BALI STRAIT LEGEND

In Daha kingdom there lived a powerful Brahmin named Sidi Mantra. Her son’s name was
Manik Angkeran. Manik Angkeran liked to gamble. One day, Manik Angkeran could not pay the
debt. He asked help to father.

Loving his son, Sidi Mantra fasted then prayed to the God. A mysterious voice asked him to
meet Naga Besukih at Agung Mount. By ringing a genta, Naga Besukih came and gave gold as
well as diamonds from his scales. Soon, Manik Angkeran finished all gold and diamonds. He
asked help to his father again. Sidi Mantra came to Naga Besukih. This time, Manik Angkeran
secretly followed Sidi Mantra.

A few days later, Manik Angkeran stole father’s genta then came to Naga Besukih. Manik
Angkeran got gold and diamonds. But he was not satisfied. Manik Angkeran saw a big gem at
the end of dragon’s tail. When Naga Besukih turned toward a cave, Manik Angkeran
immediately cut off dragon’s tail then ran away.

Naga Besukih was furious then licked Manik Angkeran’s footprints. Then he turned into ashes.
Sidi Matra was aware of this situation; he begged Naga Besukih to revive his son. Naga Besukih
agreed if his tail was back. With magic, Sidi Mantra returned dragon’s tail back to normal. Then,
Naga Besukih revived Manik Angkeran.

Sidi Mantra knew that he could not live with Manik Angkeran anymore. With a magical wand,
Sidi Mantra made a line that separated him from son. There came springs growing into a sea.
This is the legend of Bali Strait separating Java from Bali.