THE 99-DOOR MANSION, NIBONG TEBAL, PENANG

The 99-Door Mansion, also known as Caledonia House, is one of Malaysia’s most notorious "haunted" heritage sites. Tucked away within a palm oil plantation in Nibong Tebal, Penang, it remains a focal point for history buffs and paranormal investigators alike.

The History: From Wealth to Ruin

Built in the 1840s (some sources suggest 1917 for the current structure) by the affluent Ramsden family, the mansion served as the administrative hub for their massive sugar cane, and later rubber, estates.

• Architecture: The mansion earned its nickname because of its unusual design—roughly 10 rooms, each featuring 5 to 6 doors, leading to a total of 99 doors throughout the building.
• The Murder: The mansion's dark reputation began in 1948 when John St. Maur Ramsden, the managing director of the Penang Rubber Estates Group, was shot twice in the head as he walked up the grand staircase. The murderer was never caught, sparking decades of speculation ranging from business rivalries to political motives.
• Wartime Use: During World War II, the mansion was reportedly occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army, who used it as a local headquarters. Local rumours suggest that the basement (or "Secret Tunnel") was used for the torture and execution of prisoners, leading to report of phantom screams and the sound of marching boots. 

Folklore and "Hauntings"

Local legend has transformed the mansion into a landmark of the supernatural:

• The 100th Door: A popular myth claims that at midnight, a hidden 100th door appears, serving as a portal to the spirit world.
• The Witch Doctor: It is said that after the house was abandoned in the 1960s, a local bomoh (witch doctor) moved in to practice black magic, further cementing its "cursed" status.
• Paranormal Reports: Visitors often claim to hear inhuman growls, the sound of drums, or the phantom footsteps of John Ramsden on the stairs.

Current Status (2026)

As of early 2026, the mansion remains in a state of precarious decay. It is a privately owned property, which has complicated official conservation efforts.

• Damage Incidents: The structure has suffered significantly in recent years. A mysterious fire in 2020 destroyed parts of the roof, and in March 2024, a crane used by a film production company collapsed onto the building, causing further structural damage.
• Restoration Orders: Following the crane incident, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) ordered the owner to restore the building according to heritage guidelines.
• Access: While it is a popular spot for urban explorers, the mansion is on private land. The gates are often locked, and entering without permission is considered trespassing.

Notable Paranormal Investigations

The mansion has been a "bucket list" location for several high-profile investigative teams:

• The S.E.E.K.E.R.S Investigation: Malaysia’s most famous paranormal TV show, S.E.E.K.E.R.S, filmed an episode there. During the shoot, team members reported physical possession, unexplained equipment failure, and capturing "inhuman growls" on audio recordings that sounded more like animals than humans.
• Amy’s Crypt: International paranormal YouTuber Amy's Crypt conducted an overnight investigation. Her team documented heavy "oppressive" energy in the upper rooms and captured various "EVPs" (Electronic Voice Phenomena) that seemed to respond to questions about the Ramsden family.
• Local Urban Explorers: Many independent groups have reported finding ritualistic items inside, such as yellow cloth (often used in Malay occultism), burnt candles, and even "nailed shut" doors with "DO NOT OPEN" warnings carved into them.

Common "Activity" Reported by Visitors

If you look through forum posts and travel vlogs from the last decade, these are the most common claims:

• Inhuman Growls: Not like a dog, but a deep, vibrating sound coming from the walls.
• The Sound of Drums: Faint, rhythmic thumping that seems to come from the "dance hall" area.
• Shadow Figures: Tall, dark silhouettes seen moving across the balconies from the plantation outside.
• The "Heavy" Feeling: A physical weight on the chest, especially in the room believed to be the master bedroom.

Note: If you plan to visit, it is highly recommended to view it from the perimeter. The structure is physically unstable due to termite damage and the recent accidents.

Google Gemini AI

23 January 2026: 11.17 pm