A Pontianak is a Malaysian birth-demon, or the ghost of a child that died at birth, or was stillborn.

They appear as night-owls.

In many ways the Pontianak is similar to the Langsuyar, which is the ghost of a woman who died in child-birth. The two are often confused.

They have supernatural powers which include the ability to climb to highest branch of any tree and walk along spindly branches that could not possibly hold their weight.

Also known as Mati-anak.

See Also: Creatures by Type » Vampires

References

Folk-Lore Vol. 13. London: Published for the Folk-Lore Society by David Nutt, 1902.