THE LEGEND OF LAKE CHINI

As far as mythical legends go, Lake Chini has remained out of the public eye, shrouded in mist and mystery for many years. Paula Tan discovers one of the country’s hidden gems as she makes her way to Pahang, the tranquil state.

Mysterious Beginnings

A mere 85 kilometers from the bustling city of Kuantan stands a mystical place where an ancient empire is believed to lie slumbering, guarded by a legendary monster. Here begins the tale of Lake Chini, whose banks have witnessed the changing times, yet kept their secrets from a skeptical world.

Lake Chini is Malaysia’s second-largest natural freshwater lake, 12.565 acres of lush wetlands comprising a dozen interconnecting bodies of water. Historians believe that the lake is the site of an ancient Khmer city, from an era when the Khmer empire extended into the Malay peninsula. Locals, on the other hand, believe that the mysterious lake is guarded by a dragon-like beast known as Naga Sri Gumum. Over the decades, there have been occasional reports of sightings, but as in the case of the Loch Ness monster, these have never been scientifically proven.

Over time, the existence of seven pyramidlike hills near Lake Chini has sparked interest in the possibility of a lost Khmer civilization that could date back to the 12th century. While there is no proof that the hills are man-made, there is a likelihood that it is part of a lost city that lies at the bottom of the lake. This is based on a theory that the area was submerged in water after the fall of the Khmer empire, of which the city was a part of in the 15th century. Although many have made claims of this elusive sunken city, little effort has been made to unravel the mystery. Based on pieces of porcelain found in the area, the city could have been built when the Khmer empire was at its zenith. Ruled between 802 and 1432 by a succession of “god kings”, the Khmer empire had its capital in Siem Reap, Cambodia, home to the famed Angkor Wat. According to locals, the “pyramids” became more evident when one of the unique hills in the nearby vicinity of Padang Kerbau was cleared by a plantation company.

Unparalleled Beauty

Legends aside, Lake Chini is blessed with vast natural bounty that is rich in biological resources. There are 138 species of territorial flora, 300 species of non-aquatic vertebrates, and 144 species of freshwater fish. Thousands of pink and white water lilies blossom across the lake between August and September, transforming it into a vibrant floating garden. From the Lake Chini resort, a boatman can steer you across the lake through a charming secret arch of river rushes, a hidden gate to Kampung Cendahan. This is where the local indigenous community, or orang asli, comprising the Jakun tribe, resides in a small clearing. Here, life moves slowly, unchanged over the centuries, as these simple folk rely on cultivating “Tongkat Ali” and other herbal roots for an income, retiring to their makeshift huts at the end of the day. In villages like these, the old ways live on in the fine woodcarvings, combs, trinkets and blowpipes lovingly handmade from bamboo, and laid out in a small, yet proud display for visitors. On request, a tribesman will oblige with a blowpipe demonstration, or reveal how the tribe lays traps to snare small animals for food.

For visitors who enter via Kampung Belimbing or the Kuala Chini jetty, the 30-minute boat journey along the winding Chini River under a canopy of giant tropical trees is nothing short of magical. During the lotus season, flowers are plentiful and a single bloom makes a delightful souvenir, with an additional fun factor when the boatman makes you a hat out of a lotus leaf. The area surrounding Lake Chini offers several exciting routes for jungle trekking, and terrain that challenges any 4WD enthusiast. Local guides are ever ready to direct visitors to the Terapai and Mentagan Waterfalls, or on a hike up to Chini Mountain for the more adventurous – an endeavour that will require an overnight stay on the peak. Go lakehopping across the 12 lakes, a seemingly endless expanse of water, or revel in the great outdoors at camping sites that take you back to nature. Alternatively, opt for a homestay at the nearby Kampung Baru Salong if creature comforts are essential for you.

Nature at its Finest

One of Lake Chini’s most popular activities is fishing, and the best time to try your hand at this is between November to January, when the rains increases the volume of the lake. Boatmen who ply the area will be more than happy to show you the best spots to seek out the giant Snakehead fish, or toman, which you can snare with tiny green frogs as bait. Another species that is popular among visiting fishermen is the catfish, or baung, that often emerges in the evenings in search of food. For visitors traveling with children, bird watching is an enjoyable pastime, as the vicinity boasts a wide variety of avian life, along with the plump squirrels that come to feed on palm kernels set out at the resort especially for them. A stroll on the banks of the lake reveals a captivating array of flora and fauna, including the popular pitcher plant, also known locally as the “monkey cup.” If you’re lucky (or unlucky), you may even meet a crocodile on the riverbanks where they often nest, protecting their eggs. However, these creatures are fairly shy of humans and are likely to take refuge in the water, unless provoked. Lake Chini Research Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s field station at Chini, is a research hub dedicated to the preservation and monitoring of the ecological site. Located just beside Lake Chini Resort, the centre is an educational eye-opener for students, conservationists, and visitors seeking information about the lake and its flora and fauna.

