GUNUNG LEDANG - PRINCESS OF MT. OPHIR

A Malaysian Legend

Legend says Centuries ago, in a dense forest, on the highest peak of the revered Gunung Ledang, in Johore, there lived a maiden. She was the most beautiful woman anyone had ever seen. No word in any vocabulary, could describe the beauty of this mysterious being.

Far across the ocean, people talked of her beauty and sweet humming lullabies echoing in the valleys, at sunrise and sunset.

Men came in droves, and waited days and nights to catch a glimpse of her. None could lay eyes
on  her, except the few who were of pure heart. People knew not who she was, or where she came from. She was said to be a nymph - the guardian of the mystical forest. They named her Puteri Gunung Ledang - Princess of  Mount Ophir.

She needed no wealth. Her spiritual wealth was far greater than any material wealth anyone could give. It was told that a powerful ruler from Malacca sent his entourage, with gifts of gold, jewels, silks, brocades, to seek her hand in marriage.  She intercepted them at the foot of the mountain, disguised as an old woman. To make her his wife, the ruler needed to fulfil 7 utterly impossible demands. 

He needed to build a golden bridge, and a silver bridge from Mt. Ophir to Malacca and deliver these items: * a bowl filled with tears from virgin maidens
* a container of juice from dried areca nuts
* Seven trays of hearts from mites

* Seven trays of hearts from mosquitoes

* A cup of the ruler’s blood

* A cup of his son’s blood

Surely, no one on earth could fulfill the wishes. It was a humiliating rejection to his proposal. Today, different versions of the tales of the legendary Princess are told in movies, plays and books. Below is my story.

Mystical mountains

Over decades, her presence was felt everywhere around the mountain. Those who entered with good intent to be close to nature, benefited immensely. They returned as changed beings - mentally and spiritually evolved.  They were inspired with secrets of life, on how to live in harmony with nature. The knowledge they gained was brought down for the purpose of good.

For Centuries tradition continues. Aside from Gunung Ledang, many other mystical mountains in Malaysia are sanctuaries for seekers of peace and spiritual enhancement. They arrive to meditate at different corners of the mountains. Many professed they benefited physically and mentally.

Strange phenomenon
Many who visited Gunung Ledang vouched that strange phenomenon occoured. It is an astute perception when laws of nature are abused, minor consequences do happen.

Hikers lost and separated in Gunung Ledang were found at remote and isolated parts of the jungle. Some suffered temporary amnesia, others disorientated, and confused.  On the positive side pleasant occurrences were reported. Hikers who were lost in the mountain, were mysteriously guided back to safety.

Today, thousands across the world, continue to flock to the mountain.  Some left, feeling disappointed the miracle they expected, did not occour. Non-believers mocked and said the stories were exaggerated to boost tourism in Malaysia.

Yet, despite scepticism, mystical Gunung Ledang continues to be a favourite destination for tourists, families, and adventure seekers, who desire to be close to Nature.  

Rituals and beliefs

Belief in the unseen, is an integral part of Eastern cultures. Unexplained phenomenon do occour although the mind refuses to accept.

It is a common belief when one enters holy places, jungles, or haunted places, respect must be given to the guardians/spiritual occupants of the place. One is expected to behave decently, and not to disturb, or vandalize the environment. Maiden trip to Gunung Ledang

I was fascinated with the place, since childhood.  Having heard different versions of the legend, I had my own presumptions.  Only in the 90s, that I took a maiden trip to Gunung Ledang.

The drive from my home in Kuala Lumpur was long, and weary. At last from afar, I caught my first glimpse of Gunung Ledang.  It amazed me. There stood before me, the majestic mountain that everyone fanticized. I felt proud to be born in this country, renown for its beauty, and mysticism.

In anticipation something miraculous would happen, I entered the jungle for the first time. I abided by the rules I was taught since childhood.

