Arriving at the Haunt
This abandoned hotel located in Bedugul, Bali was built in the 1990’s by a businessman, politician and convicted murderer, the youngest son of Indonesia’s second president. The property was deserted and remains so, following the tyoon’s conviction of fraud and murder, and is now known as Bali’s Ghost Palace.
From the moment I arrived, the Ghost Palace did not disappoint. Perched atop a misty hill, the hotel offers an impeccable view of rice paddies, temples, and villages. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget you’re standing in a place where nature has slowly reclaimed its territory. The lush greenery and the crumbling stone structures create a hauntingly beautiful contrast that’s perfect for photographers and ghost hunters alike.
As I stood there, snapping photos of the stunning vista, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony. Here I was, admiring a panorama that many luxury resorts would kill for, in a place that was deserted because its owner had literally done just that. The tycoon behind this grandiose project was eventually convicted of fraud and murder, leaving his ambitious hotel to the whims of time and tropical weather.
The entrance, still grand in its desolation, greets visitors with an eerie silence. It’s said that the spirits of workers who died during the construction of the hotel still linger here, their unfinished business as palpable as the thick mountain fog. I can’t confirm any ghost sightings, but I did feel a chill that wasn’t just from the cool mountain air.
Anecdotes from a Spooky Afternoon
One particularly spooky moment happened when I was framing a shot of the main courtyard. As I focused on the intricate stone carvings, I heard what sounded like footsteps behind me. Turning around, I was greeted by… nothing. Just the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of a bird. Maybe it was my imagination, or perhaps the ghostly inhabitants were curious about my camera equipment.
Despite the eerie atmosphere, I found humor in the small details. The outdoor furniture, now covered in moss and leaves, looked like a scene from a post-apocalyptic sitcom. It was as if the ghosts had a weekly gathering, discussing the latest hauntings and reminiscing about the days when the hotel was alive with guests.