On your nature ramble, an interesting addition would be the Bebar peat swamp forest, or Black Water Jewel. It takes its name from the Bebar river that flows within it from an orang asli settlement called Runchang, to the fishing village of Nenasi by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia’s largest forested wetland in terms of area covered, the Bebar forest is located about forty kilometres from the nearby royal town of Pekan. The forest’s rich biodiversity has made it an area of conservation interest at both national and global levels. It is also the main artery of a peat swamp legacy which forms the core of Southeast Pahang.

Despite its myriad of activities and visitors, Lake Chini unfailingly revisits its forgotten past at dusk. By day, it is an ode to creation, a joyous rippling blue in the breeze and sunshine. Yet, tranquil and still after the last evening boat returns to its mooring post, it changes moods, taking on a quiet charm as if awaiting a lover. In the deep purple hue of its waters, the night sky is reflected with thousands of stars. And as the nocturnal birds call to each other across the tall grasses, the legends come alive once more.

Homepage highlight image is not an actual image of Lake Chini.

THE LEGEND OF BUJANG SENANG

✿ "Bujang Senang" ✿

SarawaK Legendary Of White Crocodile.

The name given by Orang Iban,Bujang Senang is legendary crocodile.
Bujang Senang most feared terror and attacks against human,berserk and devour human around Sungai Batang Lupar. Croc legend Bujang Senang is crocodile species Crocodylus porosus and measuring 20 feet long and has a white stripe on his back. Crocodiles are said rampant in this river since, 1941. The story of the male crocodile was regular bandied population local.

Bujang Senang Origin Glad :
Bujang Senang crocodile said to incarnate Iban warrior named Simalungun. He killed and cursed be a crocodile and he vowed to kill all the generations mistreat them. Simalungun is a Iban warrior known around Skrang river, Sarawak. His greatness is during the expedition Mengayau (Head Hunter) his enemy and the enemies not only a little bit has been killed by him.His greatness is not only Skrang River, but also in river Lupar trunk. Simalungun  enemies believe that he has the knowledge tanks that are not translucent brown, and kidnapping his wife so secret immunity Simalungun can be found.
Dilemma between tribes and the pride and love, come to Batang Lupar Simalungun hoping he can free his wife and killing her kidnapper. But his wife died by spear when she immediately released, while Simalungun tooth and nail with the enemy until Lupar river trunk. Enemies have learned Simalungun weakness immunity destroyed if he was in
river waters.
They lance Simalungun struck and impaled by his enemies. body Simalungun and his wife left until submerged deck on the river stem the tide Lupar.Lucky the deity who gave miracle on again Lungu poured over his body and magical his wife, and his arrival tide Lungu and his wife turned into a huge crocodile which has a white stripe behind to haunt the descendants of the killers Stick around Lupar. So born Bujang Senang, as is known. Easy self-named Senang Name in conjunction with Senang River, one of Batang Lupar branch where crocodiles Bujang Senang the legends often found.

Legendary Bujang Senang : Sungga River, Batang Lupar, 1982 :
Bangan anak Pali has been appointed as chieftain at Rumah Paliby the resident Sri Pali Aman.Two days before the appointment
official in their longhouses, he and brother, Kebir,intends to find sustenance living around Batang Lupar.Down the river to the downstream direction, they went into the Sungga River, one of the major branches of the Batang Lupar and start looking shrimp.By using a rake (a container made ​​of cane), their levels of the river along the waist and scoop shrimp.It's already noon a bird name Embuas in Iban Language.(kingfisher), sudden passing them.Kebir feel uneasy, because crossing embuas mean something bad will happen. Kebir call his brother up to the cliff, but insisted Bangan Chieftain shrimp continue searching.
Penghulu Bangan began to turn toward brother and flush water through the waist when he stepped on something at the bottom of the murky river.“Nama utai tok, baka batang…(what is this thing, like a stick out)" Kebir had just wanted to reply to the words of his brother w a loud splash strike.Penghulu Bagan disappeared from view. A few seconds later, a large crocodile embossed with corpses Gigantic Penghulu Bagan in his jaw.

Kebir continued to plunge and embrace the great crocodile tail in order to save his brother, but to no avail. Kebir realize that crocodile white striped back, length straight home with bad news.Search operations continued for 5 days with the police and the Wildlife participate. Atmosphere surrounding the longhouse sad when corpse brought back only Penghulu Bagan top only.No signs of crocodiles as well as the remnants of bodies were found.

Legendary Bujang Senang : Stirau River, Batang Lupar 1984.

