Legend of the Origin of the Bali Strait

 Folk Tales from Bali

This story happened in ancient times, when the island of Bali had not yet separated from the island of Java.

Manik Angkeran is the son of a Brahmin named Sidhimantra. They live in the Kingdom of Doha, Bali. He is a smart child. Unfortunately, he is easily influenced by his friends.

One day, Manik Angkeran saw people gambling and cockfighting. He was very interested.

“Wow, you don't need to work hard to get rich. Just have one chicken!" he thought. He then went home and broke his piggy bank to buy a big and strong rooster.

“This chicken will definitely make me a lot of money,” he said happily. The next day, Manik Angkeran started fighting cocks. It turns out it's true, the chicken always wins. He earned a lot of money. Manik Angkeran is very satisfied. Tomorrow he will return to fighting his cock. "If this keeps up, I can get rich quickly," he thought.

But it turns out it's not that easy. On the second day and so on, the chicken started to lose frequently. Moreover, many new chickens have appeared in the cockfighting arena. They defeated the chicken easily. In an instant, Manik Angkeran's money was gone. He even had to go into debt to pay for his losses. But that didn't deter him. He continued to gamble and fight cocks.

Over time, Manik Angkeran stole his father's property to pay his debts. Sidhimantra, who knew this, said, "My son, gambling will not make you rich, but will actually make you poor. Stop while it's not too late!"

But Manik Angkeran didn't care. Gradually, his father's wealth was used up to pay the debt.

He then whined, “Daddy, help me. They will kill me if I don't pay the debt.”

His father sighed. Their possessions are gone. “What should I do to help my child?” he thought. He didn't want his only child to die in vain.

Sidhimantra prays for guidance from the Gods. Suddenly there was a magical whisper. “Meet Naga Besukih on Mount Agung. Ask for a little of his wealth to pay your son's debts."

Sidhimantra rushed to Mount Agung to meet Naga Besukih. Arriving at Mount Agung, Sidhimantra rang the bell as indicated in his dream. Naga Besukih who heard it came out.

"Who are you? What is the purpose of your arrival?" asked Naga Besukih.

“I am Sidhimantra. The purpose of my coming is to ask for your help in paying the debts of my son, Manik Angkeran. He has spent my wealth. My son will be killed if he doesn't pay off his debts," answered Sidhimantra.

After thinking for a moment, Naga Besukih agreed to Sidhimantra's request. He entered his cave and came out carrying a quantity of gold and precious stones. Sidhimantra thanked him and said goodbye to go home. He handed over all the property to his son.

"Go and pay off all your debts. Now you can start a new life," said Sidhimantra. 

However, Manik Angkeran used the property to gamble again. He continued gambling until his wealth was drained. He went back into debt to pay for his losses and was chased by people again.

"Sorry Dad, the money you gave me has run out. Now I owe it again, even a bigger amount," Manik Angkeran whined again to his father.

"I can't help you anymore. I tried to help you, but you just hurt my feelings!" Sidhimantra said holding back his anger.

Manik Angkeran was confused. He didn't know who else to ask for help. While daydreaming, suddenly his eyes fixated on a small bell.

“A bell? What is this bell for? Is this bell for sale?” he asked himself.

Manik Angkeran took the bell to the market. There he met his friend and showed him the bell.

“Manik, I heard that this bell is a magic bell. This bell is used to summon the Naga Besukih who lives on Mount Agung. Perhaps your father has met Naga Besukih to ask for treasure?” asked his friend.

“Hmm… that's right. He must have got the treasure from Naga Besukih," said Manik Angkeran. Manik Angkeran didn't want to waste the opportunity. He immediately climbed Mount Agung and rang the magic bell.

Naga Besukih then met Manik Angkeran. “Sorry Naga Besukih. My name is Manik Angkeran, son of Sidhimantra. Can I ask for a little more of your wealth to pay off my debt?” asked Manik Angkeran.

“Do you owe a lot? But fine, for the last time, I will give you a little treasure. After this, you can't come here again to ask for treasure," answered Naga Besukih.

Naga Besukih took his treasure in the cave. Without realizing it, Manik Angkeran followed him. To Manik Angkeran's amazement, in the cave there was a pile of gold and jewels!

Seeing all this, his evil intentions arose. He wanted to kill Naga Besukih and take control of his treasure. He drew his sword and slashed it at Naga Besukih's body. Naga Besukih was injured, he didn't expect that Manik Angkeran would kill him.

Naga Besukih was very angry and spat fire from his mouth. Manik Angkeran was scared. He tried to escape. However, Naga Besukih easily caught him. Manik Angkeran was burned by the fire that came out of the mouth of the Naga Besukih. His body was reduced to ashes.

Meanwhile, Sidhimantra, who had lost his bell, followed Mount Agung. He is sure that Manik Angkeran stole it.

Arriving at Mount Agung, Sidhimantra saw his son's body which had turned to ashes. He saw the Naga Besukih writhing its body and its mouth continuing to spit fire.

"What happened to my son?" lamented Sidhimantra. Naga Besukih told Sidhimantra everything.

"O good Naga Besukih, will you bring my son back to life? Give him a chance to improve himself," pleaded Sidhimantra.

Naga Besukih thought for a moment, then answered “Okay. I will bring your son back to life. However, he can't go home with you. He must stay here and be my student. I will educate him to become a good and knowledgeable person."

"Whatever you do, as long as it makes my son a good person, then do it," answered Sidhimantra.

With his supernatural powers, Naga Besukih brought Manik Angkeran back to life.

“Forgive me Father, forgive me Naga Besukih. I promise not to repeat all my bad behavior again," said Manik Angkeran.

“We forgive you, my child. But you can't go home with me. You have to start a new life here with Naga Besukih who will educate you," answered Sidhimantra.

Then Sidhimantra took out a stick and drew a line separating himself from his son. Suddenly, water came out of the line which became more and more powerful.

Mount Agung is also separated from its surroundings. This puddle of water became known as the Bali Strait which separates the islands of Bali and Java.

The moral of this story is:

- stay away from bad behavior (such as gambling), because it will only harm yourself

- obey our parents' advice, so that our lives are safe and secure

- do not be greedy.

The legend of the origins of the Bali Strait can be a reminder for anyone to avoid disgraceful actions.