The Penanggalan or 'Hantu Penanggal' is a ghost of Southeast Asian folk mythology. It is a variation of the vampire myth found in the Malay Peninsula; or as Balan-balan in Sabah.

Among ethnic groups in Indonesia; the ghost is called Leyak; among the Balinese; Kuyang by the Dayak people of Kalimantan; or Palasik (or Pelesit) by the Minangkabau people. In Thailand it is called the Krasue; in Laos it is the Kasu or Phi-Kasu and in Cambodia it is the Ap.

According to the folklore of that region; the Penanggalan is a detached female head capable of flying about on its own. As it flies; the stomach and entrails dangle below it; and these organs twinkle like fireflies as the Penanggalan moves through the night. Pictures From History