5 Popular Creepy Myths about Mount Kerinci in Indonesia
- rhays-qc.blogspot.com
VIVA – Mount Kerinci is the highest mountain on Sumatra Island, located on the border of Kerinci Regency, Jambi, and South Solok Regency, West Sumatra. This mountain is known to have an altitude of 3,805 meters above sea level.
This mountain is a stratovolcano which means it is still active today. Many hiking enthusiasts make Mount Kerinci a favorite destination because this mountain presents a very beautiful view.
However, Mount Kerinci has some creepy myths that are popular around the society, as follows, reported from various sources.
1. The Existence of Tiger Man
Gunung Kerinci (3805 mdpl) di Taman Nasional Kerinci Seblat (TNKS)
- ANTARA FOTO/Wahdi Septiawan
Mount Kerinci is known has the existence of Cindaku. Cindaku is a half-human and half-tiger. This legend is not only popular in Jambi, but also in Malaysia.
The origin of Cindaku comes from a figure named Tingkas. He is a group of people who have a close mental bond with tigers. It is believed that Tingkas was instrumental in helping the people of Kerinci, one was in preserving the forest.
Kerinci people believe that Cindaku has magical powers that come from hereditary customs in the Kerinci village. With that power, they become the guardians of Mount Kerinci. Cindaku can also turn into a tiger. They will transform if they are angry or feel threatened.
2. The Midnight Ban
For those of you who don't know, Pintu Rimba is the border between people's fields and the forest. It is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. There are also myths circulating about this location. According to local stories, a woman often appears. The ghost is said to have no face and is dressed in white.
3. The Existence of Giant Dragons
Gunung Kerinci di Jambi.
- U-Report
Local people also believe that there is a giant dragon that inhabits the Mount Kerinci area. Once upon a time, there lived a pair of orphaned twin brothers named Calungga (older brother) and Calupat (younger brother).
One day, Calungga hunted alone in the forest. During his hunt, he found a large egg. Without telling his twin, Calungga ate the egg.
After eating the egg, golden scales appeared all over Calungga's body. His body became elongated and he was transformed into a giant dragon. According to local folklore, the remains of Calungga's huge body created Lake Bento.
4. The Myth about Bolong Tree
When you climb Mount Kerinci, you will encounter the Bolong Tree. As the name implies, the tree has a large hole that is located on the right side of the hiking trail, between post II and shelter I. There is a myth about this tree.
Then. there is a myth circulating about this tree. It is advised to hikers not to stop to eat, relieve themselves, or take pictures when looking at the Bolong Tree because there are waiters in the tree, namely the figure of the Indonesian ghosts – Wewe Gombel and Genderuwo – If you dare to stop in front of Bolong tree, you may disappear.
5. The Myth of Uhang Pandak
In Indonesian, Uhang Pandak means 'short person'. It is known that the history of the legend of this short person was first discovered from Marco Polo's travel notes in 1292 when he ventured to Asia.
In fact, some researchers even conducted on-site research. Before them, a Dutch zoologist, Van Heerwarden, had conducted research in the Kerinci Seblat National Park area in 1923.
According to his testimony, Uhang Pandak has the stature of a 3-4-year-old child, but has an old face. They have shoulder-length black hair with a body covered in fur. From his confession, Uhang Pandak is not a primate species. Until now, it is still uncertain what kind of creature this short man of Mount Kerinci is.
