The gateway to Hell is just a plane ticket away

The gateway to Hell is just a plane ticket away

The world's fascination with the supernatural reaches a frenzied climax on Oct 31, when Halloween comes around amid several other festivals in memoriam of the dead.

For years, several obscure places have been labelled as gateways to hell. Whether by the sheer weight of a bloodied history or by mythological association, these "gateways" have an unshakeable reputation that only continues to appeal to the curious traveller.

Paranormal aura aside, these places have a peculiar history and geography that we should learn to appreciate.

So instead of playing dress-up and getting sloshed this Halloween, why not buy a plane ticket, and learn something new?

1. The Catacombs of Paris, France

[[nid:333731]]

Forget columbariums and burial sites, The Catacombs of Paris are an ingenious way of resolving land scarcity.

In the 18th century, when mass graveyards faced over-capacity, human remains were exhumed and arranged in underground ossuaries.

Six million remains rest in the Catacombs now, making it the world's largest mass grave, and thereby gaining the reputation as a gateway to hell.

But its subterranean location also served a more practical purpose when resistance troops used parts of the tunnels as hideouts during World War II. It certainly helped that it was a complete labyrinth down there, navigable only by the experienced.

Interestingly, the Nazis also turned some of the spaces into their official bunkers.

2. Darvaza Crater, Turkmenistan

[[nid:333729]]

Darvaza Crater is dubbed Door to Hell for a clear reason.

It is a 69 metres wide and 30 metres deep fiery pit in the middle of a natural gas field in Ahal Province in Turkmenistan.

It is widely believed that a drilling accident to scout for gas in 1971 led to the discovery of the pit. The ground collapsed, releasing toxic gases which geologists decided to remove by setting them alight.

The flames, while contained, have been raging for more than 40 years.

To date, only Canadian explorer George Kourounis has dared to venture down the pit. In 2014, he was commissioned to collect soil samples in order to determine if life can exist in such a hostile environment.

3. Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, Belize

[[nid:333728]]

One of the few remaining links to the Mayan civilization lies in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in Belize.

The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, translates to The Cave of the Stone Sepulchre. Locals call it "Xibalba" after the Mayan underworld.

With skeletons of all ages crammed into crevices, or found lined along the tunnels, historians believe that the cave used to be a burial or sacrificial site.

Almost all of the skeletons have crushed skulls.

One notable skeleton in the cave is "The Crystal Maiden", an 18-year-old girl who died in a violent manner, researchers observed. Two of her vertebrae were reportedly crushed.

The humid jungle environment has since calcified her skeleton, giving it a glistening sheen.

Check out how you can sign up for an eco tour here.

4. Chinoike Jigoku, Japan

[[nid:333727]]

A boiling, frothing pond in Beppu City, Japan, has been named Chinoike Jigoku, which translates to Bloody Hell Pond.

As its name suggests, the pond is a bubbling shade of crimson, thanks to the iron-oxide rich mud at its base.

While the pond is a source of minerals used to treat skin disease today, it was initially used as a torture site where people were boiled to death.

Buddhists also believe that the peculiar appearance of the pond resembles the underworld, giving it a reputation as a portal to hell.

5. Mount Hekla, Iceland

Photo: Instagram

Volcanoes are beautiful geological formations that have been thought to be portals to hell - no thanks to their fiery characteristics and propensity to annihilate.

Mount Hekla's eruption in 1104 fuelled stories that it was the prison of the biblical traitor Judas. Writers penned accounts of people observing birds - believed to be souls caught in the throes of hell - flying in the eruption. 

Supernatural sightings aside, it should be noted that Mount Hekla is also Iceland's most active volcano, with a total of 23 eruptions since 1104.

The latest eruption was in 2000. Seismologists who have been monitoring the volcano's activities say that the longer it remains dormant, the more severe the next eruption will be.

Maybe then, will Hell's gates truly open.

If you're in the area, be sure to check out these other scenic spots that Iceland has to offer. 

[[nid:263255]]

6. Haw Par Villa, Singapore

There's something about an old park filled with painted sculptures that just screams haunted.

Many Singaporeans growing up in the 90s have been "schooled into obedience" during family trips to the park's famous attraction - the 10 Courts of Hell.

[[nid:291142]]

The tunnel contains graphic depictions of various torture methods, which only gets progressively violent the deeper you venture.

"If you don't behave, you'll end up like that," was the common phrase children would hear upon emerging from the tunnel.

Find out what AsiaOne got up to when we spent a night there: A night at the dark trails of Haw Par Villa

debwong@sph.com.sg

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.