THE KINABALU DRAGON’S GEM
The majestic Mount Kinabalu, rising from the mist with its
rugged terrain and rich biodiversity has always been a significant feature in
the lives and legends of the early Kadazan Dusun. The most famous legend to
emerge from this community is of the Kinabalu dragon that possessed a Butiza or
luminous jewel that he used as a toy. It is said that on moonlit nights people
could see this bright gem being tossed again and again on the dragon’s forked
tongue.
The story of the dragon spread beyond the seas as far as
China. The Chinese Emperor hearing of the precious gem wanted it for himself.
He decided to send his sons, Wong Wang Kong and Wong Song Ping to get it.
When the brothers reached Borneo and came to Mount Kinabalu
, they came to realized the difficulty of the task. Frustrated by their futile
attempts Wong Wang Kong gave up but Wong
Song Ping perservered on. He made a colourful Chinese lantern that glowed like
a fabulous gen when lit. He then made a giant kite and waited for the moment
the dragon would look for food and leave the jewel unguarded. When the time
came he mounted the kite with the help of his men. The kite rose up till it
reached the mouth of the dragon cave and he quickly switched the gem with the
lantern.
When the dragon returned, he realized he had been tricked.
Quickly he swam toward the departing ships. The men thought they would perish
but Wong Song Ping had another bright idea. He ordered his men to heat up canon
balls until it was red hot and launched them at the dragon.
Longing for its gleaming toy, the Dragon caught and
swallowed one of the glowing balls. Seared by the heat and heavy with the iron
within him, the dragon sank below the waters.
The brothers continued on to China. When they reached their
homeland Wong Wang Kong, who was consumed with jealousy seized the jewel from
his younger brother and presented the gem to their father. He told of their
successful mission omitting Wong Song Ping;s heroic efforts to get the stone.
Angry and disappointed by his brother’s actions, Wong Song
Ping left China. He set sail and allowed the monsoon to take him away. He
finally reached to coast of Brunei where he anchored. The Sultan of Brunei
heard of his arrival and sent his brother to receive him.
Today, Mount Kinabalu is one of the most popular mountains
to climb in the world. Located less than 10 kilometres from Ranau and 90
kilometres from Kota Kinabalu it received over 100,000 visitors annually.
Visitors to Mount Kinabalu should also visit the Poring Hot Springs located
nearby. First developed by the Japanese during World War II, the hot spring
water contains sulphur,which is believed to have curative properties.
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