Badong Anak Apong,from Rumah Nyawin not far from the River Stirau, Batang Lupar.

shrimp catch is busy when a large crocodile devours him and observed some of the villagers. Crocodile is seen a tendency to exaggerate Badong before disappearing corpses in the river. Witnesses said the width of the big crocodiles and some drums behind the white line. Efforts were continued and the victim was found 2 days later not far from the scene. Hunting operations run more but no arrests were made.

Lagendary Bujang Senang : Batang Lupar 1987.

A bird "Embuas" crossing when Berain Anak Tungging being dipped in the river bed of clay to cover the holes in the boat. Once completed, Berain want to return to big banks when a crocodile pulled into the river and this incident witnessed his nephew.With the information same as before, the whole Batang Lupar locals fear with the name of the legendary crocodile Bujang Senang.Tuai rumah ( Longhouse chief ) Rumah Tuah, Tuah anak Tunchun believe that this crocodile Bujang Senang indeed a pleasure and crocodiles the same kill his brother,Inchi Anak Tunchun in year 1962.He was confident that the curse is true and the crocodile is an entity that haunted. He said all the victims involved as brother,Penghulu Bagan ,Badong and Berain directly related and this is not disputed.

By 1989, numerous reports in the press local newspaper featuring stories the frequent appearance of large crocodiles around in Batang Samarahan and Batang Sadong,seems to reflect something will happen. There are many stories, such as the so-called Bujang Senang has been in the rivers to settle his vendetta along other crocodiles.

Lagendary Bujang Senang : Sungai Palaban,Batang Lupar 1992.

As usual, the family shadow will move upstream upstream toward their rice fields not far Pelaban River.When water is to be installed, and Dayang help her cross the river to the other side waist-high, before he ascended the cliff. The shadow of his older brother Enie already started working on the farm while their father going back to longhouse to take equipment.Dayang about to go up when a loud splash pulled into the river. Dayang screaming loudly and startled her when her daughter was dragged a large crocodile. Scream, rant and rave to call for help, the people who are directly rushed to the mother Dayang. His brother rushed and with his friends continue to operate track the crocodile. Together they are a shaman named Mandau the incessant reading mantras. After more than 2 hours, Enie found the body of his brother who was still perfectly amid debris at the bottom of one of the river.

Somehow, the crocodile back and terrorize.A group of police snipers, Iban hunters, local residents unite to defeat vera. With a couple of shots, regular crocodile fight. Due to the large size of the crocodile, it's hard beat. But still sacred spells and start throwing spears into crocodile head, but broken. The dark clouds, the water began to recede. Big crocodile began to flee towards Batang Lupar, but was stopped by a big wood that spans the river mouth. The crocodile directly attacked, shot and throwing with spear. The crocodile terrorizing and struggled to be a little strange movements. Crocodile turns around and around the wood debris seems to know of his death, and not long after, a large crocodile met a death.This crocodile transported to the longhouse for 4 hours away, and there was a sudden behind the white line. This is the legendary crocodile Bujang Senang dealt, and many police and journalists coming to make report.Unfortunately this crocodile carcasses thrown away into the sea without any effort to bring back to the museum, but his head was brought home by Johnson Jong for public viewing at the crocodile farm in Siburan , Sarawak.

Bujang Senang age at time is estimated to be about 50 years old. Rumor of the year 1982 to 1992, a total of 14 people Bujang Senang victims.The actual number of victims is still a Bujang Senang sacrifice a question.Skull of Bujang Senang now on display at the Sarawak State Museum of validity News Bujang Senang crocodile captured still be the talk of population,because there is a point of view that is not a Legendary Bujang Senang,and many more stories.Some Iban community along the Batang Lupar,Bujang Senang believe is still alive,bigger and always be in the river. Some suggest that white alligator is just silence and terrorize return in the future as it was when he went back in 1982.Because that's where they trap a baby crocodile purse, they will release it as an apology. This is all to avoid untoward incidents happen to them and their descendants.Until now, the stories of the crocodile attack in Sarawak often associated with Legend BUJANG SENANG..

BUJANG SEBLAK :

ROBAN : The search for river fishing Adrian Thomas , 32 , is missing believed eaten by a crocodile nicknamed ' Single Seblak end with the discovery of the body without a head , hands and feet , yesterday morning .

String heartbreaking discovery of the bodies began when villagers who joined the search for victims on the River Seblak seen strange behavior crocodile estimated to be over 16 feet shook his body and ripples of water before spewing human body .

Witness the scene, Mani Mangai , 50s, residents of Homes Mawan Ason , Empayak , Roban , said of her life, that's the most bizarre incidents ever seen.

" We are very surprised when a crocodile roughly along 16 feet , dusky colored suddenly appeared a few meters from the edge of our boat , as the water ripples and spew something out of his mouth , " said Mani told media at the long house boat jetty involved , yesterday.

He said that at first they thought crocodiles involved plastic vomit , but a few minutes later , they started to smell foul.

