Photo Courtesy: Napie Photography

In Malay folklore and Indonesian mythology, the Pontianak is a type of vampire. They are usually women who die during childbirth and become undead (deceased who exhibit certain living characteristics) with the purpose to seek revenge. In Indonesia, the name “Pontianak” is derived from a creature that haunted the men and was known to suck the heads off anyone who has their eyes opened.

It is believed that a Pontianak announces her presence through the cries of babies, or in the form of a beautiful lady. She usually exudes an alluring floral scent, followed by an awful stench. Those who get too close to a Pontianak will be terrorised by the spirit and killed. She slays her victims by digging into their stomachs with her sharp fingernails and devouring their organs. In some cases with male individuals, the Pontianak will rip out the victim’s sex organs with her hands. It is said the the spirit of the Pontianak is often associated with banana trees as it is said to reside in these trees during the day.

The Pontianak locates its prey by sniffing clothes left outside to dry. For this reason, many Malay families refuse to hang their clothes outside overnight. Some believe that sharp objects, such as nails, help to ward off potential attacks from a Pontianak. In some situations, a nail can be plunged into the back of the neck of the vampire to turn it into a beautiful lady again. She transforms back into a vampire again when the nail is pulled out,.

There have been many stories of unfortunate encounters with a Pontianak. Most of these victims are male who were “attacked” during the night. They would usually hear the cry of a baby, only to turn back and find a woman dressed in white carrying a small child. When the concerned victims approach the lady in white, the Pontianak would slowly look up, and under the moonlight, her red eyes and distorted face are tell-tale signs. The victims would also claim that the female vampire possess a look of hunger for them and tell her intended victims that “I need a young man like you”. Although they were lucky to have escaped the unwanted encounter with a pretty lady (at first sight), many have never shaken the ordeal off.