Hantu is the
generic term for
ghosts in the South-east
Asian region of
Malaysia,
Singapore and
Indonesia. Over here, there are many kinds and types of hantu, each equipped with
special and
unique methods of scaring people. Hantu-hunting enthusiasts are urged to visit their local
cemetery. (Bring along your own ghost-story-teller for an especially exciting visit).
Here are the some of the many species of hantu you might be
familiar with.
Hantu Bungkus
Possibly related to the
Chinese Hopping Vampire (CHV) and the Egyptian
mummy, as it is usually wrapped up in its burial cloths and junps about in a
rigid manner. It is considered about safe as a rattlesnake - don't cross its path and it won't kill you.
Hantu Tinggi
This ghost hates to be looked down upon. Upon encountering a human, it will slowly
morph into an extremely tall being. It is said that it would not start growing unless a person looks up at it.
This ghost would make an extremely useful bastketball player in the ghostly
NBA equivalent, possibly even earning
MVP status.
Hantu Lilin
A
candle-bearing ghost. Usually female.
Mostly harmless.
Hantu Raya
This is a unique ghost, somewhat like the
toyol, in that it has a master. This ghost is useful as it can morph into anybody or anything, and owners of this ghost are said to have become rich as a result of the ghost's activity on their behalf. (No further details of how the wealth came about are known, but I suppose you can come up with several ideas yourself.)
In return the owner provides for the ghost and appoints a new owner for it before it dies.
The danger of having this ghost is that it can mimic people so effectively that even people close to the mimicked are fooled. If the owner fails to appoint a new owner when he dies, the ghost may
impersonate him.
Hantu Penanggalan
Commonly sighted hanging around
banana trees (banana trees don't have a good
reputation ; I don't know the reason), this female ghost has only a head and her digestive system,
sans skeleton and other body parts. Most people who see her mention her intestines, which she can use to choke a victim if she so wishes. Not one to
tangle with.
Hantu Tetek
This is a female ghost, with a cup size to rival
Pamela Anderson. She loves to prey on on children and men. (And some men would love to be preyed upon by her, I think.)
For other scary night creatures of Malay origin, see Pontianak and Toyol.