The Legend of the Water Guard of Lake Labuan Cermin and the Local Wisdom of East Kalimantan

Once upon a time, in the lush, green landscapes of East Kalimantan, there lay a magical place known as Lake Labuan Cermin. It was not an ordinary lake; its waters sparkled like a thousand diamonds, reflecting the world above with an enchanting clarity that captivated anyone who laid eyes upon it. The lake was said to hold secrets and wonders beyond imagination, guarded by a spirit known as the Water Guardian, who ensured its purity and charm remained untouched.

The Water Guardian was a graceful, shimmering figure who could be seen dancing among the ripples of the lake at dawn. With flowing hair that resembled strands of water lilies and skin that sparkled like the lake itself, she was both beautiful and fierce. Legend had it that she was once a water nymph who fell in love with the beauty of the lake, vowing to protect it for all eternity.

One sunny morning, as the sun rose to paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, a young boy named Amir ventured out to explore the forest surrounding Lake Labuan Cermin. Amir was a curious and adventurous child with a heart full of dreams. He had heard tales of the magical lake from the village elders and could hardly contain his excitement as he approached its shores. 

“Wow! It’s even more beautiful than I imagined!” Amir gasped as he stood before the lake, his eyes wide with wonder. The water was crystal clear, and he could see the vibrant fish darting beneath the surface. As he dipped his toes into the cool water, he felt a gentle current wrap around his feet, as if the lake was welcoming him.

“Hello, young dreamer,” a melodic voice chimed. Startled, Amir looked around but saw no one. “I am the Water Guardian. I can see that you have a pure heart.”

Amir’s eyes sparkled with amazement. “You're real! I’ve heard stories about you from the village. Everyone says you protect the lake!”

The Water Guardian emerged from the water, her figure shimmering under the sunlight. “Yes, dear child. This lake is a treasure of nature, but it is also a place that needs protection. Are you willing to learn about our world and help me keep the lake safe?”

Amir’s heart raced. “I would do anything to help!” he exclaimed, his fingers tingling with anticipation.

For weeks, Amir visited the lake daily, learning from the Water Guardian. She taught him about the delicate balance of nature, how every creature played an essential role in the ecosystem. The two would spend hours together, swimming, exploring the lake’s hidden wonders, and chatting about the humans who often ventured to the shores.

“Some people come to take, while others come to appreciate,” the Water Guardian explained one day as they sat on a sun-warmed rock. “It is vital that we show them the beauty and importance of this lake.”

Amir nodded, determined to protect the lake’s magic. “I will tell everyone in the village how special it is!”

Inspired by his friend’s wisdom, Amir organized a picnic by the lake for his family and neighbors. He prepared stories about the lake’s protective guardian, hoping that by sharing its significance, he could encourage others to cherish it. The day of the picnic arrived, and laughter filled the air as villagers gathered, marveling at the lake’s beauty.

“Look at the fish!” one child shouted, pointing at the colorful swimming creatures. The adults took pictures, and the children splashed merrily about. Amir observed them closely, noticing some were careless, tossing trash onto the ground.

“Please, don’t litter! It harms the lake,” Amir said, rushing up to a group of kids. He remembered the Water Guardian’s lessons and knew he had to share them.

“Why do you care, Amir? It’s just trash!” one of the older boys scoffed.

“Every piece of trash can hurt the fish and dirty the water,” Amir replied earnestly. “Let’s keep Lake Labuan Cermin beautiful for everyone!”

Seeing the determination in Amir’s eyes, the children began to pick up trash. Inspired, their parents joined in, turning the picnic into a cleaning effort. Laughter filled the air again, this time accompanied by the rustling of leaves as they cleaned the shores together.

The Water Guardian came forward, her heart swelling with joy as she watched the villagers work together. “Amir, you have done something wonderful. You have shown them the importance of caring for the lake.”

With every clean-up and every story shared, the bond between the villagers and the lake grew stronger. Amir became known as the ‘Guardian of the Lake’ in his village, inspiring many to protect not just the beauty of Lake Labuan Cermin, but nature all around them.

Months passed, and seasons changed. The lake remained pristine, and the villagers revered it as a sacred place. Yet, not everyone was pleased. In a dark corner of the forest, greedy men conspired. They wanted to drain the lake to extract its hidden treasures, forsaking the balance of nature for their gain.

One misty evening, Amir sensed a change in the air. A heaviness loomed over the lake, and he could feel the disquiet building. Racing to the shore, he found the Water Guardian waiting for him, looking more serious than he had ever seen her.

“Amir, dark forces are at play, and they seek to harm the lake,” she said. “We must confront them before it’s too late!”

“We have to protect the lake!” Amir exclaimed, filled with courage. “But how?”

The Water Guardian smiled gently. “You have united the village. Together, we can stop them. Call your friends and family. We will show these men the true power of nature.”

Amir raced back to the village, rallying everyone to stand together against the threat. With fierce determination, the villagers came together, united in their purpose. Armed with knowledge and a deep love for Lake Labuan Cermin, they marched to confront the trespassers.

As the men approached the lakeshore, they were astonished to see the villagers standing firm, led by Amir and the Water Guardian, who emerged from the water in all her glory, shimmering with the power of nature.

“You dare to threaten this sacred place?” she boomed, her voice echoing across the water. “You will not harm it!”

The men, intimidated by her presence, hesitated. Amir stepped forward bravely, “This lake has given us life; it deserves our respect, not our greed. We will protect it!”

Realizing the strength of the villagers’ unity and love for the lake, the men retreated, shaking with fear and shame. The Water Guardian smiled, and as a glorious display of light shone from the lake, gentle ripples danced across the surface, signaling the victory of nature over greed.

Together, the villagers celebrated their triumph and pledged to safeguard the lake forever. The Water Guardian, proud of the love they shared, nestled them all in a warm embrace.

“Remember this, dear friends: when you stand united for what you cherish, you can overcome any challenge. Lake Labuan Cermin will forever sparkle, not just because of its waters, but because of the love and respect you have shown.”

As time went on, the legend of Lake Labuan Cermin and its brave protector, Amir, spread far and wide. Tourists flocked to witness the beauty of the lake, and most importantly, they came to respect it. The village thrived, flourishing under the careful protection of its people, the spirit of the Water Guardian always watching over them.

And so, Lake Labuan Cermin sparkled bright, not just as a reflection of the sun and moon, but as a symbol of harmony between humans and nature—a timeless tale passed down through generations, reminding everyone of the importance of protecting the magic of the world around them.