The museum where Malaysia’s ghost stories take shape

The Melaka Ghost Museum in Malacca, Malaysia, goes beyond the typical haunted-house experience. Instead of focusing solely on jump scares, it aims to preserve and share the rich folklore and legends that have shaped the region's supernatural tales. Situated on Jalan Kampung Hulu, the museum houses over 40 sculptures representing various ghostly entities, such as the pontianak, langsuir, and penanggal, as well as figures from other global cultures.

General manager Muhammad Fitri Abdullah emphasizes that each character is meticulously crafted based on extensive research into folklore, myths, legends, cultural traditions, and historical accounts. This process, which took nearly three years, involves studying the entities' appearances, from their clothing and facial expressions to body shapes, to ensure an accurate representation. The sculptures are created using traditional handcrafting techniques, both by the museum's team and collaborating artists.

While the museum's primary goal is to educate visitors, it also offers an interactive experience. Visitors can don costumes to embody the ghostly characters, immersing themselves in the stories and traditions. The seven-year-old museum updates its exhibits periodically to maintain their eerie appeal. Operating daily from 11 am to 8 pm (Tuesdays through Thursdays) or until 9 pm on Fridays and Sundays, the Melaka Ghost Museum invites guests to explore its labyrinth of haunted history in a manner both educational and entertaining.