Bali isn’t just about sun-soaked beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture — it’s also a land steeped in mystery, whispers, and eerie legends. Ancient traditions intertwine with ghostly tales, bringing haunted places and creepy stories to life.
From abandoned buildings swallowed by jungle vines to ancient temples where spirits are said to linger, Bali’s haunted places offer a thrilling glimpse into the island’s darker side.
Whether you’re a ghost hunter, a curious traveller, or just someone who loves a good story, these haunted spots across Bali promise a mix of spine-tingling adventures and fascinating history.
Ready to discover the island’s creepiest corners and hear the tales that locals pass down? Let’s dive in.
11 Haunted And Creepy Places In Bali
Bedugul Taman Rekreasi Hotel / The Ghost Palace Hotel
Nestled in the cool mountain air of Bedugul, the Ghost Palace Hotel, or Bali Ghost Hotel, is a chilling example of an ambitious project turned eerie haunted hotel.
Commissioned in the 1990s by Tommy Suharto, son of former Indonesian president Suharto, this sprawling complex was meant to be a luxurious retreat but was abruptly abandoned before completion. Now, the vast hotel grounds lie empty, overgrown with dense jungle and vines creeping through broken windows and crumbling staircases.
Visitors drawn to this infamous site describe an unsettling mix of beauty and decay. The breathtaking views of Bedugul’s lakes and mountains sharply contrast with the dark stories whispered among locals; tales of the tragic deaths of construction workers whose spirits are said to haunt the halls.
Many who’ve ventured inside report seeing shadowy figures moving silently through the abandoned corridors, hearing footsteps when no one else is around, and sensing a heavy, eerie presence.
The eerie atmosphere is heightened by creaking floors, sudden temperature drops, and unexplained noises, making it one of the most talked-about haunted places in Bali. The combination of its unfinished luxury and ghostly legends has made the Ghost Palace Hotel a magnet for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts.
Access to the hotel is possible with a small fee paid to the on-site security guard, though visitors are advised to proceed with caution. Many parts of this abandoned structure are unstable, and the risk of injury is real.
Still, for those fascinated by ghost stories and abandoned buildings, the Ghost Palace Hotel offers a rare glimpse into Bali’s haunted history, where dreams of a luxury retreat meet ghostly realities.
Whether you’re interested in supernatural legends, architectural ruins, or just the thrill of exploring a haunted hotel with a sinister past, the Ghost Palace Hotel remains a captivating and slightly spooky destination for adventurous travellers willing to step off Bali’s usual tourist path.
Where Is It? P.I. Bedugul Taman Rekreasi Hotel Restoran, Batunya, Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Taman Festival Amusement Park
Once planned as a massive theme park near Sanur, Taman Festival now sits in eerie silence, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Construction stopped in the mid-1990s after financial issues, and the site was left to decay. Vines wrap around broken buildings, graffiti marks the walls, and empty pathways stretch out under the dense canopy.
Locals believe the site is cursed. Stories speak of ghosts wandering the ruins, and the abandoned reptile house adds a darker edge. Some say crocodiles were left behind when the park shut down, their spirits lingering in the shadows. Visitors have reported strange noises, sudden temperature drops, and the unsettling feeling of being watched.
Though officially off-limits, thrill-seekers and urban explorers still sneak inside. The decaying cinema, main plaza, and overgrown amphitheatre make for a surreal, haunted experience. Whether you believe in spirits or not, the mood here is heavy and strange, making it one of Bali’s creepiest abandoned places.
Where Is It? Jl. Padang Galak No.3, Kesiman, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Padang Padang Shipwreck
Near the cliffs of Padang Padang, just a short distance from one of Bali’s most iconic surf beaches, lies the rusting remains of an old shipwreck.
The origin of the wreck is unclear, adding to its mystery. Some say it was an illegal fishing vessel, others claim it ran aground during a storm and was simply left to rot. Whatever the truth, it now sits wedged between the rocks, battered by waves and covered in barnacles.
While the wreck itself is eerie enough, what makes it truly unsettling are the stories surrounding it. Surfers and beachgoers have reported strange sights and sounds: whispers on the wind, sudden chills despite the tropical heat, and the occasional shadowy figure seen moving aboard the wreck at dusk.
