10 Most Haunted Forests in Indonesia Filled with Mystery and Mystical Stories

Explore the mystery stories of the most haunted forests in Indonesia, which are famous for their sightings of supernatural creatures, mystical events, and terrifying stories that have not been solved until now.

Indonesia is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for the mystical stories that surround various places, including forests that are said to be inhabited by astral beings.

Here is a list of the 10 most Haunted Forests in Indonesia that are famous for their mystical aura and scary stories that make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end.

1. Alas Roban Forest, Central Java

The forest located in Batang Regency, Central Java, holds many mystical stories since the Dutch colonial era. According to local residents, Alas Roban is home to supernatural beings such as Wewe Gombel and Buto Ijo.

Drivers who pass through this area often report strange experiences, such as seeing apparitions of astral beings or feeling lost even though they know the route.

It is said that this is related to the dark history of this forest which was once used as a place to dump corpses.

2. Alas Purwo Forest, Banyuwangi

Alas Purwo Forest located in Banyuwangi is known as a haunted place that is believed to be the gate of the supernatural world. Local legend says that people who dare to enter it often never return.

If anyone manages to get out, they are believed to experience various disasters or disturbances from invisible creatures. Even until now, the mystery of the whereabouts of the people who disappeared in this forest has not been solved.

3. Bening River Forest, West Kalimantan

This forest once shocked the community when a resident was reported missing for five days. The search team that combed the area found no trace.

But surprisingly, the missing person suddenly returned home in good health. He claimed to have seen the search team, but they were completely unaware of his presence, as if he was in a different dimension.

4. Halimun Salak Forest, West Java

The forest is located between Mount Halimun and Mount Salak, which is known as the site of a series of mysterious plane crashes. One of the most famous incidents was the crash of a Sukhoi plane in 2012.

According to the beliefs of the local community, this forest is home to supernatural beings from the Padjajaran Kingdom. Climbers who pass through often experience mystical events, such as meeting a flat-faced seller who suddenly disappears.

5. Bukit Barisan Forest, Sumatra

This forest, which stretches from Aceh to Lampung, is known for its stories about the orang bunian, supernatural creatures who are believed to like to lead people who enter their territory astray.

A famous mysterious story is the case of the Solok City DPRD group who got lost in 2013. Until now, many similar incidents have occurred without a clear explanation.

6. Mount Semeru Forest, East Java

Mount Semeru, known as the highest mountain on Java Island, has a spooky mystical story. The forest along the hiking trail to the peak is believed to be inhabited by a pocong figure and a mysterious woman.

There is also a location known as Arcopodo, where two twin statues are said to have been made by Majapahit soldiers. These statues are believed to only be visible to certain people, adding to the spooky feel of the area.

7. Paloh Forest, West Kalimantan

Locals believe that Paloh Forest is a gateway to a supernatural kingdom. At night, it is believed that the door to their world opens, ‘inviting’ humans who pass by to enter.

One of the mysterious events occurred in the 1970s when an Indonesian military plane crashed in this area. Strangely, until now the wreckage of the plane has never been found, adding to the mystical impression of this forest.

8. Bening River Forest, West Kalimantan

The forest is famous for stories of people mysteriously disappearing. One of the most famous incidents occurred in 2020, where a resident who had been missing for several days suddenly returned home with no clear memory.

The man claimed to see people looking for him, but no one noticed his presence. It was as if he was in another dimension, which led many to believe that the forest held a magical portal.

9. Baluran Forest, Banyuwangi

Alas Baluran is famous for the story of a monkey spirit that is believed to protect this forest area. The creature is said to be very angry if humans damage or pollute the area.

In addition, the story of a mysterious little boy who asked to get off the bus in the middle of the forest also made people afraid. The child just disappeared without a trace, leaving big questions until now.

10. Leuweung Forest, West Java

Leuweung Forest located in Garut Regency has a mystical story related to the legend of Prabu Siliwangi. According to local belief, Prabu Siliwangi mysteriously disappeared in this forest.

Locals believe that entering this area at dusk is very dangerous because spirits often appear who try to lead people astray.

Therefore, many choose to avoid this area towards night. The natural beauty of Indonesia is undeniable, but behind it are hidden various terrifying mystical stories.

From the Alas Roban Forest, a well-known Haunted Place famous for its appearance of astral creatures, to the Leuweung Forest, which is believed to hold traces of Prabu Siliwangi, these stories continue to be interesting mysteries to explore.

If you plan to visit these locations, be sure to always be respectful, follow local rules, and remain vigilant to avoid any unwanted incidents.