Every second, my eyes observed every detail surrounding me. I captured the visuals on video. I wondered when, and who lifted the gigantic protruding rocks elevated above me. Those pebbles in the river, weird looking branches, creeping plants, gigantic roots, were unique. I seated myself on the wooden bench, at a tended part of the jungle, and felt refreshed and energized.

It was daytime. I was not at all expecting anything magical to happen. I refused to join the rest of my family, and wanted to be on my own. It was a weekday and no one was around. It drizzled but I remained seated and enjoyed every moment of the experience being at one with Nature. We ate at the nearby cafe and enjoyed the day's outing and returned in the evening. Although, nothing exceptional or phenomenal happened, everyone felt physically and mentally relaxed being in the jungle, close to nature. It was to me more magical than I expected.

Thereon, several trips took place. Many guests from abroad, were occasionally entertained by our unique style of Malaysian hospitality. The first venue on the itinerary was Gunung Ledang. Every visitor was intrigued by the experience of being in this amazing forest.

Strange phenomenon

This time, our guests were close friends from England. They had never been in a tropical forest, and were excited to explore. We decided to stay overnight at the nearby chalets. We made plans to hike to the peak of the mountain the following morning. I told our friends nothing of the fables, or the phenominal happenings in Gunung Ledang. I presumed they would not believe, and might tease me for being superstitious. Our guests left with my family, I stayed behind. I hate leeches and snakes and was content lazing at the foot of the mountain. I had a drink in the cafe and returned to the room. Several hours passed and the group returned in the evening. They headed straight to the river to cool themselves while I took beautiful videos of them having fun. Dusk was approaching, the place was dimly lit and the surrounding jungles looked eerie. Our friend’s son insisted on staying in the running river water. I ushered everyone to shower and to meet for dinner in half hour. He lingered on in the dark. It worried his mum when he did not return. She screamed when she saw him grinning and waving at her. He joined us much later, around 9 pm, and looked refreshed

The following morning, everyone gathered for breakfast, except him. His mum checked and saw him in bed shivering. He complained of severe pain and blocked ears. We returned to Kuala Lumpur, and took him to see an ear specialist. His ears, throat and lungs were clear but he had other complaints which he told no one. The doctor gave him medicines and said he needed rest and not to travel. His problems persisted despite rest and medication. In reluctance, I revealed the many uncanny stories and tales of Gunung Ledang. He stared in shock and confided everything that happened from the time he stepped into the river. The impossible happened. Our friends carried back to England a gift that changed their very mindsets. Prologue

What happened to him will be told in another story, in the near future.

PENANG - NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

The arrival of a New Year is looked upon differently by each individual. To the young, it could mean that the long awaited door to adulthood will be opened. To the elders, the joy of seeing children and grand-children growing up, when they will soon be living an independent life, away from family homes.

The year 2016 meant the beginning of yet another phase in life. I feel truly blessed being able to relish every moment of what’s left of life, in sound mind, body and spirit. Each New Year commences with a resolution to do better in every way, than what I did in previous years. Gratified I am, that all made possible for me, are by the will and charity of my Beloved Creator. 

(Photo on the right - taken from the balcony of my home in 2015). 

The Yesteryears

There are many fond memories to recall, ushering in the New Year. The most unique experience was a particular year during my childhood, in Penang. What I specifically remember is that, the New Year then was celebrated in a simple yet meaningful way. Families rejoiced, and bonded with one another alongside neighbours, regardless of religious, and cultural differences. 

It was a common belief that the New Year would best be welcomed with joy and laughter, so that throughout the year there would be plenty of smiles. It was a superstition that few would dare to ignore.  What if this was true? It cost nothing to believe, and no one was prepared to risk the repercussions.

The Esplanade 

Here families gathered daily for various recreations, and for all-year-round festivities. The Esplanade was the very site where the British landed and hoisted the Union Jack flag. Penang was declared its colony in 1786. Photo on the right - an effigy of Capt. Francis Light (1740-1794), the founder of Penang. 

This place is etched with many untold stories of  happiness and sorrow of the people of the island.

