Is This Fright Lotus? The Haunting Tale of a Solo Traveler on a "Cursed" Island

A Solo Traveler’s Chilling Discovery on Siquijor Island

In a spine-tingling travel tale that has captivated over 80,000 viewers on TikTok, Spanish globetrotter Rubén Holgado found himself in a scenario straight out of a horror movie. While exploring the remote Philippine island of Siquijor, known for its reputation as a haven for witchcraft and haunted by malevolent spirits, Holgado discovered that he was the sole guest at an abandoned luxury resort. "Guys, I’ve been sleeping in an abandoned luxury resort for two days and I just found out now," he revealed in his viral clip, accompanied by eerie visuals of the desolate property. "We are alone," he added, capturing the unsettling feeling of having an entire resort to himself, save for a handful of employees.

Holgado’s journey to the island, which he initially saw as an idyllic paradise, quickly turned into a surreal experience. The resort, which had been abandoned for years before reopening for renovations, felt more like a ghost town than a tropical getaway. Upon entering, he noted how vast and empty the property was, comparing it to a "Disney-like" setting devoid of life. "There are only employees in the restaurant," he remarked, highlighting the stark contrast between the resort’s grandeur and its lack of guests. The sense of isolation was heightened by the fact that the resort’s facilities, such as a private beach, tennis court, and pool, were eerily pristine yet abandoned.

Despite the resort’s eerie atmosphere, Holgado’s accommodations were far from luxurious. In his video, he showed how his room was in a state of disrepair, with a non-functional toilet and a bathroom lacking a door. These quirks added to the unsettling vibe of his stay, making it clear that the resort was still a work in progress. Yet, Holgado seemed to embrace the peculiar experience, documenting his solo dinners at the resort’s restaurant, where he was serenaded by staff singers each night. His clip painted a picture of a man torn between the beauty of the location and the haunting emptiness that surrounded him.

The Haunting Legacy of Siquijor: A Island Steeped in Supernatural Lore

Rubén Holgado’s eerie encounter on Siquijor Island is not entirely surprising, given the island’s notorious reputation as a hub for witchcraft and supernatural phenomena. Located in the Philippines, Siquijor is often referred to as the "mystic island," a place where the lines between the natural and the supernatural blur. Local legends abound with tales of "evil spirits" that inhabit the island’s waterfalls, forests, and seas. According to Luis Nathaniel Borongan, a local guide, these malevolent entities are believed to exact revenge on intruders through curses, illnesses, or even death. The island’s mystical aura is so deeply ingrained in its culture that witchcraft and folk healing are not just practices but a way of life.

The belief in supernatural forces on Siquijor is intertwined with the island’s traditional healer culture. Locals and visitors alike flock to the island’s healers, who combine shamanic rituals with Catholicism to create unique remedies. These practitioners, known for their ability to ward off evil spirits, offer treatments ranging from potion-making to exorcisms. Their practices are deeply rooted in the belief that many ailments are caused by dark magic, such as curses or hexes. In some cases, these healers even claim that insects can be manipulated to harm people or their crops, further emphasizing the island’s reputation as a place where the unknown reigns.

Seeking Healing in a Land of Spirits

Despite its fearsome reputation, Siquijor attracts a steady stream of visitors, many of whom are drawn to the island’s unique healers. These practitioners, who view their abilities as a divine gift, offer their services to anyone seeking relief from curses or illnesses. According to Borongan, international travelers can easily find these healers by inquiring at the local tourist office or asking taxi drivers for guidance. The healers’ workshops are a blend of Catholic religious rituals and shamanic practices, creating a fascinating intersection of faith and folklore. For many, the journey to Siquijor is not just about tourism but about seeking solace from perceived supernatural afflictions.

The healers’ remedies often involve a mix of herbal potions, prayers, and rituals designed to cleanse individuals of negative energies. These practices are deeply rooted in the island’s cultural identity, making Siquijor a place where spirituality and superstition coexist. While the island’s haunted reputation may deter some, it draws others who are fascinated by its mystical aura and the promise of healing. For Holgado, his solo adventure on Siquijor became a story of contrasts, blending the beauty of the island’s landscapes with the chilling real