The lake that is full folklores from ancient civilization to mystical creatures.The 12.5 acres which is made up of 12 lakes is only second to Lake Bera, also in Pahang. The aborigines suggest that once upon a time both of these lakes were connected.
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| The Jakun Home |
There were reports of occasional sightings of the monster by the locals, indigenous and even tourist but unfortunately there is no scientific evidence of the existence of it. .Naga Seri Gumum or the Malaysian Loch Ness Monster is believed to inhibit this Lake.
Now off course, it has to be guarding someone or something right? It is said that "Naga Tasik Chini ( Lake Chini Dragon) guard a sunken ancient Khmer City. The city dates back to the 5th Century The existence of Nelumbo Nucifera (Sacred Lotus) A species of lotus from Lake Chini which is the same species from many ancient Asian sites such as Angkor Wat (ancient Khmer,Cambodia) goes the further excites the existence of the hidden city.The lake is filled with blooming lotus from the period of August to September. The are also some that believe that the Lotus was brought to the lake by a monk from Khmer with a group of Khmer refuges that fled the country during war. As the lake resembles Ton le Sap, they've decided to stay in Lake Chini. During the monsoonal floods, from October to January, the lotus would die but their fertilized new seeds would litter the lake bottom waiting the dry season to bloom again.
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| The Sacred Lotus |
The land is inhibited by the aborigines of the Jakun and Semelai tribe. They still live their old traditional ways and very much love the nature. Here's another interesting fact, the Jakun and Semelai, uses language that contains Khmer words. (Hint , Hint). Archaeological finding also traces artefacts of Khmer origins. There are even a couple of books written specifically to address the ancient civilization and the Chini Dragon and a few group of specific interest are still researching the activities in Lake Chini.
About 200 different species of birds, 138 species of flora, and 144 species of fresh water fish call this their home. The list includes macaca, Malayan soft shell turtle, white handed gibbon and spiny terapin.
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| Macaca |
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| White Handed Gibbon |
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| Spiny Terapin |
Lake Chini is just one of the gift of Mother Nature to Malaysia. There are many like it but Lake Chini will always be a special lake with its mystical stories. You will love being here, who know, The Naga Seri Gumum may want to bless you with is appearance
Pictures Credits : Pahang Tourism / Ecology Asia
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