and have mystical stories that arouse curiosity, from Mount Lawu to Mount Arjuno.
Indonesia, as a country with abundant natural wealth, not only offers the charm of beaches and green tropical forests, but also rows of mountains that are known to be haunted and full of mysterious stories.
Many of these mountains are believed to be inhabited by spirits and hold stories that add to the magical and scary impression.
In this article, we will discuss 10 haunted mountains in Indonesia that are famous for their supernatural phenomena and mystical stories that adorn the journey of climbers who dare to face them.
1. Mount Lawu (Central Java/East Java)
Mount Lawu, located on the border of Magetan, Karanganyar, and Ngawi Regencies, has a reputation as a haunted mountain.
With a height of 3,265 meters above sea level, this mountain holds many mystical stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.
One of the famous stories is the Devil’s Market on the Cetho hiking trail. Climbers often hear a bustling sound like a busy market even though there is no one there.
It is said that the sound comes from spirits that surround the area. There are also several restrictions that climbers must adhere to, such as not climbing with an odd number of people or wearing green clothes.
It is said that those who do not obey this taboo can be disturbed by the supernatural beings who guard this Haunted Place.
2. Mount Salak (West Java)
Located on the border of Sukabumi and Bogor, Mount Salak is famous for its mystical stories, one of which is the Sukhoi plane crash in 2012 which according to some people happened because of the disturbance of spirits that inhabit the mountain.
This mountain also holds the story of Mount Sanggul, which is believed to be the abode of powerful spirits.
Climbers who pass through this area often feel the presence of supernatural energy lurking, some even say that objects or vehicles passing over Mount Sanggul can fall due to supernatural disturbances.
3. Mount Gede (West Java)
Mount Gede, located in the Gede Pangrango National Park area, has stunning views, but behind its beauty, this mountain also holds many mystical stories.
One famous story is the experience of a climber in 2010 who claimed to be spoken to by a voice he thought was his friend, but it turned out to be the voice of a kuntilanak imitating his friend’s voice.
In addition, many climbers have reported strange and disturbing events, especially around the Kandang Batu post.
4. Mount Latimojong (South Sulawesi)
Mount Latimojong in South Sulawesi is known as one of the mountains that has many mystical stories, one of which is the Poppo ghost, a figure who is said to be able to fly and haunt the surrounding community with the sound “Pok! Pok! “.
It is believed that this ghost looks for prey at night and often disturbs climbers who pass through mountain areas at night.
The Poppo Ghost is often considered to be part of a myth that lives in the local community, but its presence is still felt by many people who visit this mountain.
5. Mount Kelud (East Java)
Mount Kelud, one of the active volcanoes in East Java, has a fairly well-known mystical story. One of them is the appearance of a white crocodile which is said to have appeared in the crater of Mount Kelud.
This white crocodile is believed to be the incarnation of an angel who protects the mountain. In addition, many climbers feel a strong mystical atmosphere when climbing this mountain, especially around the crater which emits a strong supernatural aura.
6. Mount Rinjani (Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara)
Mount Rinjani in Lombok is one of the favorite mountains for climbers, but it is also known as a mountain full of supernatural stories.
Lake Segara Anak, located at the top of the mountain, is believed to be inhabited by a nation of jinns led by Dewi Anjani, a supernatural being who is considered the ruler of this mountain.
Climbers who travel to this mountain are required to obey various sacred rules, such as not urinating carelessly and not calling friends by their real names, because it can summon a supernatural form that resembles that person.
7. Mount Semeru (East Java)
Mount Semeru, which is the highest mountain on Java Island, is also famous for its mystical stories.
One of the most famous stories is the appearance of a ghost at Ranu Kumbolo, a lake often used by climbers to rest.
Additionally, many climbers have reported seeing twin statues called Arcapada, which can only be seen by certain people.
Mount Semeru also has haunted areas such as the Kelik Area and Batu memoriam Soe Hok Gie, where many climbers feel the presence of supernatural beings accompanying their journey.
8. Mount Merapi (Central Java)
Mount Merapi, located on the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java, is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, but it is also known as one of the most haunted mountains.
The Pasar Bubrah area below the peak of Merapi is believed to be a gathering place for spirits. Climbers who do not watch their behavior or speech are said to be able to be kidnapped by the supernatural beings who guard the place.
Many people also believe that the Merapi crater is a palace of genies that were once used to help the Mataram Kingdom in battle.
9. Mount Agung (Bali)
Mount Agung in Bali is known as a very sacred mountain for the Balinese people. There are many restrictions that must be adhered to by climbers who want to climb this mountain, such as not bringing food containing beef, not climbing on major Hindu religious holidays, and women who are menstruating are prohibited from climbing.
In addition, Mount Agung is also known for the mystical stories surrounding it, where many climbers report feeling the presence of supernatural beings or very strong mystical energy.
10. Mount Arjuno (East Java)
Mount Arjuno in East Java is known for its history and mystical stories that are closely related to the Majapahit Kingdom.
One of the famous places on this mountain is Alas Lali Jiwo, or “forest of forgetting oneself”, a place where many climbers have reported getting lost even though they have memorized the climbing route.
Mount Arjuno also has the Dieng Market, known as a ghost market, where climbers must obey certain rules, such as not climbing in odd numbers or wearing predominantly red clothes, to avoid being disturbed by supernatural beings.
Indonesia is not only famous for its extraordinary natural charm, but also holds various mystical stories behind its haunted mountains.
From Mount Lawu to Mount Arjuno, each mountain holds a story that combines natural beauty with a captivating magical aura.
For those seeking a Haunted Forest experience, climbing these mountains is not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual journey full of mystery.
