By Munifah Alwi , July 31, 2011
Back in the days when Kuala Terengganu was a regional trading hub, the Air Berani beach on Pulau Perhentian was the only place where ships could get fresh water supply when they took shelter from the monsoon on the island.
A natural freshwater spring just metres from the lapping waves on the beach would always remain amazingly fresh, without the slightest hint of salinity.
Such was the reputation of the spring in providing fresh water so near to the seaside that locals named the beach Air Berani, which literally means "brave water".
Nowadays, the spring has been walled up, but it has stayed true to its name, brave ly spouting freshwater as if challenging the sea to turn it saline.
It is even brave enough in the face of droughts as locals said the spring would never stop flowing even if there was no rain for months.
Located on the southern side of Pulau Perhentian Besar, the beach was the preferred place for ships to escape the strong monsoon winds as it is situated in a cove.
D’Lagoon Perhentian Chalets and Restau rant manager Abdul Razak Mohd Nor, 42, said the existence of the freshwater spring was a relief for sailors.
"As the south western and north eastern monsoon could last for months, a reliable fresh water supply was vital to en sure that they could wait out the strong winds and choppy waters during the season." he said.
He said nobody knows when the spring was discovered.
"I was told that the spring was mentioned in the records of Chinese adventurer Admi ral Cheng Ho in the 15th cen tury." he said.
A report found on the Internet claimed there was an abun dance of prawns in a pool nearby.
And when they were fished out and fried, the prawns would still be alive. Those who caught the prawns would, therefore,back return the crea tures to the pool.
Although ships no longer stop at Air Berani to get their water supply, the beach is set to become popular again, but this time as a tourist desti nation.
State Health, Unity and Con sumer Affairs Committee chairman and Kuala Besut as semblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Mokhtar said the state gov ernment had allocated RM300,000 to build proper tourism in frastructure at the beach.
"The unique freshwater spring has brought about an recorded increasing number of tourists every year and we want to ensure that it is properly de veloped as a tourist attraction in Terengganu." he said.
Abdul Rahman said Air Berani had historical importance as Pulau Perhentian (Stopover Island), got its name from mer chants who stopped there to escape the monsoon.
"It is an integral part of Pulau Perhentian history." he said.
He saidRahman added that the suitability of the island as a stopover point made Pulau Perhentian famous as the sailors told their counterparts in other countries about its existence.
Abdul He said the islanders be lieved that the spring water had magical powers.
"The old folk here said the water from the spring can neutralise sea water.
"If we add a glass of water from the spring to a glass of sea water, none of the salty taste will remain." he said.
He said in the olden days, merchants would add the wa ter from Air Berani with sea water if they ran out of water during their voyage.
Abdul Rahman said there were al so those who believed that the spring water could grant them their wish to meet a life part ner.
"Some people claim that drinking the spring water can help childless couples con ceive." he said.
As it emerges as a new tourist attraction, Air Berani may yet again become well- known across the globe
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