The Malaysian Ghosts
Malaysia is an active cultural crossroads between the Orang Asli (aborigines) Malays,Chinese,Indians,Sabahan and Sarawakians and other minorities of the land converge ,interacting and assimilates in each other. This long history of collision creates a treasury of intercultural belief of ghost and ghost stories. A heritage that is uniquely Malaysian.
Note: There are more than 90 types of ghost in Malaysia. The illustrations below depicts some of these ghosts base on artist's own interpretation. New illustrations will be posted on daily basis. |
Hantu Jerangkung ( Skeleton ghost)
Hantu Jerangkung ,are spirits of murdered person, taking the form of skeleton corpses. It is believe that Jerangkung are summoned by shaman for purposes of protecting him or herself from harm,especially when being cursed upon by others. Jerangkung are graveyard ghosts and can only be called upon during a full moon.Once the spirit is resurrected, a jerangkung can cause harm to whomever's body they possess.
Ancient Ghosts
Hantu Jembalang Tanah ( Earth spirit)If Hantu Hutan ( Jungle spirit) protects the jungle realm,the Hantu Jembalang, also known as Hantu Tanah is the enforcer. An ancient being, like the Jungle spirit and Mountain spirit, Jembalang will bring destruction to those who ravages the earth. Offerings are made by villagers and aborigines, whenever the soil is disturbed.
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Hantu Hutan ( Jungle spirit )
Hantu Hutan,also known as Hantu rimba are spirit of the jungle.It is widely believed that the Hantu Hutan is the oldest and most powerful of all ghosts, and must be respected by all who enters its domain. Those who enter the jungle must always seek permission or make offering before cutting down trees, hunting animals,gathering fruits from trees or crossing paths.
Hantu Hutan protects the jungle realm, able to shape shift into anything including animal, plant,trees,insects, as well as human form. Among other ancient ghost that fall under this category are the Hantu Gua (Cave ghost), hantu laut ( Spirit of the Sea ), Hantu Keramat (Tiger ghost) and Hantu Gunung (Mountain spirit). These beings, roamed the earth long before the existence of mankind. |
Hantu Gunung ( Mountain spirit)Hantu Gunung, are spirits that roamed the mountains. Just like the Hantu Hutan, they belong to the group of ancient ghosts that inhabits the earth before the coming of men. Powerful, Hantu Gunung are capable of causing landslides, avalanche and earthquakes when angered.They are the protector of the mountain realm.Therefore,climbers must be vigilant when hiking mountains. Hantu Gunung often take form of fog/mists, attempting to discourage hikers from climber further. Sometimes, they shapeshift into a beautiful woman, singing on the mountain peek,inticing and confusing climbers. There are often reports by hikers of voices, music and singing during expeditions.
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Hantu Denai ( ghost of wild beast tracks )Hantu Denai is the demon of hunting, an ancient ghost associated with the jungle.Preying on hunters,it lies in wait in the tracks left by wild animal.When opportunity presents itself, the Hantu Denai attack the hunter as he is following his prey. Hantu Denai intimidates its prey by transforming into a hideous creature, imitating sounds of wild animals to drive the hunters away from the forest.
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Hantu Tinggi ( Tall ghost )Hantu Tinggi, akin to the Hantu Galah are tall ghosts that resides deep within the forests. They are said to be so tall,that its head touches the sky. At this height, humans are only able to see the Hantu Tinggi from waist below. Sometimes,their feet are mistaken for a tree trunk.
The Hantu Tinggi grows taller as a person approaches it. Its supernatural abilities would grow stronger after it has gain its height. A direct eye contact with the being may cause severe illness. If threatened, the Hantu Tinggi grabs the person and immediately teleport them to some other nearby place where the person will land disoriented. To prevent from being attacked, walk directly at the Hantu Tinggi and do not look at it. If you do, your neck will be permanently tilted upwards. Stories about Hantu Tinggi are often told to children, not only as cautionary tale,but also to prevent them from climbing tall trees at night. |
Disease causing ghosts
Hantu Bisa ( Venomous Ghost )

Hantu Bisa, which in Malay means poison, are evil spirit associated with terminal illness. It is believed that Hantu Bisa harms the body of those who lingers outdoors at dusk or individuals who fancy taking cold bath after midnight. The body is most vulnerable when its cold and wet,allowing the evil spirit to enter with ease through their toes. Victim experience difficulty in breathing and severe pain throughout their body .One way to prevent the evil spirit from entering the body is either to sleep cross legged or cover the feet with cloth when sleeping.
Hantu Buta ( Blind ghost )Hantu Buta are ghost that causes blindness and terminal illness to its victim. Hantu Buta or Ghost of Blindness are said to manifest in the form of a thin old man with large protruding eyes.
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Hantu Cika ( Inflatable ghost )Hantu Cika or Hantu Kembung are also ghosts that are associated with illness. They can cause severe colic to the abdomen as well as pain to the head of their victims.This normally happens on a cold night during or after rain. Elders who're outdoor during these times are more likely to be disturbed by Hantu Cika.
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