IPOH, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The ancient, 400-million-year-old limestone caves at Sunway Lost World of Tambun (LWOT) transformed into a “living nightmare” as ghastly figures roamed the grounds during the media preview of Sawadee Screamfest 5 last night.
Bernama, which attended the preview, experienced a bone-chilling atmosphere punctuated by piercing screams and the sudden appearance of “ghosts” from the shadows, leaving visitors gripped by fear and unease despite strict rules prohibiting physical contact between the actors and guests.
Sunway Lost World of Tambun general manager Brian Francis said the fifth edition of the homegrown horror festival, held over nine selected nights in October and early November, offers a fresh twist by immersing visitors in Thailand’s eerie folklore and supernatural legends.
“For the next nine nights, taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October, we will bring you nights filled with Thai legends, spooky surprises and plenty of screams. For generations, Thai culture has given us fascinating legends and mysterious tales.
“This year, Sunway Theme Parks brings these Thai tales to life right here at Sunway Lost World of Tambun. So, if you hear whispers in the dark or feel something lurking behind you, don’t look back, just run,” he said in his speech here last night.
Drawing inspiration from Thailand’s rich folklore and supernatural legends, this year’s Screamfest explores a distinctive cultural world populated by mysterious beings, eerie encounters and tales suited to immersive horror experiences.
This year's Screamfest features eight spine-tingling haunted attractions, each with its own terrifying narrative, namely Dead Man’s Rail, The Curse of Kong Koi, Tandas Phi Kee, Haunted Chamber featuring Hong Rai, Kra Hang’s Night Flight, The Susuk Chambers, The Eternal Theatre and the Luminous Forest.
Beyond the haunted attractions, thrill-seekers can also enjoy five selected theme park rides -Stormrider, Dragon Flights, Giddy Galleon, Perak Parade and Swan Lake - as well as seven live show stages.
“We want to be more than operators of attractions. We want to be creators of experiences. Screamfest gives our team the opportunity to take an idea from concept to reality, bringing together storytelling, creative design and production to create an experience that is uniquely our own.
“By drawing inspiration from different cultures and exploring new ways to bring stories to life, we can continue to respond to visitor interests and create fresh reasons for people to discover our destinations,” said Brian.
Set against the destination’s lush tropical surroundings and dramatic limestone formations, Sawadee Screamfest 5 complements its existing offerings of natural hot springs, family attractions and evening experiences.
The self-contained destination also features seven main attraction zones, namely Water Park, Amusement Park, Petting Zoo, Tin Valley, Adventure Park, Tiger Valley and Night Park. Visitors can also enjoy the fiery Flaming Percussion performance and sample local delicacies at Ipoh Street.
Sawadee Screamfest 5 takes place on Oct 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31, and Nov 1, 2026, from 7.25 pm to 11 pm.
For more information on Sawadee Screamfest 5 and ticket purchases, the public can visit https://sunwaylostworldoftambun.com/screamfest5/ or follow Sunway Lagoon Studios on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and RedNote.
As Brian issued a chilling warning to visitors earlier, those attending Sawadee Screamfest 5, which officially opens its gates tonight, should remember one thing: don’t forget to scream!
--BERNAMA