Though the Sun was blazing, the opportunity of taking a boat ride to Malacca's mystical island of Pulau Besar or Big Island was one that could not be passed. It was last minute thingy and work related but nevertheless something that I would not have missed.

Located about 25km from the centre of the historic city, the Island has a history that spans even further back in time than the founding of Malacca as a trading port in the early 1400s. Being the last remaining island on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia where fresh water can be found, Pulau Besar or Big Island was used by early Chinese and Indian mariners.

The island is mentioned by the Chinese in their annals while a brass gong of 12th Century Sumatran Majapahit Empire is evidence of its ancient history. There are numerous legends attributed to the island and none more celebrated amongst locals than that of its connection to Mount Ophir (Gunung Ledang) and buried treasures that are guarded by fairies and spiritual guardians.

With certain parts of the island surrounded by corals reefs, shallow rocky bottom and fast moving eddies, it is no suprise that the waters of Pulau Besar have claimed many a ships and lives over the centuries. The last being 18 souls who perished when their overloaded vessel sank in heavy weather back in 1997. Such natural accidents have only help perpetuate the island's mythical and sacred status amongst locals.

Over the past 40 years, I have had the good fortune of visiting the island on several occasion. The most memorable was a two day camping adventure (with my then to be wife, sis and thento be ex-bro-in-law and then to be sis-in-law) which included almost four hours of boulder to boulder hopping at the back of the island in the early 1990s. (one slip and it was 4 meter to 5 meter drop into fast moving waters...what bravado when blessed with the advantage of youth)

My take on the island is that it holds more than mysterious treasure as I firmly believe that there is some truth behind the local legend. Is just that the truth is sometime shourded over time to included mythical tales.

My relationship with the island is far from over as I surely intend to return to it one of these days for a closer exploration. Till then, here are some shots of the Pulau Besar and the view of Mount Ophir from the waters off the island.

To None I Wish Ill But To All I Wish Peace and Love.