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Pontianak Spirit
The spirit of a woman who died in childbirth returns as a vampiric ghost. She appears as beautiful, then reveals her true form with a hole in her back. The smell of frangipani signals her approach. Still feared and reported across Southeast Asia.
Ancient - Present
Malaysia
5000+ witnesses
The Pontianak is Southeast Asia’s most feared spirit.
The Legend
What she is:
- Woman died in childbirth
- Returns as vampire ghost
- Beautiful at first
- True form horrific
- Preys on men
The Signs
How to know she’s near:
- Frangipani scent
- Baby crying
- Dog howling
- Sudden silence
- Then screaming
Her Appearance
What people see:
- Long black hair
- White dress
- Beautiful face
- Hole in back
- Exposes organs
Her Methods
How she kills:
- Seduces men
- Reveals true form
- Tears out organs
- Eats flesh
- Drinks blood
Protection
How to survive:
- Don’t look back
- Nail in neck
- Banana tree legends
- Prayers
- Run
Modern Sightings
Still reported:
- Throughout Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Singapore
- Urban and rural
- Real fear persists