It was a tale of jealousy and rage which had a tragic ending.
Legend tells of two sisters who were princesses of kayangan, the celestial kingdom who were well-liked by the people as they assisted them in their disputes. The princesses, Princess Santubong and Princess Sejinjang were invited by the people to live among them, which they graciously did.
Princess Santubong, the more beautiful of the two, had many suitors, got married and subsequently became pregnant. This made Princess Sejinjang very jealous, and consequently, she began to claim that she was more beautiful than her sister. Santubong would not agree and a huge argument ensued between the two. In the end Sejinjang became violent and hit her pounding pestle on the head of Santubong, who fell to the earth and grew into the mountain that bears her name. However, just before Santubong fell she threw her weaving loom’s beam at Sejinjang, breaking a part of her body, which scattered into the sea, creating the islands in the area (Pulau Kera, Pulau Burong, Satang/Talang-talang and so on). Meanwhile, the rest of Sejinjang’s body also fell to the earth and became the other mountain near Mount Santubong.
That is why the profile of Gunung or Mount Santubong looks like a lady lying on the horizon if viewed from various angles from the South China Sea.
Kampung Santubong (Santubong Village)
In the past, the Santubong area was famous for its trade, as evidenced by the remnants of English, Hindu and Chinese influence in Kampung Santubong.
The locals claim that Kampung Santubong, previously known as Kampung Teluk Pasir Putih, was given its name by the Chinese settlers trading in the area. It is approximately 5kms away from the Resort (approx. 10mins drive).
Guests are also able to patronise stalls selling local delicacies in Kampung Santubong.
Among the interesting sites to visit in Kampung Santubong are :
1. ‘Batu Buaya’ (the Cursed Crocodile Stone)
‘Local legend tells the story of inhabitants of a village called Kampung Landeh, who enjoyed peace and harmonious living, until the arrival of a crocodile from an area called Ulu Landeh. The crocodile was a mystical creature and very fierce. Its presence disrupted the peaceful lives of the villagers as it terrorised the villagers and killed many in the process. There were many attempts to kill the crocodile but failed as it had mystical powers.
One day, a brave warrior by the name of Panglima Merpati Jepang arrived at the village. Sensing that he was able to help, the villagers promptly appealed for him to destroy the mystical crocodile. Seeing the carnage caused, Panglima Merpati Jepang agreed.
A great fight and struggle ensued between the courageous warrior and the mystical crocodile, which ended in the successful inhalation of the mystical creature. During the fight, Panglima Merpati Jepang severed the crocodile’s large head from its body. The head subsequently drifted to the river mouth of Santubong River and was washed ashore. As the head was large, it remained ashore forever until it became a rock.
Subsequently, the inhabitants of Santubong named it Batu Buaya as it resembled the head of a crocodile.’
2. ‘ Bong Kisam ’
This is an ancient artifact of early Hindu influence.
3. ‘Pulau Kera’ (Monkey Island)
This is an island located a short distance away from Kampung Santubong. According to the local legend, the island was the site where Princess Sejinjang’s head was buried when it was decapitated by Princess Santubong.
4. ‘Batu Bergambar’(Picture Stone)
Located about 8kms (15mins drive) away from the Resort, this stone, with the shape of a man carved into it, is evidence of early Hindu influence.
5. Kampung Buntal (Buntal Village)
Kampung Buntal is a fishing village located approximately 8kms away from the Resort (20mins drive).
Currently, it is the favourite place for locals and tourists alike for seafood cuisine.
6. Sarawak Cultural Village
Tucked away at the foothills of Mount Santubong is the award-winning ‘living museum’, the Sarawak Cultural Village, which is the official venue for the world-renowned Rainforest World Music Festival.
Located just 1km (9 to 10mins walk) away from the Resort, visitors are able to experience first hand, Sarawak’s ethnic diversity and have an insight into longhouse hospitality.
Relevant entry > ----- Sarawak Cultural Village
7. Damai Golf and Country Club
Boasting the true elegance of an 18-hole golf course, the very first golf course in Malaysia designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, this unique par – 72 course is designed to provide two entirely different golfing experience – the ‘Mountain Nine’ and the ‘Ocean Nine’.
Located about 5mins drive from the Resort, Damai Golf and Country Club is a must experience for all golfers.
Relevant entry > ----- Damai Beach Resort
Situated on a 4-acre site on the shore of South China Sea and opposite Sarawak’s tourism icon, Sarawak Culture Village, Damai Central is geared towards providing an attractive venue for holiday makers and visitors, locals and tourists alike.
Damai Central is ideal for staging festive activities and events such as exhibitions, concerts, carnivals, sports, corporate and themed functions. The complex houses an open-air arena, an open-stage, a multi-purpose hall, a ‘surau’, locker and shower rooms, and a food court where most of the food and beverage stalls are already opened for business. There will also be a restaurant and other food and beverage outlets, some scenic views of the South China Sea, retail outlets such as a convenience store, a reflexology centre and a beauty parlor for the convenience and enjoyment of the visitors. A visitor centre will be established for tours of the vicinity and rental of recreational facilities among others.
In addition to keeping the complex clean and safe for its visitors, the management team of the complex will organize activities and work with the tenants and other event organizers to cater for families and for the younger generation, for both tourists and locals alike.
9. Makam Sultan Tengah (Tomb of Sultan Tengah)
Relevant entry > ----- Makam Sultan Tengah (Tomb of Sultan Tengah)
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