LEGEND OF LAKE CHINI

Ensconced within a quiet corner of Pahang is the legendary Tasik Chini

(Lake Chini). The colourful folklore and legends of this enchanting lake
reflect the imagination of the original people, the Orang Asli (aborigines)
of the Jakun tribe. It involves tales of evil, magic and of mysterious
dragons believed to be the denizens of the lake.
Colourful and intriguing, but the pristine nature of this ancient body of
water begs certain questions to be answered in terms of ecological
management and the protection of the enclaves delicate ecosystem.
Myths and Legends
One facet of the legend tells of the story of a nomadic group of Jakun
who were clearing the jungle to grow food crops. As they were working,
an old woman suddenly appeared, claiming that she was the owner of
the land and that whoever wished to clear the area of the trees must
obtain permission from her. Upon accepting the profound apologies of
the wandering group, the old woman allowed them to continue with their
task. However, before leaving, she struck her walking stick into the
ground to stamp her ownership of this piece of real estate. She warned
the group not to remove it ever.
As the men continued with their work, they heard one of their dogs
barking at a decaying log. One of the Jakuns threw a stick at the log,
causing a stream of blood to gush out from it. The man ran to his friends
in fear but the others steered clear of him believing that he had been
possessed by demons. However, since the dogs kept barking at the log,

the other men decided to investigate. Upon inspection they found a pool
of blood around the log.
In fear they hurled their own sticks at the log, whereupon the sky
suddenly turned dark. Thunder roared, lightning flashed and a deluge of
rain began. The men grabbed their belongings and ran for cover, but in
the confusion one of them pulled the old womans stick from the ground.
Immediately water gushed from the hole made by the stick. The water
flowed for many years, thereby creating what is today known as Tasik
Chini.
For want of a logical explanation, the group of Jakuns concluded that the
log was actually the manifestation of the dragon, Naga Seri
Gumum. Through the years, much has been said about the mysteries
and magic of the lake and its environs. Besides the belief that deep
beneath the dark waters of the lake lurks a monster, people also talk
about a sunken Khmer city that had at one time existed in the area.
Several years back, an archaeological expedition was mounted to study
the area but results are still wanting.
Accommodation
Decent and comfortable accommodation is available at the park.
Reasonably-priced chalets take the work out of looking for a suitable
place to spend the nights. For the more adventurous, you can rough it
out at the designated camping sites. Over in the town of Temerloh there
are hotels, lodges, inns and a rest house. For list of accommodation
please click here.