Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
The Philippines is home to breathtaking islands, vibrant cities, and rich history, but beneath its sunny beaches and bustling streets, there’s a darker side. Across the country are locations that have gained notoriety not only for their beauty but for the chilling stories and apparitions tied to them. For travellers drawn to the eerie and unknown, these ten haunted spots offer a fascinating look at the country’s supernatural lore and history. Are you ready to explore the spine-tingling side of the Philippines?
Also read: 14 Haunted Places in the Philippines & the Stories Behind These
1. Bahay na Pula – San Ildefonso, Bulacan
Image credit: Old Philippines | Official Facebook page
Known as "The Red House," Bahay na Pula stands in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, as a haunting reminder of wartime horror. During WWII, this mansion allegedly served as a garrison where Japanese soldiers tortured and abused local women. Visitors report ghostly apparitions of women dressed in traditional attire, and some claim to hear unsettling cries echoing through the empty rooms. The crumbling facade and blood-red walls add to its eerie vibe, drawing in ghost hunters and curious travellers alike. For those brave enough to visit, Bahay na Pula’s tragic past is said to come alive in every creak and shadow.
2. Manila Film Center – Pasay City
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons | Official Website
Built in the 1980s, the Manila Film Center is infamous for a construction accident that allegedly buried workers alive in its foundation. Stories say that their bodies remain entombed within the structure, making it a hub for paranormal activity. Many visitors and employees have reported feeling a cold draft, hearing distant whispers, and sensing unseen presences within the building’s dimly lit corridors. Despite its tragic backstory, the Manila Film Center is open to the public, offering thrill-seekers a chance to experience its dark energy firsthand.
3. Clark Air Base Hospital – Pampanga
Image credit: Mabalacat City | Official Facebook page
Among the country’s most haunted spots, the Clark Air Base Hospital in Pampanga carries memories of the Vietnam War. Many wounded soldiers treated here during the war did not survive, and locals believe their spirits remain within the hospital’s decaying walls. Visitors have reported seeing figures in military uniforms, hearing phantom footsteps, and encountering chilling cold spots throughout the building. Paranormal investigators have captured mysterious voices and shadows on their equipment, making the abandoned hospital a magnet for ghost hunters.
4. Diplomat Hotel – Baguio City
Image credit: Steve Ronin
Perched atop Dominican Hill in Baguio City, the Diplomat Hotel was once a monastery before it was transformed into a hotel. Its halls have witnessed tragic events, including wartime atrocities and alleged executions. Today, the building is said to be haunted by headless apparitions of priests and nuns, with some visitors reporting eerie sounds, sudden temperature drops, and ghostly figures lurking in the shadows. Its haunted history and deteriorating architecture make the Diplomat Hotel a must-visit for those with a taste for the supernatural.
5. Balete Drive – Quezon City
Image credit: One Balete | Official Website
Balete Drive is one of Metro Manila’s most infamous haunted locations, known for its "White Lady" legend. Dating back to the 1950s, the ghost of a woman dressed in white is said to appear to lone drivers along this road. Some drivers claim she appears in their backseat before vanishing without a trace. The towering balete trees lining the road add to the eerie atmosphere, especially at night. Though some dismiss it as an urban legend, others avoid the road altogether, unwilling to risk a ghostly encounter.
6. Corregidor Island – Cavite
Image credit: Cavite Tourism | Official Facebook page
Corregidor Island, a historic WWII site, is known for its military ruins and paranormal activity. During the war, Japanese and American soldiers fought fiercely here, leading to countless deaths. Today, tourists report hearing gunfire, faint voices, and seeing shadowy figures near the island's bunkers and tunnels. The Malinta Tunnel, where soldiers once sought refuge, is particularly famous for ghost sightings and mysterious sounds. Corregidor’s mix of natural beauty and eerie history draws not only history enthusiasts but also those looking to explore its haunted past.
7. Fort Santiago – Intramuros, Manila
Image credit: Visit Fort Santiago | Official Website
A Spanish-era fortress in Intramuros, Manila, Fort Santiago has a dark history of imprisonment and torture under both Spanish and Japanese rule. Filipino revolutionary hero José Rizal was held here before his execution, adding to its haunted reputation. Visitors report cold spots, faint cries, and shadowy figures, particularly around the dungeon area. Night tours heighten the eerie atmosphere, offering an immersive experience for those interested in both the fort’s beauty and its sinister past.
8. Ozone Disco Club – Quezon City
Image credit: FlipScience | Official Website
The Ozone Disco Club is remembered as the site of a devastating fire in 1996 that claimed over 160 lives. Since the tragedy, locals have reported hearing faint music, disembodied screams, and even feeling cold touches while passing by the burned-out ruins. Although the area is now sealed off, many still believe the souls of those who perished linger, making it one of Quezon City’s most unsettling haunted sites.
9. Laperal White House – Baguio City
Image credit: Anton Gabriel Singson Dipasupil
Built in the 1920s, Baguio City’s Laperal White House is known for its hauntingly tragic history and alleged ghost sightings. Once the scene of wartime killings, the house is rumoured to be haunted by a young girl seen peering out of the windows. Visitors report a heavy sense of dread, strange sounds, and inexplicable cold spots, particularly near the staircase. With its gothic architecture and foggy surroundings, the Laperal White House is a must-see for those looking to catch a glimpse of the unknown.
10. San Juanico Bridge – Samar to Leyte
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons | Official Website
The San Juanico Bridge connects Samar and Leyte, but it also carries a sinister legend. During its construction, stories claim that children were sacrificed to ensure its stability, leading to restless spirits haunting the bridge. Drivers report hearing soft cries or seeing small figures along the bridge at night, adding an eerie aspect to the already desolate surroundings. Even today, locals advice honking as a sign of respect for the spirits as they cross the bridge at night.
Also read: 9 Haunted Hotels in the Philippines for a Spooky Staycation
Each of these places offers a unique glimpse into the Philippines' supernatural lore, rooted in both historic events and local legends. For travellers, they serve as both thrilling and sombre reminders of the past, inviting visitors to explore not only the country’s history but also its lingering mysteries. If you’re a lover of ghost stories or simply curious about the paranormal, these haunted destinations may offer an unforgettable—and chilling—experience on your next adventure to the Philippines.
Featured image credit: Steve Ronin via Canva Pro
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