Gunung Reng, Jeli, Kelantan

Gunung Reng in Batu Melintang, Jeli (30 April, 2017)

Gunung Reng (GPS: 5.71607, 101.74583) is a colossal limestone outcrop in Jajahan Jeli, Kelantan. It is an unmistakable sight for eastbound motorists on the East-West Highway, almost heralding their arrival in Kelantan. Its appearance kind of reminds me of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka and Popa Taungkalat in Myanmar.

Gunung Reng is surrounded by the Malay village of Batu Melintang. Right at the foot of Gunung Reng is a park called Pusat Rekreasi Gunung Reng. A tarred road leads to this small park located right at the foot of Gunung Reng. This park reaches down to a river, which is likewise known as Sungai Reng (and in some maps, as Sungai Pergau). When I was there, I saw locals picnicking and playing in the water.

According to the interpretive board at the park, there was a legend associated with Gunung Reng. There was once a village named Kampung Tala, which was established by a Javanese named Tok Tadeh. One day, the headman of Kampung Tala had held a big feast. During the feast, the villagers decided to put a dog to fight a cat on the roof of the house. At the time of Zohor prayers, the two animals were brought up to the roof.

Just at that moment, a big storm appeared. Two of the villagers - an old granny and her grand child, rushed home to put away the rice they had left to sun. After the rain had subsided, the old lady returned to Kampung Tala, and was shocked to find that the village had disappeared, and in its place, there was a huge mountain. That mountain used to be located 3 days 2 nights away, at the source of Sungai Reng. The original site of the mountain has become a lake.

At the foot of Gunung Reng is a cave which looks like a gaping mouth. A flight of steps have been built for the benefit of amateur spelunkers. The rocks at the entrance of the cave is covered with graffiti from past visitors.