Legend of Puteri Santubong

There is a famous legend behind Mount Santubong in Sarawak, that recounts of two beautiful mythical sisters. Princess Santubong and Princess Sejinjang were both from the magnificient and idyllic mythical kingdom called Kayangan. Both were sent to earth to restore peace between the neighbouring villages of Pasir Kuning and Pasir Putih, with a strict condition that they must never quarrel with each other, as decreed by the mighty King of Kayangan.

Princess Santubong, an experienced weaver, was to rule over Pasir Kuning while Princess Sejinjang, a skilled rice thresher, was to rule over Pasir Putih. Princess Santubong’s intricately woven fabrics were an instant success while Princess Sejinjang’s paddy fields were greatly thriving. Both villages soon prospered greatly.

The beauty and talent of both princesses made them much sought after by suitors from all over the place. None won their heart until they met Putera Mahkota Serapi (Crown Prince Mahkota) from Matang. The crown prince fell in love with both of them, but they refused to be joint wives.

Because of him, they had an awful quarrel and exchanged blows. Sejinjang swung her thresher and hit Santubong’s cheek which made her fell flat on her back. Santubong threw her weaver at Sejinjang, hitting her directly at her head. The great King of Kayangan was so angry that he cursed both of them into mountains, putting an end to the fight.

It is said that the Mount Santubong resembles a woman lying on her back. The deep crevice at the peak is where the princess got hit on the cheek.

The legend was then told in a song called “Puteri Santubong” sung in local Malay dialect. It is often played by local radio stations. Lyrics of the song is as follows:

Oh…Puteri Santubong, Sejinjang sayang,
Kisah lama, zaman mensia maya.

Puteri Santubong, Puteri Sejinjang,
Penjaga gunung negeri Sarawak,
Manis sik ada dapat dilawan,
Anak dak dewa turun kayangan.

Oh… Santubong puteri bertenun kain malam,
Oh… Sejinjang puteri menumbuk padi siang.

Satu harinya dua kelahi,
Beranuk anuk sik renti-renti,
Seorang madah dirik bagus agik,
Seorang sik ngalah walau sampai ke mati.

Udah lejuk nya dua kelahi,
Lalu bertukuk nya dua puteri,
Sejinjang mengayun aluk ke pipi,
Tebik Santubong sampai gituk ari.

Tapi Santubong membalas juak,
Lalu ditikam batang beluak,
Sampei terkena Sejinjang kepala,
Lalu bertabor jadi Pulo Kera.

Kisah Santubong, kisah Sejinjang,
Asal berkawan jadi musuhan,
Kinik tuk tinggal jadi kenangan,
Pakei ingatan sepanjang zaman.

Yalah kisah duak ‘rang puteri,
Suka kelahi setiap hari,
Lalu disumpah raja kayangan,
Menjadi gunung negeri Sarawak