Many locals avoid the area after dark, believing the ship is cursed. Whether it’s the isolation, the sea mist, or something more, the vibe here can turn from scenic to spine-tingling in an instant. It’s not a typical tourist stop, but if you’re in the area and feeling brave, it’s worth a look… from a safe distance.
Where Is It? Near Padang Padang Beach, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Pura Goa Lawah (Bat Cave)
Pura Goa Lawah, or the Bat Cave Temple, is one of Bali’s oldest and most sacred temples — and easily one of the spookiest. Located along the southeast coast near Klungkung, this temple is built around a deep cave that’s home to thousands of bats.
Their constant screeching fills the air, and the strong smell of guano hits you long before you reach the main entrance. The cave’s depths are said to stretch all the way to Besakih Temple on Mount Agung, forming a secret tunnel once used by fleeing royals and holy men.
No one’s confirmed how far it goes, but locals warn that those who try to explore too far never return.
Legend also has it that a giant naga (serpent spirit) lives within the cave, guarding sacred relics and only revealing itself during major temple ceremonies. Add to that eerie stories of high-pitched whispers echoing through the cave and sudden, unexplained wind gusts, and you’ve got a place that hums with supernatural energy.
Even in daylight, the atmosphere is intense, thick with incense, shadow, and the rustle of thousands of leathery wings overhead. You don’t need to believe in ghosts to feel the weight of something ancient here. It’s a spiritual site first and foremost, but for those sensitive to energy, it’s one of Bali’s most unsettling and fascinating locations.
Where Is It? CFX9+9GG, Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761, Indonesia
The Lost Plane
Perched in a limestone pit near Pandawa, the Lost Plane of Bali is one of the island’s strangest roadside attractions. No one’s sure how it got there or what it was for, a failed restaurant project? A stunt? The mystery fuels ghost stories. Locals whisper of strange lights and eerie noises at night.
It’s fenced off now, but you can still peek over and feel the weird energy. Abandoned and out of place, it’s an oddly haunting sight that draws curious visitors and urban legend hunters alike. It is one of multiple abandoned planes on the island.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan No.22, Kutuh, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Gala Gala Underground House
Carved entirely by hand over 15 years, the Gala Gala Underground House in Nusa Lembongan is an eerie labyrinth of tunnels and rooms.
Inspired by the Mahabharata, it was built as a spiritual refuge, but today it gives off a slightly haunted vibe. Low ceilings, dim light, and claustrophobic turns make it feel like something’s lurking just around the corner.
While not haunted in the traditional sense, the quiet down there is heavy, the kind that presses your chest and makes you want to walk a little faster.
Where Is It? Lembongan island, Jungutbatu, Kec. Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Pemuteran Underwater Temple
This sunken temple off the coast of Pemuteran was originally built as part of a coral restoration project, but rumours swirl about its ghostly side.
Divers speak of strange shadows drifting among the statues or the feeling of being followed through the quiet water.
With moss-covered gods rising from the sea floor and shafts of light piercing the deep blue, it feels more like a forgotten Atlantis than a conservation site. It’s beautiful, yes, but also undeniably eerie.
Where Is It? VJ9W+6W6, Unnamed Road, Pemuteran, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81155, Indonesia
Mauya Beach
Muaya Beach, near Jimbaran, gained its eerie reputation after local joggers reported finding jenglot, small, mythical creatures in black magic lore, washed up on the sand. These doll-like figures, sometimes wrapped in hair or cloth, are believed to be used in dark rituals and said to “drink” blood and even influence their makers.
According to the story, two joggers stumbled on a pair of jenglot, then immediately brought them to a local healer who managed to neutralise their power, just in time to prevent serious harm. The incident rattled the community, and since then, visitors report feeling a strange tension in the air near where they were found.
These tiny “doll vampires” may look harmless, but their sudden appearance and the healing that followed kept the legend alive. While Mauya remains a tranquil beach by day, the memory of those jenglot sightings lingers. Even now, some locals say you can sense something not quite right if you stroll near the tide at dawn.
Where Is It? Jl. Bukit Permai No.5, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Trunyan Village
Hidden on the eastern shore of Lake Batur, Trunyan Village is home to the Bali Aga people, one of Bali’s oldest indigenous communities. This community and their rituals predate Hinduism on the island, and are untouched by modern customs. Here, death is treated unlike anywhere else on the island, and some say the air itself holds a strange, unsettling energy.
