>> ASIAONE / NEWS / LATEST NEWS / ASIA / STORY
Sean Augustin
Fri, Jan 18, 2008
NST, ANN
Turtle-shaped rock 'can be a crowd-puller'

>KUALA TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA: You may have visited Rantau Abang in Terengganu, but chances are you may not have noticed a rock formation shaped like a turtle.

This is because despite its unique shape and interesting story, not many visitors to the famous turtle-landing site are aware of its existence.

There are no signs directing visitors to the hill where the rock formation is located and the track along the jungle path can be hazardous.

Ping Anchorage director Alex Lee laments the fact that nothing had been done to promote the unique attraction.

The tour operator said Terengganu should learn from the example set by the Manneken Pis, a landmark in Brussels, Belgium, which told a story about a war in 1142.

"It's a small statue of a boy urinating into a fountain, but there is an interesting story behind it.

"This makes the tourists want to stop by to take a look.

"They even have merchandise based on the attraction.

"The same goes for the turtle-shaped rock.

"There's a good story behind it and we can share the story with visitors," he said.

Legend has it that a giant turtle had turned to stone when it failed to return to the sea before sunrise after laying eggs on the beach.

It is said that since then, the stone has been luring turtles to Rantau Abang during the nesting season.

Lee said the site also offered a scenic view of the surrounding area.

However, proper facilities such as a car park, toilet and shelter are needed if the place is to be turned into a tourist attraction.


 
 
STORY INDEX
 
  Two men assaulted after posing as cops
   
 
  S. Korean army forces dancers to get in step
   
 
  Turtle-shaped rock 'can be a crowd-puller'
   
 
  Dr Mahathir takes the stand
   
 
  Indian army faces dire shortage of officers
   
 
  M'sian Islamic party still wants stonings, amputations
   
 
  Teacher sues parent for almost $110,000
   
 
  Scores gored by bulls during harvest festivities in India
   
 
  Reconsider ban on cellphones for students
   
 
  Cheat outed by semi-nude pictures
   
We welcome contributions, comments and tips.
a1admin@sph.com.sg
Search: