Legend behind Pulau Perhentian

WHENEVER Pulau Perhentian is brought to mention, people think of its natural beauty, including its sparkling beaches. This island of 2,000 people, most of them fishermen, is popular with local and international visitors and is a major contributor to Terengganu’s tourism industry. The island’s residents have benefited as they are paid for lodging and boats for angling and snorkelling. Thanks to the Government, there are facilities like a school, clinic and police beat base on the island.

Pulau Perhentian, surrounded by 20 smaller islands, has an interesting legend. According to historian Yusof Awang Su in his article Tempat Sejarah Di-Terengganu (Historical Sites In Terengganu) published in the 1995 issue of Berita Darul Iman, a huge serpent once lived on the island.

Villagers named the serpent naga pulau berjuang. It was believed to have lived at a spot now known as Tanjung Basi on Pulau Perhentian Besar.

This serpent is believed to have plunged into the sea to battle another huge serpent which had threatened the island’s existence. A tract on a hill on the island is believed to have been created by the first serpent. The islanders call this tract Jalan Naga.

Residents of Pulau Perhentian are traditionally farmers and fishermen.

There are more than 20 resorts on Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar.

During the rest of the year, the waves are strong and dangerous, particularly during the northeast monsoon.

News extracted from : The Star (11.08.2008)