The Mysteries of Pulau Lakier
We took a trip back to Pulau Lakier a few days ago. We had visited five years ago just before the pandemic.
Pulau Lakier is an island located behind Santubong. To get there, go to the docks that take people to Bako National Park and request a boat to Pulau Lakier. The boat ride is about 30 minutes.
Tuanku Ibrahim
According to oral history, Tuanku Ibrahim was the last of a long line of rulers from Santubong dating from ~966. He is buried at Pulau Lakier. He did not become “Sultan Ibrahim” because the regalia was moved from Santubong and was not available for the inauguration, hence, he would be known to history as Tuanku Ibrahim.
In ~1512, the Brunei forces attacked Santubong. Tuanku Ibrahim and his army defended Santubong for four days when Brunei landed another large army. Tuanku Ibrahim and his army had many casualties and had to flee the onslaught. The Astana and the surrounding kampongs were destroyed.
Tuanku Ibrahim retreated with his army and entourage to Kampong Jaie with the Brunei in hot pursuit. However, the Brunei Army was slowed by bamboo spears placed in the ground and navigating the small jungle paths.
Tuanku Ibrahim then told his people to reorganise his forces at Pulau Lakier. He attacked and retook Santubong and ordered the treasures of the kingdom to be dug up and buried at Pulau Lakier. However, most of his army had gone to Malacca to help stave off the Portuguese invasion.
The remnants of the army returned with their wounded and were in a sad state. Tuanku Ibrahim ordered them to return to their kampongs. There were very few people left to defend Santubong from another Brunei attack.
Brunei attacked again with five ships. The battle raged and Tuanku Ibrahim withdrew to Pulau Lakier because he knew the Brunei forces did not know about the island. He arranged for a home to be built on the hilltop, which had a commanding view of the area.
For a longer history of Tuanku Ibrahim please contact me at Sa********@***il.com.
Napok
In the Sarawak Malay world, there is a concept called napok. Napok means to keep a secret. The Brunei troops were chasing the Santubong forces and they became those who hid as farmers or traders. They did not tell of their royal blood for fear the Brunei people would find out and they would be killed. The hiding of this genealogy was called napok. This concept lasts until today, the hiding of the royal bloodline from Santubong. People will not say if they are descendants of Santubong royalty but keep it quiet among themselves. The concept of napok is very frustrating for historical researchers.
Crypt
His crypt sits atop a large hill with an unbelievable view of Santubong and Bako. Two worn pieces of belian wood stand at each end of the crypt which I assume came from the old grave. I don’t know who built the modern crypt.
Water Fall
Below the crypt is a small waterfall with three small pools and writings on the floor of the pools in an unknown language. On the floor of the first large pool is a thumbprint and an inscription in an unknown language. Below the third pool, the land wanders downward and inland into the forest. We did not explore the rest of the island.
The Astro Lab
Five years ago we found a huge rock that had round punched holes on it. If you connected the round punched holes, it would give the image of the Big Dipper. We had this confirmed by astronomers. I went back to find it. I must have searched every boulder looking for it. It wasn’t there. Then I looked at every stone again. Still no astro lab. I knew nobody could have carried it off. The stone could have been buried by the sand because of wave action. At least I have a picture of the stone taken five years ago.
Cliff Writings
There were, and still are, writings on the cliff that faces the sea. I sent pictures of them around on social media but there was no answer.
Steel Pier
A massive iron pier runs from the land to about ten meters out to the sea. Six-meter steel beams protrude skyward. There is a place where a boat could unload people and they could climb up on the pier and walk to land. I was told the landward side had been destroyed in a storm and people could not climb down from the pier. I don’t know who built it or why.
The Rest House
Oral history says the late Chief Minister of Sarawak, Adenan, had the small house built for his relaxation. Others state it was Taib who had it built. This oral history cannot be confirmed or denied.
The Treasure
The treasure of the kingdom of Santubong is said to be buried somewhere on the island. I understand many people, over the aeons, have searched for it, but to no avail.
Tom McLaughlin for BorneoHistory.net