Manik Angkeran is Balinese folklore that is often associated with the history of the Bali strait. It is said that Bali and Java were once united islands. However, due to extraordinary events involving the power of magic, Bali was finally separated from Java. Do you want to know what was the magic event? Check out the story below!

The Legend of Manik Angkeran

Manik Angkeran is the son of a Brahmin named Sidhimantra. They lived in a kingdom called Doha. It is said that Manik Angkeran was an intelligent child, but was easily influenced by their mischievous friends. He then had bad hobbies, like gambling and cock-fighting. He thought that it was a fast way to become rich, without having to work hard. Yes, he was always won and became addicted to gambling. But it didn’t last long. He suffered defeat after defeat, but it didn’t dampen his lust for gambling. Until finally he was unable to pay for his debt because his property had disappeared with no trace.

In a state of despair, Manik asked for money from his father to repay his debt. His father, Sidhimantra, then came to Mount Agung to meet Naga Besukih according to the instructions obtained from the Gods. Naga Besukih also gave some of his possessions to Sidhimantra. Unfortunately, the assets that are supposed to be used to pay debts, were actually being used again by Manik to gamble. He got defeated again, and he asked for money from his father again. But this time, his father refused to help.

Then, Manik came to Naga Besukih, asking for help himself. When he was about to give his treasure, Manik unwittingly followed the dragon into the mountain and was amazed to see the wealth of treasures owned by the dragon. Manik also intends to kill the dragon using a sword. When the attack began, the dragon was very shocked to know that he would be killed by Manik. Feeling betrayed, the dragon killed him by burning down Manik's body with his bursts of fire.

Sidhimantra who was shocked by the incident then asked the Dragon to revive his son. He intended to teach good things to his child. Naga Besukih agreed to it, with one condition that Naga Besukih would educate Manik. When Manik was revived, he begged for mercy on the dragon and asked to return with his father. But because of the agreement that had been made before, Sidhimantra took out a magic wand and made a line that separated him from his child. Suddenly, water came out of the line and it was getting more and more swift. Mount Agung was separated from the surrounding area. That large puddle of water is what we later know as the "Bali Strait", the strait that separates Bali and Java.

Now, despite the natural conditions that caused these two islands to separate, Balinese people still believe that the powerful interference of the gods and Brahmins changed this situation. Until today, the myth of Manik Angkeran is still passed down by Balinese parents to their children. The story brings a message that “good deeds will bring good results”. Meanwhile, the crime only results in losses.