“Yes, Robin, how can I help you?” Sifu Sabrina (right pix) asks, leaning back on her leather swivel chair.
“I’m starting off as a freelance travel writer,” says Robin (pix below). “Can you give me some tips on how to avoid booking into a haunted hotel? I’ll be travelling around the country soon.”
Sabrina folds her arms. “Avoid colonial-era hotels even though they've been renovated and re-furbished. Any spot that has seen violent history will have spirits wandering around. For example, there are stories that apparitions of Japanese soldiers have been seen walking down the corridors of a certain heritage hotel in KL. When the World War II Japanese Government surrendered in 1945, many Japanese officers committed hara kirithere.” She crosses her legs at the knees. “Also, give hotels converted from old buildings a pass. Malacca and Penang have numerous such boutique hotels. Many of them use the old furniture and display the artefacts which belonged to people who have died long ago. Those old stuff still carry the negative chi of the deceased.”
Robin holds Sifu Sabrina’s gaze. “I’m planning a trip to a hill resort next month.”
Sabrina flicks her gaze behind Robin. “Genting Highlands?”
“No.” Robin tears his gaze away from Sabrina’s face with great difficulty. “But I’ve already read several stories about certain apartments and hotels there. Rooms where gambling-related suicides and homicides have occurred are haunted. Such rooms have been sealed up [pixs below].”
“Even in other hill resorts, don’t stay in apartments and bungalows that are not occupied most of the time except during the school holidays. Dark and lonely places attract spirits easily, what more if it is situated on the edge of a jungle high up in a mountain. Better stay in a modern hotel if you want to holiday in a hill resort.
“Also, check using Google map the location of the hotel you intend to stay in. Is it located near a cemetery? Just key in ‘Chinese cemetery’ or ‘tanah perkuburan Islam’ followed by the location and see whether any results show up. I know a hotel in Jalan Tambun in Ipoh where many of its guests have encountered paranormal sightings and incidents because it faces a Chinese cemetery.”
“Is there anything I can do if I feel that the place I’ve booked is spooky?”
“The motto of the Boys Scouts is ‘Be Prepared.’ A frequent traveller like you should carry a Chung Kwei amulet and some sulphur powder and sandalwood with you at all times. Knock on the door of the hotel room and wait a while before you enter. Once you’re inside, open all windows and let fresh air and sunlight come in. Flush the toilet and turn on the TV or radio to fill the room with positive vibes. Burn the incense in a burner and sprinkle some sulphur over it. The smoke will drive away the evil spirit if there is any. If you don't want to create smoke in a non-smoking room, you can burn benzoin essential oil and let the smell diffuse in the room.”
“That means I need to bring along a burner too."
"Righto." A smile tugs at Sabrina's red lips, creating two dimples.
"For simplicity, how I wish I could bring my mother-in-law with me on my travels.”
Sabrina scrunches her nose. "Oh? Why?”
“Her face’s so fierce she can scare a ghost away.”
/end
