By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
Amid the cascading waters of Lata Kinjang, a natural symbol of Perak’s beauty, lies an old folk tale that continues to captivate local memory, the story of Sang Kelembai, a mystical being said to possess extraordinary powers that can turn anything into stone.
For locals, the giant footprint etched on the rocks of Lata Kinjang is considered the clearest evidence of this legend. According to the story, the footprint belongs to Sang Kelembai himself, while a large hollow nearby is believed to have been the resting place of his child.
The legend begins with the sorrowful tale of the death of Sang Kelembai’s beloved child, who was crushed by a bayam tree. Stricken with grief, the extraordinary couple decided to move their child’s remains to a more suitable location.
However, as they passed through a wedding ceremony in Kampar, a guest mocked their actions. Offended by the jeer, Sang Kelembai unleashed a curse on the event. All the guests, including the bridal dais, turned to stone, now known as Batu Bersanding, a lasting testament to the curse in Perak.
Another tale linked to Sang Kelembai involves a battle between a tiger and a wild boar on a hill. It is said that the mystical being cut the tiger’s body into three parts, two atop the hill and one below, before turning them all to stone. To this day, the large rock formations in the area are associated with this legend.
According to oral tradition, Sang Kelembai was described as a giant with a broad nose, elephant-like ears, sharp tusks, and a towering frame. Yet, beneath his fearsome appearance, he was believed to possess a tender heart and deep affection for his family.
Old Malay communities held that Sang Kelembai’s power to curse knew no bounds — humans, animals, or even plants could be turned to stone if they offended him.
Today, the story of Sang Kelembai is more than myth; it is a living oral heritage that adds depth to Lata Kinjang’s uniqueness.
The giant footprint of Sang Kelembai has become a legendary tourist attraction, bringing Perak’s folk tales to life. The natural beauty of Lata Kinjang Eco-Forest Park, intertwined with its mysterious lore, has made it one of the state’s most iconic heritage destinations.
