"In addition to its beautiful nature and culture, Bandung also has mystical stories. Check it out!"
Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash
Numerous spooky stories from the Dutch colonial era have emerged in this city, featuring local ghosts as well as the spirits of the colonizers. The haunting architecture of the buildings, some of which date back to ancient times, adds to the eerie atmosphere. Let’s celebrate Halloween by exploring the various ghost myths in Bandung!
1. Nancy's Ghost at the Old High School
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Nancy, a Dutch girl, is a well-known ghost figure often spotted at one of the state high schools in Bandung. According to legend, Nancy attended this school when it was still a Dutch institution, and she is believed to have died tragically—either by suicide or due to a violent incident. Many claim to see Nancy's apparition standing at a window that can never be closed. For those curious about the legend, it is said that to invoke Nancy’s spirit, one must walk around the school three times at night.
2. Anna's Ghost Waiting on Campus
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Anna's story revolves around a little girl who becomes a guardian of one of the university's historic buildings. This building was once a villa owned by a Dutchman named Berrety, who tragically died in a plane crash. Anna, Berrety's daughter, is believed to be waiting for her father's return. Her ghost is known for being peaceful and is said to wait faithfully without causing any disturbances.
3. Doll Ghost in Babakan Siliwangi
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Along Babakan Siliwangi Street, there is a story about the ghost of a little girl named Uci, who tragically died in an accident. Uci had a deep love for her doll, and sadly, she passed away before she could see it again. Now, at night, the figure of this little girl often appears, seemingly to remind drivers to be cautious when passing through this area.
4. Headless Champion on Cipaganti Street
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Cipaganti Street is known for its shady, quiet atmosphere, but it also has a mystical story about a headless champion. This champion was once very powerful and invulnerable, prompting the Dutch to hold a competition to capture him. Eventually, he was defeated by a shaman, who removed his head. The headless figure is said to sometimes appear around Jalan Cipaganti. One story comes from a driver who claimed to have seen a large "ball" on the road, which turned out to be the champion's head.
5. Haunted Ambulance on Jalan Bahureksa
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This haunted ambulance is linked to an accident that resulted in the deaths of a Dutch family. It is said that the ambulance carrying their bodies always returns to the family’s house, even though the house has been moved. This incident gained so much notoriety that it was even adapted into a film. In 2016, the ambulance was finally relocated to another city, ending this long and mysterious story.
These stories not only create a spooky impression, but they also have a sad story behind them. Have you ever heard or felt the presence of one of these ghosts?
