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.
Men came in droves, and waited days and nights to catch a glimpse of her. None could lay eyeson 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.
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.
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.
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.
