BUKIT MARAK

EDITOR

AHMAD ARASH AIMAN BIN ROZELIM

L22A0061

CLASS NUMBER 1

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." – Marcus Garvey

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

"Bukit Marak" is located in the Bekelam Bachok district, 12.8 kilometers from Kota Bharu to the east and 19.2 kilometers from Bachok town. The height of Bukit Marak is approximately 373 feet, the view from the top is beautiful with Malay and Siamese villages and can be seen all the way to Bachok town with the South China Sea in the background. Bukit Marak is a hill that is quite famous because it has links with the history of the Kelantan Sultanate. Princess Saadong, who was the adopted daughter of Cik Siti Wan Kembang, is said to have resided in Bukit Marak around the 17th century AD. There are several traces of relics that can prove the existence of Bukit Marak.

BUKIT MARAK STARTING

POINT

This area is the starting point for the climb to the top of Bukit Marak. It is located next to an old grave that uses river stones as tombstones. There is a little historical enlightenment regarding Bukit Marak as information and knowledge for visitors.

GUA PUTERI

SAADONG

This cave was a resting and sleeping place for Princess Saadong. It is also believed that in this cave there are still traces of Princess Saadong's relics such as a make-up area, a bed, and several gong-shaped stones.

TAPAK KAKI AWANG

SELAMAT

The impression found on this stone is believed to be the footprint of Awang Selamat and the size of his feet is 2 times larger than a normal human foot. This footprint proves that Awang Selamat was a truly big and strong man.

Conservation Efforts

Despite its cultural importance, Bukit Marak faces environmental threats due to soil excavation for land reclamation. Local villagers have been selling soil from the hill, leading to concerns about potential mudslides during the monsoon season. In response, the state government has offered to purchase the hill under the National Heritage Act 2005 to prevent further damage .

BATU APAL

This stone marks the stretch of land that Princess Saadong often passed through to go to her abode.

BATU BELAH

It is believed that this stone split because it was cut by Awang Selamat using a weapon that symbolizes Awang Selamat having extraordinary strength and is said to have a very large body shape.

BATU KEPALA ULAR

According to history, Bukit Marak is an island and it is believed that a snake came to visit and rest on Bukit Marak, and the shape of the snake's head can still be seen today.

Visiting Information

Bukit Marak is accessible year-round and offers a moderate hiking trail suitable for beginners. There is no official entrance fee, and the site is open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to respect the historical significance of the area and to be mindful of ongoing conservation efforts. If you're planning a visit, it's advisable to check local weather conditions and prepare accordingly, as the area can be prone to heavy rainfall during certain seasons.

BATU GENDANG

The sound instruments made of stone are called "batu gendang" or "batu bergendang" and are musical instruments used during celebrations with Princess Saadong.

BATU GAJAH

The elephant is said to have turned into stone but its trunk has been broken. This stone elephant is believed to be an elephant often ridden by Princess Saadong.

BATU PENGASAH

It is a stone used by Awang Selamat to sharpen his weapon (Golok). It is believed that the water on the surface of the stone never dries up because when the water on the stone is almost dry, the rain that falls will fill the surface of the stone.

VISIT US !

6°02'25.5"N 102°19'23.0"E

6.040411, 102.323045

STARTING POINT HIKING BUKIT MARAK

JALAN BUKIT MARAK, BEKELAM, 16300 BACHOK, KELANTAN

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