Many people have probably heard that the Istana Bunian in Bachok, Kelantan is spooky. Is this place really eerie? Let’s learn about what makes it so unique.
Many places are associated with the existence of the bunian (mythical hidden folk). Some say the bunian live inside caves, others claim to have encountered them in forests, on hills, and so on.
There is one unique and fascinating story that took place in Kampung Tok Burung, Bachok, Kelantan, because the location linked to the bunian there is neither a cave nor a forest. Instead, there stands an Istana Bunian (Palace of the Bunian) built by Mr. Hasyim Abdul Rahman.
Pakcik Hasyim is a house builder who works around Bachok, and he has been working to build this Istana Bunian since 1987.
From the exterior alone, it looks like a cave, but it has Roman-era-inspired pillars created from the carving work done by Mr. Hasyim. For your information, this Istana Bunian was built entirely by himself and funded entirely out of Mr. Hasyim’s own pocket.
Credit: Tourism Malaysia
Since construction began in 1987, he states that the overall cost spent to build this Istana Bunian totals RM1.5 million.
Because his finances were very limited, he built it bit by bit, but around 2018 the framework of the Istana Bunian began to take shape.
Inside this Istana Bunian, there is a water fountain as well as a fish pond that Pakcik Hasyim tends and cares for himself. It really is very peaceful inside the palace with the presence of that pond.
He further says that he can feel the bliss of being in the realm of the bunian itself, and this structure is his manifestation of the bunian realm he has visited.
However, should you wish to converse with Pakcik Hasyim, he uses a highly artistic register of language that is difficult for ordinary people to understand.
For your information, Mr. Hasyim has his own house located a little way off, about 500 metres from the Istana Bunian structure itself.
Although there are many mystical tales about this Istana Bunian, what is interesting is that the carving artistry on this building consistently draws the interest of tourists, and it is even visited by architecture students who come to study the architectural art that Pakcik Hasyim has worked on at this Istana Bunian.
This Istana Bunian is located about 30 minutes from Kota Bharu. The journey from Kota Bharu to the Istana Bunian in Bachok runs along Jalan D106. The distance is about 19.7km. You can also take road D137, which takes a little longer with an additional 2 minutes.
So that is the true story of the Istana Bunian in Bachok, Kelantan. It is not spooky at all; in fact, it is rather wonderful to visit once you have heard the story behind this unique place.
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