The town acquired the name Batu Pahat, which means “chiselled rock” (Batu = Rock, Pahat = Chisel), from the quarries near the estuary. There are multiple theories as to the origin of this name. In around 1456, the Siamese army, led by Admiral Awi Di Chu, camped in Batu Pahat before attacking Malacca. Legend has it that the invading Siamese troops were chiselling rocks at a rocky spot in the coastal village of Kampung Minyak Beku, in hope to get fresh water during their retreat from the Melaka troops. Today, the ancient well can still be found in Minyak Beku, though little was done to maintain this ancient landmark which gives name to the town. For the town’s centennial celebration in the early ’90s, a quaint monument depicting a floating hand chiselling a rock was set up in the town square.
Batu Pahat is the second largest urban area in Johor. As Chinese make up the majority of the population at 62% followed by the Malay at 36% and Indians at 2%. Today, a significant number of Batu Pahat residents are Chinese. Is is also known as “temple of the township” by many people, this is because it has more than four hundred large and small temples, to worship different deities.
It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Batu Pahat. It was built in The Small fishing village of Segenting in the Qing Dynasty (1864). It is about 30 minutes’ drive from the urban area of Batu Pahat.
The main god of the temple is Da Bo Gong (大伯公, which is “Grand Uncle” in Chinese). There are also Ma Zu (妈祖, the goddess of the sea), Hai Long Wang (海龙王, the dragon king of the sea) and others to protect and bless the villagers and the fishermen. This is because Segenting is a simple small fishing village where most of the villagers make a living by fishing. Therefore, this temple is built here to protect people and pray for a safe sea.
Photo credit to TRUTH MEDIA
In addition to the “Chong Long Gong” Temple, there is a famous “sacred fish” legend in the temple, which makes the small village of Segenting become one of the most famous scenic spots in Batu Pahat.
So what is “fish touching”?
It is said that in the 1990s, many people were lucky to win the lottery because they touched the body of the dragon fish in Chong Long Gong Palace. The so-called “god fish” is the Arapaima fish with the body of 6 to 7 feet long, which is larger in shape and symbolizes good luck. Therefore, the legend that you can make money by touching the fish has been passed on by the villagers until now. It is said that if you touch the tail of the god fish from the head, you will be rich! Touch fish pond is located in Chong Long Gong Palace “大伯公寺庙”, it stands in the sea, all the year round to protect the village by the sea, so that the villagers can live in peace.
Photo credit to TRUTH MEDIA
In the other hand, Chong Long Gong Palace also consecrates the crystal Palace of the “四海龙王” and the sacred statue of “妈祖”. In recent years, it also adds the statue of “五路财神金元宝” and expands the temple square for the villagers and tourists to visit. With the development of The Times, the temple combines tourism, religion, cultures and education in addition to offering gods and blessing. The treasure place of seeking wealth, good luck and sightseeing and punching cards attracts an endless stream of pilgrims.
Segenting Lover’s Bridge
Photo credit to TRUTH MEDIA
Apart from this to the above-mentioned temple attractions, there is also a lime wharf called “Lover’s bridge” in the fishing village of Segenting. It was originally a wooden bridge with a total length of 600 feet. Later, it was rebuilt into a cement bridge with appropriations, but the wooden bridge with a tail end of 80 feet is still retained for the convenience of fishing boats.
Local villagers point out that in its early days, The Bridge was a mecca for couples, but now families, couples and friends come here to take photos and clock in, enjoy a leisurely trip of blowing sea breezes, watching night scenes and relaxing at sunset. As It is located on the coast, the sunset scenery here is very charming. The scenery of the setting sun colors the sky and the sea. At night, you can get many pictures of the stars. In addition, There are also many holiday resorts, seafood restaurants, is a good place for tourists to visit for a short time.
Photo credit to TRUTH MEDIA
Segenting though sparsely populated, only more than hundred households, but the small fishing village can be linger place a lot of people, can only say, and to bless and sightseeing place is really worth a look, after all, when we want to break away from the noisy world, also can have a can let a person calm down and quiet feeling is very precious, so also from strains of small make up recommend readers genuine people to visit here!
Address: 81, Kampung Segenting, Minyak Beku, Batu Pahat, Johor
Hours: 8.00am to 9.00pm daily
Entrance fee: FREE
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