From haunted castles to spooky malls, as Halloween 2026 approaches, we’ve found the most unsettling regional stories for you. And here’s another one. Did you know just 45 minutes across the causeway lies a haunted mountain with a split personality? By day, Johor’s Gunung Pulai is a breathtaking weekend escape for adventurists, featuring a rewarding 654-metre ascent through an ancient, emerald canopy. But as night falls, the vibrant recreational forest transforms into something a little more sinister.
The lush hiking spot hides a brutal World War II history and terrifying local legends. From tales of phantom voices echoing through the trees, the sudden feeling of being watched, and ancient spirits waiting in the dark to lure unsuspecting hikers into the trackless, suffocating depths of the jungle…it’s honestly spine-chilling. Read on to find out the mountain’s history and what to do there today.
Dark history & ghost stories
The popular hiking destination is known for a dark WWII history and urban legends. During the Japanese Occupation of Malaya and Singapore (1942 – 1945), the untamed jungles of Johor served as hiding grounds, guerilla bases, and sites of extreme brutality. In fact, Gunung Pulai houses the remnants of a WWII fortress and underground bunkers.
Interestingly, the trails are scenic during the day, but the weight of this era becomes more obvious after sunset, with locals and hikers reporting an eerie atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Gunung Pulai is heavily steeped in Malay folklore. Specifically, it’s known for the Orang Bunian, which are invisible forest spirits and supernatural beings hidden deep within the jungle. Plus, there are terrifying accounts of rhythmic sounds of marching boots and phantom footsteps appearing out of nowhere.
For generations, locals have warned visitors to never call out your friends real names in the woods. According to legend, the Orang Bunian can mimic human voices perfectly. By learning a hiker’s true name, these spirits will target and lure them onto spooky tracks.
What to do at Gunung Pulai
Despite its haunted reputation, Mount Pulai is widely popular for day trippers and fitness enthusiasts. The rainforest offers centuries-old hardwood trees, pitcher plants, and native wildlife like civet cats and barking deer, as well as cascading waterfalls, secret dam lakes, and challenging trails.
Here are the main ways to experience the hike:
- The Tarmac Road (Easy to Moderate): A beginner-friendly 5km paved service road leading up toward the telecommunications tower at the summit. It requires no permit.
- The Jungle Trails (Challenging): For thrill-seekers, the rugged jungle trails require a permit from the Johor Forestry Department. These routes include navigating thick mud, exposed tree roots, and steep rope-assisted ascents.
- The Pulai Waterfalls: Located just off the main path near the base, the cascading waterfalls provide a family-friendly spot to cool off, picnic, and swim without having to brave the deeper sections of the mountain.
Getting there & permits
Gunung Pulai is located around 45 minutes drive from the Woodlands Checkpoint. If you’re using public transport, cross into JB Sentral and catch a bus to Kulai Terminal. From there, it’s a 20 to 30-minute taxi or Grab ride to the mountain’s base. Be sure to arrange a return trip in advance as mobile reception isn’t the best there.
Remember, you need a permit to hike some parts of Mount Pulai. If you stick to the 5km paved tarmac road leading to the summit, no permit is required—you simply pay a small parking fee at the base. However, you are legally required to obtain a permit from the Johor Forestry Department at least a week in advance and hire a licensed mountain guide for deeper trails. If not, you face hefty fines of up to RM10,000 (about S$3,128.30).
