Explore planet’s scariest places this Halloween
Embark on a spine-chilling journey this Halloween as we explore the world’s scariest destinations, where the unusual meets the uncertain. Read on to know more about these places.
Nagoro, Japan
It’s a small village known for its peculiar feature: a population of life-sized dolls, outnumbering the human inhabitants by nearly 10 to 1. It’s the work of local artist Tsukimi Ayano, who started crafting these doll replicas of her former neighbours who have passed away or moved. These eerie doppelgängers can be seen everywhere, such as fishermen by the river, and elderly couples resting on benches. With around 350 dolls and only 27 living residents, Nagoro is a unique and somewhat unsettling toyland.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia, once a thriving Pennsylvania town thanks to its coal mines, met its demise when an underground mine fire began in 1962. A gas station’s unusual rising gas tank temperatures in 1979 and a near-tragedy with a sinkhole in 1981 led to a drastic population decline. By 2021, only four residents remained, leaving Centralia as a ghost town with crumbling buildings, graffiti-covered sidewalks, and Route 61. Smoke still emerges from the underground fires, which scientists estimate will likely burn for another 250 years.
Gomantong Caves, Malaysia
Featuring soaring limestone walls, and playing host to an astounding two million bats, this place can be scary as hell. However, the cave’s floor is covered with thick layers of bat guano, making it a rather unappealing experience for visitors. The handrails are equally unsanitary. Navigating through this river of bat droppings, you’ll encounter millions of Malaysian cockroaches, attracted to the guano. Also, the pungent bat odour, crawling cockroaches, and large poisonous centipedes, are something that you should consider before planning a trip to this place.
The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
In Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert lies the ‘Door to Hell,’ a massive, continuously burning crater. This phenomenon originated in 1971 when Soviet scientists, while searching for oil, instead struck a methane reserve, leading to the crater’s formation and the release of hazardous gas. To address the issue, they ignited the crater, inadvertently creating a surreal, Dante-like spectacle that has been burning relentlessly for over 50 years.
Snake Island, Brazil
Located 90 miles off São Paulo’s coast, it’s one of the world’s most perilous places. It earned its ominous nickname due to its extraordinarily high density of golden lancehead vipers, with some estimates citing one to five snakes per square metre. Isolated from mainland Brazil around 11,000 years ago, the venom of these snakes evolved to five times more potent than their mainland counterparts. Reportedly, their venom can kill instantly and even melt human flesh. Consequently, the Brazilian government prohibits public access to the island.
Kawah Ijen Volcano, Indonesia
This volcano is awe-inspiring and frightening. The peak in Java emits intense sulfuric gases at temperatures exceeding 1,000°F, combusting as they meet the air. Occasionally, these gases transform into blue liquid sulphur, flowing down like lava, creating a spectacular sight. However, this beauty can only be seen in darkness. The volcano’s continuous sulphur burning fills the air with sulphur dioxide, turning the nearby crater lake green due to hydrochloric acid saturation.
Aokigahara Forest, Japan
Set at the base of Mount Fuji, it may appear peaceful but hides a dark history. Dubbed the ‘Suicide Forest,’ it’s the world’s second most common site for suicides. In 2010, 247 individuals attempted to take their own lives here. Some attribute this tragedy to the forest’s association with Japanese mythology’s demons, while others cite the dense trees that muffle sound, leading to disorientation.
Mount Huashan, China
It’s hailed as ‘the most dangerous hike in the world,’ with its main attraction being a perilous plank walk, a narrow 12 in wide wooden path clinging to the mountain’s side, thousands of feet above the ground. Adventurous visitors can cautiously navigate this path while gripping shaky metal chains and watching out for damaged or missing planks. Some find the risk worthwhile for the stunning temples and summit views, while others opt for a 10 minute cable car ride instead. The choice is yours.