SARAWAK
Situated northwest of Borneo Island, Sarawak is also known
as the Land of the Hornbills. Sarawak’s forests are its most valuable asset and
resource,yielding timber and a large amount of jungle produce.The state’s
rainforest is a sanctuary to a phenomenal myriad of more than 8000 species of flora and over 20000 fauna, the majority
of which are insects. Kuching, the state’s capital, is a beautifully landscaped
exotic city with Sarawak River as the centre of the city’s life.
THE LEGEND OF PRINCESS SANTUBONG
In the past, local legend recounts of 2 beautiful mythical
sisters, Princess Santubong and Princess Sejinjang, from a magnificent and
idyllic mystical kingdom called Kayangan. The princesses were sent to earth to
restore peace between the neighbouring villages of Pasir Kuning and Pasir
Putih, with a strict condition- they must never quarrel with each other. As
decreed by the mighty Kayangan King, Puteri or Princess Santubong,an expert
weaver , was to rule over Pasir Kuning and Princess Sejinjang, a skilled rice
thresher was to rule over Pasir Putih.
Princess Santubong’s intricately woven fabrics were an
instant success and Princess Sejinjang ‘s paddy fields were greatly thriving.
Both villages soon became famously prosperous.
The beauty and talent of both Princesses made them much
sought after by handsome suitors from all over. None won their hearts until
they met Putera Mahkota Serapi ( Crown Prince Serapi) of Matang. The Crown
Prince fell in love with both of them, but they refused to be joint wives.
Because of him,they had an awful quarrel and exchanged blows. Sejinjang swung
her thresher, which hit Santubong’ s cheek. As she fell on her back ,Princess
Santubong threw her weaver at Princess Sejinjang, hitting her directly in the
head. Putting an end to the ghastly fight, the great Kayangan King cursed both
sisters into mountains. It is said that Mount Santubong resembles a woman lying
on her back. The deep crevice at the peak is where the Princess received the
blow to the cheek from her sister’s thresher.
Located about 35 kilometers north of the state capital
Kuching, both mountains Santubong and Sejinjang, are blessed with stunning and
lush rainforest teeming with strikingly diverse flora and fauna that enchant
and enlighten. A charming cascading waterfall nestled in Mount Santubong offers
an excellent way to rejuvenate at the end of a trek. The mountains and their
surrounding area are popular tourist destinations.
Located at the base of Mount Santubong is the Sarawak
Cultural Village, a living museum that showcases Sarawak’s diverse ethnic
heritage. It opens daily from 9am – 5.15pm with 2 exciting cultural show
performances a day.
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