"Worried that matter, we continue to strengthen our boat and things involved while pulling de -ngan boater.

"We are then surprised to find that it is part of the human body , which is part of the waist to shoulder level." According to Mani, during the incident they were on their way to inspect the alligator hooks were installed in an effort to catch the crocodile which is believed to devour Adrian on Friday afternoon." As soon as we discovered the bodies involved directly back to the longhouse to inform the villagers, " he said. Mani was found dead along with three friends, namely Indet Senabong, clairvoyant crocodile is no stranger among the local population, the father of the victim and the Harvest House Embol.

Indet 50, said the bizarre incident occurred at the mouth of the River boy, at about 500 meters from the location of the victims believed to be attacked." The people here, the location was known as the Gulf Berauh.The incident happened at around 9 o'clock .

" For us , this sign is a good thing and prove that the loss of the victim for this has to do alligators, thus repelling cakapcakap some parties that the victims lost in the woods nearby, drowning and some other notions." At the same time, this incident shows that crocodiles are responsible are starting to feel the effects of the work that we have carried out, " he said.

Thus, Indet hope to catch the trusted bedal devours Adrian will soon bear fruit .

Indet renowned for its expertise in subjecting the crocodile when he was captured in a 12- foot crocodile in the same river on July 3 last year.

In the incident, which involved a crocodile believed to devour Munsong Siah, the wife of Harvest Home Embol Son River, lost in a single volley at his head.

Meanwhile, when residents gathered in the longhouse jetty while waiting for the police to bring the bodies to the hospital Saratok, they are shocked by the news of the Sarawak Department officials that there were signs that one of the hooks installed by the handler involved had to do.

Thereafter, Indet , Mani and Harvest House Embol rushed to the location, but around 2 pm yesterday, the group returned to the longhouse and confirm hooks involved have yet to do. R.I.P Adrian Thomas.

CARA TUMBUHAN MELINDUNGI DIRI

Cara-cara tumbuh-tumbuhan menlindungi diri daripada bahaya

Tumbuhan melindungi diri daripada gangguan haiwan. Cara tumbuhan melindungi diri bergantung pada jenis tumbuhan tersebut. Tumbuhan melindungi diri dengan ciri khas mereka masing-masing. Antaranya termasuk:
      a)  berduri
      b) mempunyai bulu halus
      c) merembeskan susu getah
      d) beracun
      e) mempunyai kulit luar yang tebal dan keras
      f) berbau sengit dan pahit
      g) menutup daun

Mari kita hanya fokus pada tiga jenis ciri khas tumbuhan bagi melindungi diri daripada musuh. Antaranya ialah tumbuhan yang berduri, mempunyai bulu halus dan merembeskan susu getah.

Tumbuhan yang mempunyai bulu halus

labu

Bulu halus yang ada pada labu akan menyebabkan manusia atau haiwan lain yang menyentuhnya berasa gatal. Perasaan yang tidak selesa ini dapat mengelakkan manusia atau haiwan lain menyentuh padanya. Ini caranyan labu melindungi dirinya daripada musuhnya.
               Selain daripada labu, masih terdapat tumbuhan yaang lain menggunakan ciri khas ini untuk melindungi diri. Contohnya tebu. Bulu halus bukan ditumbuh pada buahnya tetapi daunnya. Berbea dengan labu, bulu halus pada tebu bersifat tajam. Apabila manusia atau haiwan memetik akan dicederakan oleh bulu halusnya. Dengan itu, manusia dan haiwan juga tidak berani menyentuh daun tebu.

Tumbuhan yang mempunyai susu getah

keladi

pokok betik

pokok buluh

Keladi mempunyai ciri khas yang berbeza dengan labu dan tebu. Keladi akan merembeskan susu getah yang menyebabkan haiwan lain berasa gatal. Dengan itu, manusia atau haiwan tidak berani menyentuh atau memakan keladi. Ini dapat mengelakkan haiwan lain mendekati dan mencederakannya. Tanpa ciri khas ini, keladi tidak mungkin dapat hidup sampai hari ini.

Tumbuhan yang berduri

bunga ros

 

pokok kaktus

Duri pada tumbuhan merupakan salah satu cara untuk melindungi diri daripada musuh. Sebagai contoh, bunga ros dan kaktus mempunyai duri untuk melindungi diri, musuh tidak berani menyentuhnya. Bunga ros ialah sejenis tumbuhan yang senang didapati di merata tempat. Bunga ros berwarna cantik dan menarik. Akan tetapi batang bunga ros dipenuhi dengan duri. Manusia atau haiwan lain mudah mengalami kecederaan sekiranya ingin memetik atau mendekatinya.Manakala kaktus yang hidup di gurun juga berduri penuh pada batangnya untuk mengelakkan musuh mendekatinya.