The favourite bathing pool of a celestial princess named Mambang Sari was said to be Tasik Dayang Bunting (lake of the pregnant maiden). Situated on the second largest island of Langkawi, this island carries a tale that is so romantic with a sad ending. Of course there’s many versions to the legend, this one I hear more often…
A tale of Mambang Sari, a beautiful princess and Mat Teja. Mambang Sari, accompanied by her maids used to frequent the island. Their favourite spot was Pasir Teluk Air Tahun and Teluk Lawak (lagoons). One day Mat Teja saw Mambang Sari and was struck by her beauty. He fell madly in love with her and used to follow her wherever she went. Once, while on a lookout for her, he met Tok Diang an old man from the village. Mat Teja told him of his love for Mambang Sari but just did not know how to reveal this secret. He feared that his love might not be reciprocated.
Tok Diang asked Mat Teja to get the tears of a mermaid from the sea and to wipe them on his face the next time he met Mambang Sari. He did just that and when Mambang Sari saw him she too fell in love with him. They often met at various places to enjoy the beauty and serenity of these spots. They became more intimate, she could not bear to return to her celestial home and as a result Mambang Sari became pregnant.
The lake is about 30 metres deep. Now a place for picnic.
She chose to retire at Tasik Dayang Beranak (Lake of Born Maiden) to give birth. Unfortunately the child died after seven days from a mysterious illness. Distraught, the grieving Mambang Sari left the child's body in the lake (it was said that there was once a cave where the lake is, it has caved into the water) and returned to her heavenly abode. The lake later came to be known as Tasik Dayang Bunting. Some people believe the water of the lake possesses some mystical power of helping barren women to bear children. Many have claimed to be successful.
The jetty at Pulau Dayang Bunting. Corals forming. Long walk uphill to the lake.
Visitors of the island are just fascinated by the monkeys that you find along the way. After the long way up suddenly it is a very steep walk down to the lake.
Thank God for the stairs.. but it has caretakers! Not advisable to feed.
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