In the village cemetery, bodies are not buried or cremated but laid out in bamboo cages beneath a giant ancient tree. Instead of decay and smell, locals say the tree’s mysterious fragrance keeps the air strangely fresh, but visitors report an eerie quietness and a feeling that something unseen watches over the resting dead.
The skulls of the deceased, cleaned naturally over time, rest exposed on stone altars, a haunting sight that whispers of rituals from a forgotten age. It’s said only the men of the village may cross the lake to carry out these sacred rites, and legends warn that women entering the burial ground could stir nature’s wrath.
Trunyan Village is a place where the boundary between life and death feels thinner, a living link to ancient beliefs and practices. For those drawn to Bali’s darker mysteries, the village offers a glimpse into a haunting world few outsiders see.
Where Is It? Eastern shore of Lake Batur
Bengakala Village
In the misty highlands of Bali, Bengkala Village stands as a place where silence speaks volumes. Here, a peculiar legacy lingers: a significant portion of the population is born deaf, a condition that has persisted for generations.
While some attribute this to a hereditary gene, others whisper of ancient curses cast by powerful witches, forever altering the village’s fate.
The residents, both hearing and non-hearing, communicate through a unique sign language, Kata Kolok. This silent mode of communication permeates every aspect of village life, from daily chores to spiritual rituals. The absence of spoken words adds an eerie stillness to the community, where even the most mundane activities seem shrouded in quietude.
Local legends speak of spirits that favour the deaf, believing they possess heightened sensitivity to the supernatural. Some villagers claim that the deaf are more attuned to the presence of spirits, their silence allowing them to perceive what others cannot.
This belief has led to the deaf being regarded with a mix of reverence and fear, seen as mediators between the living and the spectral.
Where Is It? Banjar Dinas Kelodan Desa Bengkala, Kecamatan Kubutambahan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali
Bounty Beach Bungalows Resort
Bounty Beach Bungalows Resort on Gili Meno was a dream never realised. Construction stopped abruptly before being fully completed, leaving behind half-built structures and empty foundations slowly swallowed by the island’s wild vegetation.
The site’s abandoned buildings and exposed rebar stand silent against the backdrop of pristine beaches and turquoise waters, creating a strange contrast between natural beauty and unfinished human endeavour.
Locals whisper stories of strange noises at night and shadowy figures glimpsed among the ruins. Though it was never operational, the eerie atmosphere gives the place a haunted reputation, as if the resort itself haunts the island, a reminder of lost plans and forgotten dreams.
Adventurous visitors sometimes explore the area, drawn by curiosity and the unsettling feeling that lingers amid the skeletal remains of what could have been.
Where Is It? J3V3+VM6 Gili Meno island, Gili Indah, Pemenang, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83352, Indonesia
FAQs
Are Creepy Places In Bali Safe To Visit?
Most haunted spots in Bali are generally safe during the day, but some, like abandoned buildings, can be risky due to structural damage or overgrown terrain.
Always take caution, visit with a guide if possible, and respect any rules or warnings. Night visits are usually discouraged for safety reasons.
Don’t forget also that travel insurance usually has a clause in which you must make a fair effort to take care of yourself…which probably doesn’t include exploring abandoned hotels!
Also, be aware of local laws; trespassing where you shouldn’t be could land you in trouble with the law, now that would be a scary situation!
Do Locals Believe In The Ghost Stories?
Yes, many Balinese people have a deep respect for the spiritual world and traditional beliefs. Ghost stories and legends are part of daily life and cultural practices.
While not everyone believes in the supernatural literally, the stories reflect the island’s rich spiritual heritage.
Are Ghosts Real?
Whether ghosts are real depends on your perspective. Bali’s haunted places come wrapped in folklore and personal experiences, blending myth, spirituality, and history.
For visitors, these tales add a fascinating layer to exploring the island, but what you believe is entirely up to you.
Final Thoughts On Haunted Places In Bali
Bali’s haunted places are much more than spooky stories; they are windows into the island’s cultural soul and complex history. From eerie abandoned hotels to sacred caves echoing ancient rituals, these sites invite you to explore Bali beyond the beaches and temples.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or a brush with the supernatural, the haunted spots in Bali offer unforgettable experiences that are as mysterious as they are mesmerising.
Just remember to stay safe, respect local beliefs, and keep an open mind.
