THE MYSTERIOUS (GIANT FOOTPRINT)
The Legend of Big Foot has long been recounted in the state
of Penang. In Batu Maung, a fishing village near the south end of the island
there is a rock with a large footprint that many believe belongs to Bigfoot.
Nevertheless, the origin of the 33 inch long footprint has never been determined
and is steeped in myth and folklore.
According to some of the local Indians, the footprint
belongs to the Indian God Hanuman, who while leaping over the ocean took a
thunderous step in Penang. It is said that he was searching for medicine for
Laksamana, the brother of the legendary Rama who was wounded in the Great War
depicted in the Ramayana epic. Others believed he was on his way to secretly
meet Ramayana’s wife Sita in Langka. This is based on the beliefs of the
Indonesian people who say Lanka is located in Sumatra. Interestingly enough,
the footprint faces the sea towards the southwest, in the direction of Sumatra.
The local Malays also have a different belief. According to
them over 100 years ago there lived a strong giant named Gedembai that was
greatly feared. One day, while cutting some bamboo a villager inadvertently
caused a long piece to fly high into the air. Gedembai seeing this from afar
mistook the bamboo for another giant.Frightened , he bolted , thumping heavy
steps on the earth. He was never seen again, but his footprint remains at the
very spot the local Malays call Tapak Gedembai.
As for the local Chinese, they believe the footpring belongs
to the famous Chinese Admiral Cheng Ho ( Sam Poh) who visited Malacca in the 15th
century. Today, the print is carefully enshrined in a small temple built by the
local Chinese community and is officially called “ Sam Poh Footprint”.
Regardless of the print’s origin, it has left a permanent
mark in the hearts of several cultures by bearing the faith and beliefs of a
people through time.
At present, Batu Maung, located in a secluded district on
the southeastern tip of Penang, offers an idyllic place to get away from the
bustling city with its quaint wooden coffee shops village houses, an old
Chinese temple and a jetty.
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