5 Mythical Tourist Destinations in Indonesia

Apart from its rich history, several famous tourist destinations in Indonesia also have another side to them—urban legends. There are numerous tourist spots in Indonesia known for their horror stories. In fact, some places offer a mysterious and eerie experience adorned with myths and mysticism. Here are 5 intriguing places of myth and mystery in Indonesia that are worth visiting:

1. Bogor Botanical Gardens

Have you ever heard of the myth of the love bridge? No? Well, if you visit the Bogor Botanical Gardens with your partner, someone might tell you that if you walk across the love bridge there, your relationship will end. Of course, the truth behind this myth depends on individual experiences.

However, it cannot be denied that the Bogor Botanical Gardens always remain a primary destination for travelers visiting Bogor. This urban forest in the midst of the city is an ideal place for families or couples to enjoy the cool air of Bogor. You can relax or have a picnic under the shade of lush trees as a momentary escape from the complexities of life. So, what makes this suspension bridge called the love bridge as well as the bridge of broken hearts? Various interesting stories have emerged regarding the origin of this bridge of broken hearts.

In the past, there was a couple who promised to live together on this bridge. However, the man broke his promise and forgot about his loyalty. Allegedly, the spirit of the woman is often seen wearing a red dress and crying. Spooky, isn't it? Therefore, if you see a couple crossing this bridge and their relationship appears to be insincere, the bridge might try to "break" that relationship. However, if their relationship is serious, nothing will happen. Belief in this myth, of course, depends on you. Nevertheless, one thing is certain—the bridge is perfect for taking photos.

2. Lawang Sewu, Semarang

Lawang Sewu, meaning "Thousand Doors" in Javanese, is a well-known historical building in Semarang, Central Java. This colonial-era building is infamous for its spooky reputation. Despite its elegant architecture and grandeur, Lawang Sewu has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Indonesia. It is believed to be inhabited by ghosts and spirits from the past. The building served as a Dutch administrative office during the colonial era and witnessed various dark events, including the struggle for Indonesian independence. Its eerie atmosphere is enhanced by stories of supernatural encounters and ghostly apparitions.

Visitors have reported hearing unexplained sounds, doors slamming shut on their own, and sightings of ghostly figures. However, Lawang Sewu is not only a place of horror but also a significant historical landmark. It represents the resilience and spirit of the Indonesian people during a crucial period in the nation's history.

3. Taman Festival Bali, Sanur

Taman Festival Bali, once a bustling amusement park in Sanur, Bali, is now an abandoned and eerie place. It was once a popular attraction, featuring regular laser light shows at night, a zoo, performance venues, and various amusement rides. However, the current condition of the place has drastically changed. Many rides are broken, and the surroundings are overgrown with bushes. The walls have peeling paint, graffiti, murals, and the skeletal remains of roof structures, adding to the eerie ambiance of the place. Horror stories abound, including tales of visitors who died while trying one of the rides there.

The amusement park was built in 1997 but unfortunately went bankrupt and closed around 2000. It is said that some of the crocodiles that were once kept there have escaped to the sea, while others still reside there and cannot be captured. After being abandoned for 23 years, Taman Festival Bali has become an attraction for urban explorers and photographers seeking the thrill of exploring a hauntingly beautiful place.

4. Parangkusumo Beach, Yogyakarta

Parangkusumo Beach, located in Yogyakarta, is not only a popular tourist destination but also a place shrouded in myth and mysticism. According to Javanese folklore, it is believed that Panembahan Senopati, the founder of the Mataram Sultanate, meditated on this beach and made a pact with the legendary Queen of the Southern Sea (Ratu Kidul).

Legend has it that Senopati appeared on the shore and met with the Queen. Senopati expressed his desire to rule Mataram at that time and sought the Queen's help. As the Queen had fallen in love with Senopati from the moment they met, she agreed to help him on the condition that Senopati and all his descendants would become the Queen's spouse. Senopati agreed to the condition, with the provision that the marriage would not produce any offspring. Based on this legend, Parangkusumo Beach is believed to be the place where Panembahan Senopati succeeded in his meditation. The general belief among the public is that if one performs spiritual practices (tirakat) on this beach, all wishes will come true.

Therefore, at certain times, many people come to Batu Cinta, the place where Panembahan Senopati meditated, to pray and make various requests in different ways. To reach Parangkusumo Beach, you can take a four-wheeled vehicle from Yogyakarta or Bantul, or you can also walk from Parangtritis Terminal, as the beach is not far from Parangtritis Beach.

5. Jakarta Old Town and Fatahillah Museum

The Fatahillah Museum, which stood from 1707 to 1712, holds a lot of history and mysteries that can make your hair stand on end. Around 1740, a massacre of approximately 500 people of Chinese descent took place in the square in front of the museum. It is not surprising that even now, the screams and cries from the site of the massacre can still be heard.

Moreover, there are sightings of three shadowy figures of children, as well as Dutch-dressed men and women appearing in this area. There is also the death bell that was used for executions, which often rings three times on its own during the night, creating a chilling sensation. However, during the daytime and evening, the atmosphere in the museum area appears ordinary. Nevertheless, many tourists still visit this museum located in Jakarta Old Town, both for taking photos and for leisurely walks while seeking delicious food.

By visiting these myth and mystery-filled tourist destinations in Indonesia, you can experience a unique sense of adventure and explore the cultural and historical richness of this country. However, remember to respect these places, maintain cleanliness, and preserve their integrity for future generations to enjoy. Enjoy your travels!

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