In 1939, Dr. Vanicutt, a Pennsylvania-based psychiatrist, opened up the Asylum in Quezon City. This was the first premier psychiatric institute in the Philippines and home of the most violent mentally ill patients. Hitting two birds with one stone, the place also served as a prison, preventing their escape, as their mere presence would put other people's life at risk. Remotely situated in Quezon City, Asylum was far from the busy streets of Manila, which was the center of trade and industry back then. With Dr. Vanicutt were his wife, and daughter, Anastacia. However, her wife's tragic death made him insane beyond cure. As a result, he tormented his patients and performed on them morbid, unthinkable procedures and experiments not ethically acceptable in the medical profession. Many patients perished. During the Japanese occupation in 1941, Japanese soldiers were stationed in this abandoned building, but as soon as they entered its premises, they went insane and began killing each other. Years passed and the area around the place thrived. At times, it was said that people who mistakenly entered the place were never again found. Rumor has it that Dr. Vanicutt is still there, harvesting the souls of his not so lucky victims. Now that you know its dark past, are you scared enough? Or has the fun just begun? Enter at your own risk and don’t say you haven't been warned.

Once you, the visitor or “patient”, check in at Asylum Manila, the line between fiction and fact becomes a blur. Unlike your average horror house, you have to walk your way out alive through this massive sinister attraction. It’s expected that you should be able to go through the ups and downs of this haunted maze facility in about 45 minutes to an hour or be trapped inside forever... just kidding! In case you’re too scared to continue, you only need to inform any staff member and they will escort you to the nearest exit.

This sinister attraction is located at 1148 E Rodriguez Sr. Ave, New Manila, Quezon City, directly across the Christ the King Church. If you’ll be commuting, ride a jeepney and just ask the driver to drop you off at Christ the King. If you've booked your ticket in advance and you're just waiting for your time slot, here are other things to do in Quezon City while you wait.

Adding to the thrill are the creepy live actors that will terrorize you. Being fully in character, these creepy monsters will seem to have jumped out from your worst nightmares. Just a reminder of one of the attraction’s golden rules: the actors will not touch you, so don’t touch them either.

Inside this three-story building await are 50 themed rooms inspired straight from the big screen of Hollywood’s scariest movies such as IT, Annabelle, and The Chainsaw Massacre. The Hollywood-quality special effects are also one for the books. You also need to brave yourself past laboratories, morgues, operating rooms, crypts, sewers, and dark alleys. Although taking pictures and videos are not allowed, fret no more. There are designated rooms for their photographers to take your pictures with a fee. Don’t miss a photo op with Pennywise at the IT Room or get to wear a straight jacket at the Asylum Room.

Prices vary depending on the day. During weekdays from Monday to Thursday, the ticket is at P699. On the other hand, on weekends from Friday to Sunday, the ticket costs P799. If you want to pass the waiting line, get the VIP ticket for P1,200. Asylum Manila is open daily from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM. A wise tip though: even if your availability fits with the Asylum Manila schedule, it’s best to purchase your ticket in advance. Or better yet, click below to score a discounted deal through Traveloka Xperience. Book Asylum Manila tickets here

Check in the Asylum now for a chilling horror adventure and discover more activities and attractions with Traveloka! ]]>