As a child, I had been here many times, and was really fascinated by the environment. It was particularly fun feeling the wind gently ruffling my hair, while the soothing sounds of pounding waves filled the air. (Right - little me, at age 5). 

Most fascinating sight for me was the cannons, that were strategically placed on the elevated grounds within the vicinity. While I stroked and wondered what they were, I heard many stories of bravery, and misery, that these cannons inflicted on the intruders of the island. 

There were many gory stories too, of the World War, when Japanese soldiers ruthlessly beheaded many citizens, and their allies. This ground was once soaked with the blood of patriots. It was eerie knowing that I was actually standing on the ground, where many souls perished.

New Year’s Eve

Preparations for the outing were made from the early day of the eve. Families prepared food and drinks to last until midnight. It was an excitement that the young could not understand, except that the normal regimented bedtime would be waived for the night.

There were public transports and trishaws. My grandfather’s home where I lived, was a walking distance to the Esplanade. It was fun walking with my grandparents, parents, accompanied by numerous relatives. They carried along the prepared food, drinks and weaved mats, for everyone to sit on.

We arrived at the Esplanade, just before sunset. A strategic spot directly facing a huge clock was conveniently chosen.

The adults began spreading the feast while we waited impatiently, for the food to be served.  We gobbled the food to our hearts content. Strangely, on that particular night, the food was much tastier than anything I had consumed at home.

Soon the huge field was filled with families, generously sharing what little they had with those seated next to them. It was an open-air picnic under a starry night, and the moon was smiling at me. The sky was clear and unpolluted, not like today.

People within the surrounding buildings, and clubs, mostly foreigners and expatriates, were in a celebratory mood, singing merrily. Of course then, I did not understand why they were making exceptional noises. In later years, I found out, that it was because they were highly tipsy!

After sunset, from the rear corner of the field, the Ministry of Information truck began screening foreign and local films by rotation. Nearby, live performances by local singers and comedians kept the crowd humoured and entertained. Children were allowed to roam around from one corner to the other and mingled with other families. Crime was rarely heard of then.

Every hour, the huge clock would pulsate vibrantly to the discomfort of my ears, as I was seated so close by. Then, the long awaited moment arrived. The atmosphere suddenly changed and climaxed into something totally unexpected, as the countdown began. Then the explosive sounds of human voices screaming with laughter, cheering, singing, followed by “Happy New Year” wishes,  echoed everywhere.  Adults were behaving like children, jumping and hugging one another. From across the street, the crowd in the surrounding buildings were merrily singing the “Auld lang syne”.

I could not understand what the fuss was all about. The excitement of being with the crowd, and sharing the auspicious moment with loved ones, was enough treat for me. Strangely, it was the first and only outing we had on New Year's eve, at this particular place. 

I later discovered what the night meant for me. It was the beginning of my school year, and with it came uniforms, books, shoes, friends and teachers!

Celebrations – today

Today, the New Year is celebrated lavishly throughout the world.  Countries compete with one another to be in the limelight, with psychedelic displays of fireworks, unique landscapes, and mind-boggling shows. The New Year is celebrated everywhere - in living rooms, at the palms of the hands, and on computers.

Penang that was once blessed with the ambience of serenity, is now a bustling city. Crime has increased. Unaccompanied children need to be cautious. Fanaticism separates families and neighbours. Family fun corrodes with progress and time - what a heavy price to pay!

For many decades, I avoided visits to Penang during New Year’s eves. Penang has since gained many uncomplimentary publicity for the misconduct of some unruly youngsters. They vandalized cars, mugged tourists  - in the spirit of celebration! 

Today, I’ve moved away from city life and at times missed the annual fireworks display that normally sprung a few feet above my balcony (picture above).

I am happier though being closer to nature - the home of these gentle vegans. This is the most perfect abode for peace and serenity, to retire.

Epilogue
When prompted, if I had ever wished that the clock is turned back to the good old days - without hesitation, my answer is “no”. I have no complaints. Progress is beneficial, if and when one knows how to blend, and benefit from both worlds.